Cost Developments in Road Transport 2024-2025
Costs of road transport keep rising in 2025: wage costs driving factor
The expected cost development of road transport for the Dutch road transport sector, excluding fuel cost development, for 2025 compared to 2024 ranges between +3.6% and +5.1%. This is according to our report "Cost Developments in Road Transport 2024-2025".
The actual cost development, excluding fuel cost development, for 2024 ranges between +3.0% and +5.2%. This does not take into account any specific market conditions. The expected cost increase for 2025, along with the difference between the actual and forecasted figures for 2024, ranges from 3.7% to 5.0%, excluding fuel cost developments and relationships with ferry services.
Wage Cost Development
The realized wage cost development in 2024 compared to 2023 is +5.47%. The expected wage cost development for 2025 is +5.52%. This wage cost development is based on the collective labor agreement, which primarily consists of wage increases of 4% on January 1, 2024, 2% on July 1, 2024, and 4% on January 1, 2025.
Fuel Cost Development
Fuel costs increased by an average of 0.8% in 2024 compared to 2023. The realized cost development, including fuel cost development, for 2024 ranges between +4.1% and +5.2%. Many companies use a fuel clause to accommodate diesel price fluctuations. Some companies also use an energy clause to (partially) manage fluctuations in electricity and gas prices.
2024 Realization in Line with 2024 Forecast
The realized cost development for 2024 barely deviates from the forecast presented in our report from October last year.
Other Significant Cost Developments in 2025
Interest costs for equipment are expected to increase by 25.2%, and insurance costs by 5.6%. The costs of repair and maintenance are expected to rise by 3.8%. For diesel-powered vans, the purchase price will increase significantly due to the expiration of the BPM exemption in 2025.
Specific Market Conditions
In addition to regular developments, specific market conditions may impact cost development, such as sustainability obligations (CSRD), Smart Tacho 2, and cybersecurity. These developments are described in detail in the report. Companies are implementing various measures to improve efficiency, as well as cost saving measures, such as fuel-saving strategies or investments in ICT.
Toll Costs
There is increasing differentiation in toll costs based on CO2 emission classes, leading to greater differences in tolls for zero-emission and Euro 6 vehicles. In the Netherlands, this will become relevant with the introduction of the truck toll in 2026.
New in the Report
New in this year’s report is the expansion of cost developments for both accompanied and unaccompanied transport to England.
