The Impact of COVID-19 on Road Freight Transport Evidence from Poland

Purpose: The main aim of this article is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Polish road freight transport industry. This paper seeks to understand the impacts on travel behavior and the transport system caused by the different actions and policies adopted by the governments and transport authorities to contain the COVID-19 spread. Design/Methodology/Approach: Econometric and statistical methods were used, including analysis of primary data, predictive model of exponential smoothing. Findings: Using primary data as part of the study, conclusions have been reached, stating that the imposition of the lock-down of the European economy had a negative impact on the short-term business of transport enterprises. On the other hand, once the number of infections was reduced, followed by a reduction in restrictions, the number of road kilometers covered by the enterprises under survey increased. This increase was higher than in the corresponding periods of previous years. Practical Implications: The article analyses short-term effects on road freight transport of legal provisions aimed at limiting the virus's spread. Results can be helpful to draws some recommendations for transport systems derived and planning process by the enterprise. The researcher effect can also be helpful for national governments in terms of decision-making. Originality/Value: The literature review shows that most of the authors have focused on analyzing the situation of the road transport branch in China, while the impact of the coronavirus on road transport in Europe has not been studied to a more significant extent so far. The study of the case involves Polish transport enterprises making up the second-largest carrier in the Community when the size of its rolling stock and transport tasks is compared to that of other states. The consequences of the pandemic on road cargo transport by Polish carriers indicate the impact of COVID-19 on the economic situation of similar enterprises from other European Union states.