INFRA ry, together with other influential organizations, presented the heavy traffic report published in the autumn to Parliament on Friday, February 13.2.
The Transport and Communications Committee of the Parliament and the Transport Division of the Finance Committee received a report on the situation and prospects of heavy traffic on 13 February 2026. The report was presented by a broad consortium of business and industry, formed by INFRA ry, Koneyrittäjät ry, Forest Industry ry, Central Union of Agricultural and Forestry Producers MTK ry, Finnish Transport and Logistics SKAL ry, Finnish Transport and Logistics Association, Finnish Road Association and Destia Oy.
Heavy traffic, i.e. freight transport carried by trucks and vehicle combinations, plays a critical role in Finland's domestic market, foreign trade and the operational security of society. Industry, trade, construction and primary production are highly dependent on heavy traffic. Up to 90 percent of the tonnes transported by land within Finland are transported by heavy vehicles. The big issues for the future are the condition of the road network, the energy transition and the availability of labour. Parliament can influence all of these.
“It is a pleasure to note how good and close the communication is between the committee and the transport sector actors. We have a common goal: to improve the condition of the Finnish road network. The repair debt continues to grow, and we are looking for ways to stop it together. At the same time, the EU is making demands that often have harmful effects on Finland due to our geographical location and long distances. Heavy traffic and its functionality are the lifeblood of our society. Without heavy traffic, our society would come to a standstill. Our task as legislators is to create fair conditions for business and logistics,” says the Chair of the Transport and Communications Committee, Member of Parliament Jouni Ovaska.
The deteriorating road network is worrying heavy transport operators
In order to revive Finland's competitiveness, it is necessary to identify the effects of major developments and take the necessary actions with a focus on the front. The population is concentrated, but raw materials and industrial production are located in different parts of Finland. The state of the road network must be improved, because at the current funding level, poor roads will cause additional costs of over a billion euros for transport companies over the next 10 years.
"Transport companies have improved their transport economy by increasing the dimensions and masses of heavy equipment. This has created a competitive advantage for Finland and reduced emissions. The deterioration of the road network must be stopped so as not to lose the competitive advantage already achieved", says Director of Destia, professor Jorma Mäntynen.
In heavy transport, the powertrain transformation is accelerating, with diesel, biogas and electricity as the main energies. The transport sector is competing with other sectors for a scarce workforce. The workforce shortage must be combated with high-quality training, marketing and the use of new technology.
"Promoting the transformation of heavy transport propulsion will reduce Finland's logistics costs and improve energy self-sufficiency. The electrification of heavy transport must be supported by all means. Securing the availability of labor in the transport sector is essential for Finland's functionality," says Destia's Strategic Transport Systems Group Manager Riku Huhta.