Queues stretching 24 km clogged the Krakivets–Korczowa and Yahodyn–Dorohusk corridors on 23 December, with Polish hauliers continuing their protest against EU cabotage rules that grant Ukrainian firms permit-free access to the bloc until mid-2026. State Border Guard spokesman Andriy Demchenko told reporters that 1,900 trucks—mostly carrying grain, automotive parts and e-commerce parcels—were idling in sub-zero temperatures.
The blockade, which began on 6 November, now targets three major road crossings and periodically spills onto rail sidings, disrupting the ‘New Silk Road’ land bridge that many Asian suppliers use as a quicker alternative to sea freight. Polish carriers argue that unlimited Ukrainian competition has slashed their margins by up to 40 %, while Ukrainian exporters warn that the standoff is costing them €25 million a day in demurrage and lost contracts.
For corporate mobility teams, the growing backlog raises red flags for year-end relocations and household-goods shipments routed via Poland. Several relocation firms have diverted consignments through Slovakia or Romania, adding 400 km and two extra customs declarations to each journey. Clients awaiting critical spare parts or IT equipment in Warsaw face delays of up to ten days.
![Nearly 2,000 Trucks Stuck as Polish Carrier Blockade Enters Seventh Week]()
Amid these logistical headaches, companies should not overlook the paperwork side: rerouting trucks or staff through alternative Schengen countries can trigger unexpected visa or transit-permit requirements. VisaHQ’s Poland portal (https://www.visahq.com/poland/) enables mobility managers and individual travelers to secure the necessary documents online, track applications in real time, and tap expert guidance on both Schengen and non-Schengen rules—helping to keep operations moving even when the borders are not.
EU Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean has urged the two sides to accept a mediation package that would phase back permit quotas from July 2026, but Polish unions rejected the proposal, saying it ‘betrays domestic drivers’. With no breakthrough in sight, risk managers should activate contingency stock strategies and brief assignees whose personal cars or pets are being moved across the border.
Humanitarian shipments are theoretically exempt, yet NGOs report that only five aid trucks crossed at Korczowa in the past 48 hours. Companies supporting corporate social-responsibility programmes in Ukraine may need to explore air-freight options via Rzeszów or chartered runs through the Baltic ports.
The blockade, which began on 6 November, now targets three major road crossings and periodically spills onto rail sidings, disrupting the ‘New Silk Road’ land bridge that many Asian suppliers use as a quicker alternative to sea freight. Polish carriers argue that unlimited Ukrainian competition has slashed their margins by up to 40 %, while Ukrainian exporters warn that the standoff is costing them €25 million a day in demurrage and lost contracts.
For corporate mobility teams, the growing backlog raises red flags for year-end relocations and household-goods shipments routed via Poland. Several relocation firms have diverted consignments through Slovakia or Romania, adding 400 km and two extra customs declarations to each journey. Clients awaiting critical spare parts or IT equipment in Warsaw face delays of up to ten days.
Amid these logistical headaches, companies should not overlook the paperwork side: rerouting trucks or staff through alternative Schengen countries can trigger unexpected visa or transit-permit requirements. VisaHQ’s Poland portal (https://www.visahq.com/poland/) enables mobility managers and individual travelers to secure the necessary documents online, track applications in real time, and tap expert guidance on both Schengen and non-Schengen rules—helping to keep operations moving even when the borders are not.
EU Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean has urged the two sides to accept a mediation package that would phase back permit quotas from July 2026, but Polish unions rejected the proposal, saying it ‘betrays domestic drivers’. With no breakthrough in sight, risk managers should activate contingency stock strategies and brief assignees whose personal cars or pets are being moved across the border.
Humanitarian shipments are theoretically exempt, yet NGOs report that only five aid trucks crossed at Korczowa in the past 48 hours. Companies supporting corporate social-responsibility programmes in Ukraine may need to explore air-freight options via Rzeszów or chartered runs through the Baltic ports.
