## Company Profile GLOBAL LOGISTICS SP. ZO.O is a Poland-based freight forwarder (website: http://www.globallogistic.pl) operating on EU east–west and international corridors. While public company-specific scale data is limited, the firm’s service set is typical for Polish forwarders: international road haulage, customs clearance, rail and intermodal connections (China–EU landbridge gateway), air and sea consolidation, and contract warehousing/terminal handling near major corridors. Their client base is likely exporters and importers across manufacturing, agri-food and industrial commodities moving through Polish gateways to Germany and the rest of the EU. ## Pain Points 1) Regulatory & data burden: 2026 EU customs digitisation (ICS2 Release 3) and CBAM’s move to financial obligations are forcing importers/exporters to provide earlier, more granular cargo, origin and emissions data. Forwarders must upgrade TMS/EDI and act as information managers — a technical and compliance burden for which their shipper clients will seek support. 2) Modal-shift & margin pressure: ETS2 expectations, Mobility Package effects and rising operating costs are making long-haul road less competitive. Shippers need intermodal/rail solutions and regional distribution (warehousing) strategies; forwarders must help clients re-route and restructure flows while preserving margins. 3) China–EU rail volatility & sourcing complexity: China–Poland rail volumes have consolidated through Polish gateways but volumes fell in 2025 and return flows are changing. Shippers face routing, capacity and lead‑time uncertainty — and many (especially agri/food exporters and buyers) need faster origin discovery, compliant documentation, and alternative sourcing routes. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [MARKET EVENTS] – Poland freight forwarding market & trade flows, 2026 outlook === **Freight forwarding / logistics market signals** - **Air cargo through Poland**: Polish airports handled about **220,000 tons of air cargo in 2025**, up **~13% y/y**, with analysts describing the market as entering a phase of “strategic acceleration” toward 2026, driven by e‑commerce, pharma and high‑value manufacturing exports. Forecasts in that piece point to **continued double‑digit air‑cargo growth into 2026** as Warsaw and regional airports expand dedicated cargo capacity and integrator presence. ([pfc24.pl](https://pfc24.pl/aktualnosci/przewozy-lotnicze-cargo-w-polsce-w-2026-roku-rynek-w-fazie-strategicznego-przyspieszenia/?utm_source=openai)) - **Warehousing & industrial real estate**: Poland’s warehouse/industrial market **stabilised in 2025 after a rapid expansion phase**, with continued build‑to‑suit demand near key corridors (A2/A4, S3/S8) and rail‑road intermodal hubs. Outlooks for **2026** call for **moderate positive absorption**, particularly around Central Poland and the eastern border, as nearshoring/“friend‑shoring” manufacturing and transit traffic to Germany continue to grow. ([polandwarehouses.com](https://www.polandwarehouses.com/knowledge-centre/news/2025-polish-warehouse-and-industrial-market-summary-and-outlook-for-2026?utm_source=openai)) - These factors together indicate a freight forwarding market that is **not booming across all modes**, but is **growing in higher‑value and intermodal segments** (air, contract logistics, rail‑road). **Poland trade flows & corridor position (recent data, 2025 → 2026 implications)** - According to a November 2025 macro/trade review by the Polish Economic Institute, **Poland’s export and import volumes in 2025 were up 4.5% and 5.5% y/y**, respectively, although the **trade deficit widened** (EUR 4.6 bn YTD at the time of reporting). This reflects resilient two‑way trade flows, with **imports growing slightly faster than exports**. ([pie.net.pl](https://pie.net.pl/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PEI_Weekly_EN_46-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - A 2025 investment report for foreign investors in Poland highlights that EU membership and integration into European value chains have **structurally increased trade openness**, with exports and imports as a share of GDP rising significantly over the past decade and further increases expected as nearshoring and green‑transition supply chains deepen toward **2026**. ([paih.gov.pl](https://www.paih.gov.pl/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Poland-Where-Transition-Meets-Opportunity-A-Roadmap-for-Japanese-Investors-in-Poland-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - On the **China–EU rail axis**, Poland is entrenched as the **primary EU land gateway**: - In **2025**, the **China–Poland route accounted for 94% of all China→EU rail flows**, up from 88.6% in 2024. Volumes on this corridor were about **255,869 TEU**, albeit **down 12.7% y/y** due to broader weakness in China–EU rail volumes. ([market-insights.upply.com](https://market-insights.upply.com/en/china-eu-rail-freight-volumes-fell-again-in-2025?hs_amp=true&utm_source=openai)) - An earlier 2025 mid‑year analysis already showed the **China–Poland corridor at over 90% of China–EU rail flows** (93.4% vs. 82.5% in 1H 2024), underlining a structural concentration of flows through Polish gateways such as Małaszewicze. ([market-insights.upply.com](https://market-insights.upply.com/en/china-eu-rail-freight-down-in-the-first-half-of-2025?utm_source=openai)) - Other logistics providers estimate that **around 90% of China–Europe rail shipments normally pass via Poland**, again highlighting Poland’s central role in EU–Asia land trade corridors. ([nnrglobal.com](https://www.nnrglobal.com/insight/rail-freight-disruptions-china-and-europe/?utm_source=openai)) **Implications for 2026 market events** - Despite the **TEU decline** on China–EU rail in 2025, multiple sources emphasize that logistics and e‑commerce players (e.g. large Asian fashion platforms) are now **investing in warehousing and distribution facilities in Poland** near consumer markets, shifting Poland’s role from pure transit to **transit + regional distribution hub** into 2026. ([market-insights.upply.com](https://market-insights.upply.com/en/china-eu-rail-freight-volumes-fell-again-in-2025?hs_amp=true&utm_source=openai)) - Combined with: - **Intermodal rail share gains** in Poland (see next section), - Growing **air‑cargo throughput**, and - Steady **export/import volume growth**, the 2026 outlook points to **strong demand for complex freight forwarding solutions** (intermodal, contract logistics, customs brokerage) even if **basic road linehaul capacity remains somewhat oversupplied** in line with broader European freight patterns. ([globaltranz.com](https://www.globaltranz.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/2026-State-of-the-Industry-Report.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Sources – [MARKET EVENTS]**: ([pfc24.pl](https://pfc24.pl/aktualnosci/przewozy-lotnicze-cargo-w-polsce-w-2026-roku-rynek-w-fazie-strategicznego-przyspieszenia/?utm_source=openai)) === 2. [DEMAND SIGNALS] – China–Europe rail freight & intermodal volumes, 2026 impact on Poland === **China–Europe rail volumes & directional balance** - A February 2026 freight rail report notes that **return (EU→China) rail flows have started to overtake eastbound (China→EU) volumes**, an important shift for capacity utilisation and pricing on the Eurasian landbridge. ([railmarket.com](https://railmarket.com/news/freight-rail/51534-return-flows-overtake-outbound-on-china-europe-rail?utm_source=openai)) - A detailed 2025 analysis shows that: - **Total China–EU rail volumes fell again in 2025**, continuing a downtrend driven by weaker consumer demand, modal competition from sea, and geopolitical risk. - On the **China–Poland corridor**, volumes reached **~255,869 TEU in 2025**, **down 12.7% y/y**, but the **corridor’s share of total China→EU rail flows increased to 94%** from 88.6% in 2024 – indicating **consolidation via Poland rather than diversification to other entry points**. ([market-insights.upply.com](https://market-insights.upply.com/en/china-eu-rail-freight-volumes-fell-again-in-2025?hs_amp=true&utm_source=openai)) - Earlier 1H 2025 data already reported that **93.4% of China→EU rail flows were routed via Poland**, versus 82.5% in 1H 2024. ([market-insights.upply.com](https://market-insights.upply.com/en/china-eu-rail-freight-down-in-the-first-half-of-2025?utm_source=openai)) **Impact on Central European transit hubs (especially Poland) in 2026** - Multiple logistics intelligence and provider reports emphasize that **~90% of China–Europe rail shipments transit through Poland under normal conditions**, with Małaszewicze and nearby border terminals acting as the dominant EU entry point. Temporary disruptions or closures on this route in 2025 demonstrated its **systemic importance**, with knock‑on impacts across Europe when flows were curtailed. ([nnrglobal.com](https://www.nnrglobal.com/insight/rail-freight-disruptions-china-and-europe/?utm_source=openai)) - A March/April 2026 analysis on **China–Europe rail freight and its 2026 impact on road transport** highlights: - **Surging interest in rail‑road intermodal solutions** as shippers seek resilience and lower emissions versus all‑road or pure sea; - **Poland and Germany** as the core landbridge, with **Małaszewicze identified as the main EU rail gateway** and heavy truck distribution flows from eastern Poland into Germany’s Ruhr region and beyond; - New **EU multimodal state‑aid rules effective 30 March 2026**, which **increase aid ceilings for modal‑shift projects from 50% to 90%** of eligible costs. This is expected to **significantly improve the business case for rail‑road intermodal** projects, terminal expansions and corridor services that move volume off long‑haul road and onto rail. ([logifie.com](https://www.logifie.com/blog/china-europe-rail-freight-surge-2026-road-freight-impact?utm_source=openai)) **Intermodal rail demand in Poland** - According to a late‑April 2026 report on Polish rail, **intermodal rail in Poland reached 28.38 million tonnes and 9.61 billion tonne‑km in 2025**, up **2.6% and 2.8% y/y**, respectively. Intermodal’s share of total rail freight reached a **record 17.1%**. ([en.railmarket.com](https://en.railmarket.com/news/freight-rail/55307-polish-intermodal-rail-reaches-record-17-1-share-pcc-intermodal-leads?utm_source=openai)) - This growth occurred **despite weaker China–EU rail volumes**, suggesting: - Increasing reliance on **intra‑European intermodal flows**, - Stronger **sea–rail and road–rail combinations** via Polish ports and inland terminals, and - Structural policy‑driven modal shift (green transition) that is expected to **accelerate further with 2026 EU multimodal aid enhancements**. ([logifie.com](https://www.logifie.com/blog/china-europe-rail-freight-surge-2026-road-freight-impact?utm_source=openai)) **Demand outlook for 2026 (rail, intermodal, and forwarding services)** - Key qualitative demand signals for 2026: - **Forwarders and shippers are planning for higher rail + intermodal utilisation** on key east‑west corridors through Poland, incentivised by: - Higher state‑aid ceilings for modal shift (up to **90% of eligible costs** for some rail/intermodal projects in 2026); - Tightening climate and emissions regulations that will **raise the relative cost of long‑haul road freight** (see ETS2 details in next section); - Ongoing **investments in Polish hubs and warehousing** by Asian e‑commerce and manufacturing exporters. ([logifie.com](https://www.logifie.com/blog/china-europe-rail-freight-surge-2026-road-freight-impact?utm_source=openai)) - Polish intermodal growth rates in 2025 (~2.6–2.8% y/y in tons and tonne‑km) are moderate, but from a policy and infrastructure standpoint, the environment in 2026 is **tilted toward acceleration**, especially on: - China–Poland–Germany rail corridors; - Feeder truck services from eastern Polish terminals to German, Czech and domestic Polish consumption/production zones. ([logifie.com](https://www.logifie.com/blog/china-europe-rail-freight-surge-2026-road-freight-impact?utm_source=openai)) **Sources – [DEMAND SIGNALS]**: ([market-insights.upply.com](https://market-insights.upply.com/en/china-eu-rail-freight-volumes-fell-again-in-2025?hs_amp=true&utm_source=openai)) === 3. [PROBLEM FRAMING] – EU transport & customs regulations 2026 and impact on Polish freight forwarders === Below I focus on 2026‑effective or 2026‑relevant rules: **ETS for road transport (ETS2), cabotage, customs changes (ICS2 & related digitalisation), and CBAM**. For each, I note specific mechanics and implications for Poland‑based freight forwarders and their export/import clients. #### 3.1 EU Emissions Trading System for road transport (ETS2) – timing & cost pass‑through - An EU Parliament briefing on “EU legislation in progress” confirms that in **2023** the EU adopted an **emissions trading system for road transport and buildings (ETS2)**. Revenues are tied to a **Social Climate Fund of up to €65 billion**, with a possible **postponement of ETS2 to 2028** depending on energy‑price conditions. ([europarl.europa.eu](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2026/782604/EPRS_BRI%282026%29782604_EN.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - While the political debate on **start date (2027 vs possible delay to 2028)** is ongoing, forward‑looking logistics analyses for **2026** assume: - **Fuel suppliers for road transport in the EU will be brought into a cap‑and‑trade system**, increasing the **carbon cost embedded in diesel** over the medium term; - This cost is expected to be **passed through into road freight rates**, particularly for long‑haul international trucking. - For **Polish road carriers and freight forwarders**, the key 2026 “problem framing” isn’t direct compliance yet, but: - The **need to model future ETS2‑driven fuel‑price scenarios** (often +5–15% on diesel costs over the first years, depending on allowance prices – projections vary by study); - Strategic evaluation of **modal shift to rail/intermodal** where possible, anticipating that **rail (already under ETS) plus new multimodal aid** may become relatively more cost‑competitive than pure road. ([logifie.com](https://www.logifie.com/blog/china-europe-rail-freight-surge-2026-road-freight-impact?utm_source=openai)) #### 3.2 Cabotage & road haulage framework (2026 context) - As of mid‑2026, **no major new EU‑wide cabotage liberalisation or tightening specific to 2026** has emerged; the sector still operates largely under the **Mobility Package** rules (rest times, posted‑worker rules, cabotage trip limits, cooling‑off periods, etc.). - For Polish forwarders, the **practical 2026 issue** is less about new cabotage law and more about: - **Cost base convergence** (wages, social contributions) with Western Europe, narrowing the historical cost advantage of Polish carriers; - The **interaction of Mobility Package + ETS2**: taken together, these will likely **raise operating costs** for Polish truckers servicing intra‑EU cabotage and cross‑trade. - This dynamic strengthens the business case for **using Poland as an intermodal and warehousing hub** (leveraging relatively lower fixed costs and land/warehouse prices) while carefully managing **high‑utilisation, high‑load‑factor road legs** rather than low‑margin empty or near‑empty cabotage moves. (This is an inference from regulatory and cost trends, not a single regulation.) ([en.railmarket.com](https://en.railmarket.com/news/freight-rail/55307-polish-intermodal-rail-reaches-record-17-1-share-pcc-intermodal-leads?utm_source=openai)) #### 3.3 EU customs & security changes in 2026 (ICS2 Release 3 and broader customs reform) - Several logistics advisories summarise **2026 as a “cluster year” for EU customs digitisation**: - **Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Release 3** goes live in **March 2026**, extending advanced electronic safety and security data requirements to **all air, maritime, road and rail imports** into the EU. ([freightamigo.com](https://www.freightamigo.com/en/blog/customs-clearance/eu-customs-clearance-2026-cbam-ics2-vat-guide/?utm_source=openai)) - There is a strong emphasis on **pre‑arrival electronic declarations** with **harmonised data formats and stricter timelines**; carriers and forwarders will need to supply **more granular cargo data earlier** in the transport chain. ([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/articles/eu-customs-2026-logistics-poland-benelux?utm_source=openai)) - A 2026‑focused customs impact article for Poland/Benelux notes specifically: - From 2026, **harmonised pre‑arrival e‑declarations and tightened import data requirements across the EU** will force carriers and forwarders serving **Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium** to upgrade **TMS, EDI connections and warehouse gate processes** to align with unified customs message formats and time windows; - Inland hubs and border terminals in Poland (rail‑road gateways, dry ports) will face **greater scrutiny and need for interoperable customs systems** as they function as primary **east‑west consolidation points**. ([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/articles/eu-customs-2026-logistics-poland-benelux?utm_source=openai)) - For Polish freight forwarders, key 2026 operational challenges: - **IT and data‑management investments** (API connectivity, data quality, HS code and origin accuracy) to comply with ICS2 and related reforms; - Need to become **“information managers” as much as transport organisers**, as ICS2 puts responsibility on logistics operators to ensure full, timely, accurate data before shipment or border arrival. ([acrosslogistics.com](https://acrosslogistics.com/blog/en/eu-customs-2026-ics2-cbam-eudr?utm_source=openai)) #### 3.4 CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) – 2026 transition to financial obligations - CBAM entered its **transitional reporting phase in October 2023**, requiring importers of covered goods (initially: cement, iron & steel, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity, hydrogen; later extended) to **submit quarterly emissions reports**, but with **no certificate purchases yet**. ([freightamigo.com](https://www.freightamigo.com/en/blog/customs-clearance/eu-customs-clearance-2026-cbam-ics2-vat-guide/?utm_source=openai)) - A Polish tax/customs advisory details the **change from January 2026**: - As of **1 January 2026**, CBAM moves from reporting‑only to a regime where **importers must start purchasing CBAM certificates** corresponding to embedded emissions. - **By Q1 2027**, companies will need to have acquired CBAM certificates **covering all imports from 2026 as well as ongoing 2027 flows**, while maintaining at least **50% of certificates corresponding to their reported emissions** (after accounting for free allowances under EU ETS). ([roedl.pl](https://www.roedl.pl/pl/warto-wiedziec/warto-wiedziec/clo-i-akcyza/mechanizm-cbam-zmiany-od-stycznia-2026?utm_source=openai)) - A 2026 customs‑clearance guide stresses practical impacts: - **Importers must be registered as CBAM declarants** (or work through authorised indirect customs representatives); - Data needs include **precise product classification, origin, and verified emissions factors** – making **data collection from non‑EU suppliers** critical; - One case study shows that a forwarder using APIs and automation in 2025 **cut CBAM preparation time by 40%**, illustrating the scale of process change needed. ([freightamigo.com](https://www.freightamigo.com/en/blog/customs-clearance/eu-customs-clearance-2026-cbam-ics2-vat-guide/?utm_source=openai)) **Implications for Polish exporters/importers & their forwarders in 2026** - **Polish importers of CBAM‑covered materials** (steel products, aluminium semifinished goods, fertilisers, etc.) and their customs brokers/freight forwarders must: - Shift from **“reporting only” to real cash outflows** for CBAM certificates as of 2026 (with settlement in early 2027); - Build robust **supplier‑level emissions data pipelines**, or rely on default values that may be financially punitive. ([roedl.pl](https://www.roedl.pl/pl/warto-wiedziec/warto-wiedziec/clo-i-akcyza/mechanizm-cbam-zmiany-od-stycznia-2026?utm_source=openai)) - Forwarders handling **east‑west industrial supply chains** (e.g. importing steel inputs via Polish ports or rail from third countries, exporting finished machinery or vehicles) will be expected to: - Integrate **CBAM, ICS2 and standard customs declarations** into a **single data workflow**; - Advise clients on **optimal routing and sourcing** (e.g. whether sourcing from CBAM‑exposed third countries still makes sense vs. intra‑EU alternatives, or whether rail/sea routings affect customs and CBAM touchpoints). ([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/articles/eu-customs-2026-logistics-poland-benelux?utm_source=openai)) --- **Sources – [PROBLEM FRAMING]**: ([europarl.europa.eu](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2026/782604/EPRS_BRI%282026%29782604_EN.pdf?utm_source=openai)) Sources: • Przewozy lotnicze cargo w Polsce w 2026 roku. Rynek w fazie strategicznego przyspieszenia - Polish Forwarding Company https://pfc24.pl/aktualnosci/przewozy-lotnicze-cargo-w-polsce-w-2026-roku-rynek-w-fazie-strategicznego-przyspieszenia/?utm_source=openai • 2025 Polish warehouse and industrial market summary and outlook for 2026 | Poland Warehouses https://www.polandwarehouses.com/knowledge-centre/news/2025-polish-warehouse-and-industrial-market-summary-and-outlook-for-2026?utm_source=openai • 46/2025 PEI Economic Weekly November 21, 2025 https://pie.net.pl/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PEI_Weekly_EN_46-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai • Poland: Where Transition Meets Opportunity A Road https://www.paih.gov.pl/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Poland-Where-Transition-Meets-Opportunity-A-Roadmap-for-Japanese-Investors-in-Poland-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai • China-EU rail freight volumes fell again in 2025 https://market-insights.upply.com/en/china-eu-rail-freight-volumes-fell-again-in-2025?hs_amp=true&utm_source=openai • China-EU: Rail freight down in the first half of 2025 https://market-insights.upply.com/en/china-eu-rail-freight-down-in-the-first-half-of-2025?utm_source=openai • China-Europe: Rail Freight Disruptions - NNR Global Logistics https://www.nnrglobal.com/insight/rail-freight-disruptions-china-and-europe/?utm_source=openai • China-EU rail freight volumes fell again in 2025 https://market-insights.upply.com/en/china-eu-rail-freight-volumes-fell-again-in-2025?hs_amp=true&utm_source=openai • The 2026 State of Shipping and Logistics Report https://www.globaltranz.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/2026-State-of-the-Industry-Report.pdf?utm_source=openai • Przewozy lotnicze cargo w Polsce w 2026 roku. Rynek w fazie strategicznego przyspieszenia - Polish Forwarding Company https://pfc24.pl/aktualnosci/przewozy-lotnicze-cargo-w-polsce-w-2026-roku-rynek-w-fazie-strategicznego-przyspieszenia/?utm_source=openai • China-EU rail freight volumes fell again in 2025 https://market-insights.upply.com/en/china-eu-rail-freight-volumes-fell-again-in-2025?hs_amp=true&utm_source=openai • BRIEFING EU Legislation in Progress Market sta https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2026/782604/EPRS_BRI%282026%29782604_EN.pdf?utm_source=openai • China-Europe Rail Freight 2026: Impact on Road | Logifie https://www.logifie.com/blog/china-europe-rail-freight-surge-2026-road-freight-impact?utm_source=openai • Record share of intermodal on Polish railways | Latest Railway News https://en.railmarket.com/news/freight-rail/55307-polish-intermodal-rail-reaches-record-17-1-share-pcc-intermodal-leads?utm_source=openai • China-Europe Rail Freight 2026: Impact on Road | Logifie https://www.logifie.com/blog/china-europe-rail-freight-surge-2026-road-freight-impact?utm_source=openai • China-Europe Rail Freight 2026: Impact on Road | Logifie https://www.logifie.com/blog/china-europe-rail-freight-surge-2026-road-freight-impact?utm_source=openai • China-Europe Rail Freight 2026: Impact on Road | Logifie https://www.logifie.com/blog/china-europe-rail-freight-surge-2026-road-freight-impact?utm_source=openai • China-EU rail freight volumes fell again in 2025 https://market-insights.upply.com/en/china-eu-rail-freight-volumes-fell-again-in-2025?hs_amp=true&utm_source=openai • BRIEFING EU Legislation in Progress Market sta https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2026/782604/EPRS_BRI%282026%29782604_EN.pdf?utm_source=openai