Truck queues grow at Moldova-Romania border amid rising exports from Ukraine

Freight traffic heading to the European Union through border crossings between Moldova and Romania has increased significantly. The main factors include growing transit volumes of Ukrainian goods, a seasonal rise in grain exports and changes in trade routes due to the war in Ukraine. According to Moldova’s Customs Service, pressure on border infrastructure has increased by approximately 50% over the past month, resulting in long queues of trucks.

Around 3 thsd trucks are currently processed at the Moldova-Romania border each day, compared with approximately 2 thsd a month earlier, Moldovan news outlet ProTV reported, citing the country’s Customs Service. Increased traffic has been recorded at major border crossings used for international road freight transportation to EU countries.

One of the main factors behind the growing congestion is the increase in Ukrainian cargo volumes transported to the European Union via Moldova. Due to military risks and restrictions affecting traditional export routes, Ukrainian companies have been forced to make greater use of alternative overland corridors. A seasonal increase in agricultural shipments, particularly grains, is adding further pressure on border infrastructure.

The growing number of trucks has led to vehicle congestion near border crossings and complicated customs clearance procedures. Photographs of long truck queues at the border have been circulating on social media. The situation is creating additional difficulties for international hauliers, as delays may extend cargo delivery times and increase transportation costs.

To speed up cargo clearance, Moldova’s Customs Service has deployed additional personnel and increased operations at border crossings to maximum capacity. Romanian authorities have taken similar measures. These efforts are expected to help accelerate truck processing and reduce queues, although further developments will depend on the volume of Ukrainian transit traffic and seasonal agricultural exports.

Tags: freight transportation, truck, Ukraine, Romania, Moldova