Record numbers of hauliers declined to move goods from France into Britain in the second week of January whilst those that did raised their prices significantly.

According to data from German software firm Transporeon, which monitors transportation prices and movement rates, prices to transport goods from France to the UK rose by more than 50% in the second week of January, compared with the third quarter in 2020.

Meanwhile rejection rates increased by 168%. This compares to a 102% jump recorded by Transporean in the first week of January.

The report uses the third quarter of 2020 as a comparator to reflect the most normal trade levels in a year dominated by the impact of Covid-19.

Transportation of goods from Germany has also been hit with rejection rates up 68% and prices rising 22% higher than Q3.

A similar picture emerged in Italy and Poland with the former showing rejection rates up by 109% and prices up by 19% whilst the latter saw rejection rates rise over 50% and transportation rates inflate by 14%.

Whilst the rates are exceptionally high compared to previous periods, the report notes that January tends to see higher rates.

It states: “The first half of January is still considered a difficult period and higher rates are not uncommon. The next 3-4 weeks will show if this level is sustainable.”