Increase in transport prices to and crossing Germany

You may have already heard; Germany is increasing the toll (“Maut”) starting from December 1. Since we rely heavily on transport to and through Germany, we want to inform you in advance about the expected impact of this change.

What is the Maut?

The Maut is toll money that trucks must pay on the “Autobahn” and “Bundesstrassen” in Germany. The toll is digitally settled through toll devices that carriers have in their trucks.

Significant increase with a substantial impact

The additional revenue generated by Germany due to the Maut increase will largely benefit the rail system. To modernize the rail system, Germany requires billions of euros. Currently, the toll is €0.19 per kilometer for a EURO 6 truck with more than 4 axles (the type of truck almost always used for international traffic). The German government has decided to raise this to €0.348 per kilometer, an increase of almost 85%. This will have a considerable impact on all transports heading to or crossing through Germany. This includes countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Romania, and so on. Essentially, a significant part of Europe will face cost increases due to the substantial adjustment of the Maut.

Some examples:

Czech Republic:

For a journey from Utrecht to Prague, the current toll is 604 kilometers * €0.19 = €114 in German Maut. After the Maut adjustment: 604 x €0.348 = €210.19. An increase of almost €100 for a single trip. This means an increase of 8 to 10% (!) on the entire freight price.

Denmark:

For a journey from Utrecht to Copenhagen, the current toll is €84.15, and it will be €154.13 after the adjustment. An increase of €70.

Austria:

For a journey from Utrecht to Vienna, the current toll is already €145.94, and it will be €267.30 after the adjustment. An increase of €121.36!

The costs will have to be passed on

Unfortunately, carriers have no choice but to pass on this enormous cost increase to their customers. It is understandable that carriers cannot absorb this cost increase themselves. How exactly it will be passed on is not yet clear. In any case, we want to inform you in a timely manner about the upcoming increase, which will take effect on December 1, 2023.

The purpose of this message is to create awareness in advance that changes are coming and that the impact will be significant.

(Source: transheroes)