What will change from 2026?

From 2026, carriers and shippers will face new toll costs for freight traffic. The current Eurovignette scheme will disappear and be replaced by a kilometer charge. This means that trucks will no longer pay for using the road network via a fixed time-based vignette, but per kilometer driven.

This change has a direct impact on transport costs, planning, and logistical choices. Especially for companies that work with freight traffic daily, it is important to gain insight now into what this levy means.

Why is the kilometer charge being introduced?

The new toll is intended to make freight traffic contribute more fairly to infrastructure costs and environmental impact. The more kilometers driven, the higher the costs. A distinction is made based on vehicle type, weight, and emission class.

For the logistics sector, this means that efficient planning becomes more important. Unnecessary kilometers become more expensive, and inefficient routes have direct financial consequences.

What does this mean specifically for transport costs?

The kilometer charge ensures that transport costs become more variable. While costs are currently relatively predictable, route choices, load factors, and driving distances will carry more weight in the total cost price.

For companies with many national trips or fine-meshed distribution, this can mean a noticeable increase in costs. At the same time, it offers opportunities to organize transport more intelligently and better manage costs.
Read more about how we organize transport efficiently here:
https://vanderhelmlogistics.com/services/transport/

Impact on planning and logistical choices

The new toll costs make logistical planning more complex. Routes that seem logical now may soon turn out to be more expensive. This requires a reconsideration of distribution structures, consolidation of shipments, and smart use of hubs.

Companies that take an integrated view of their supply chain can better respond to these changes. Transport is not separate from storage and order processing.

The role of warehousing in cost control

Smartly designed warehousing can help limit extra kilometers. By positioning stock strategically and bundling shipments, the number of transport movements decreases.

A warehouse thus functions as a link to manage transport costs in a situation where every kilometer counts.
View our warehousing solutions:
https://vanderhelmlogistics.com/services/warehousing/

Customs processes also require coordination

Speed remains important for international flows. When transport costs rise, it is extra important that goods do not stand still unnecessarily due to customs delays. Efficient handling prevents extra trips, waiting times, and costs.

Good coordination between transport and customs helps to limit the impact of the new levy.
More about our customs services:
https://vanderhelmlogistics.com/services/customs/

Preparation is essential

Although the kilometer charge does not take effect until 2026, now is the time to look ahead. Insight into current routes, kilometers, and load factors forms the basis for making well-founded choices later.

Companies that analyze and optimize in time prevent the new toll costs from hitting unexpectedly hard.

Conclusion: every kilometer counts

The new toll costs on freight traffic make efficiency more important than ever. From 2026, every kilometer counts toward the cost price of transport. By looking at planning, warehousing, and chain coordination now, logistics remains manageable.

At Van der Helm, we help companies maintain a grip on changing cost structures. With insight, smart organization, and personal guidance, we ensure that new regulations do not come as a surprise.

👉 Would you like to discuss what the new toll costs mean for your logistics?
Get in touch with our team via:
https://vanderhelmlogistics.com/contact/