From July 1, 2026, much will change for transport companies using the Dutch road network. On that date, the new truck levy officially comes into effect. Trucks weighing more than 3,500 kilograms will then pay per kilometer driven on almost all motorways and a number of provincial and municipal roads.
The introduction of this levy has consequences for carriers, logistics service providers, and companies dependent on road transport. In this article, we explain what is changing and what this means for your logistics operation.
What is the truck levy?
The truck levy is a kilometer charge for trucks in categories N2 and N3 with a technical maximum mass of more than 3,500 kilograms. Both Dutch and foreign trucks fall under this regulation.
Where hauliers previously used the Eurovignette, among other things, from July 1, 2026, charges will be based on the actual number of kilometers driven on designated roads in the Netherlands.
The government’s goal is to stimulate the sustainability of road transport. Therefore, the rate is partly determined by:
- The technical maximum mass of the vehicle or combination
- The CO2 emission class
- In some cases, the Euro emission class
The cleaner and lighter the vehicle, the lower the levy per kilometer.
Toll box mandatory from July 1
To register the truck levy, every truck must have a working on-board toll box. This box automatically registers the kilometers driven on roads where the levy applies.
The government advises hauliers to sign a contract with a recognized provider well before July 1. Various parties offer this service, including international providers already active within European toll networks.
From the effective date, active checks will be carried out to ensure trucks have a working toll box.
What changes for transport companies?
The truck levy creates a direct cost component for every kilometer driven. Companies with many national transport movements in particular will face higher operational costs as a result.
At the same time, existing taxes will disappear or change. For example, the Eurovignette for the Netherlands will stop as of July 1, 2026. In addition, motor vehicle tax for trucks up to 12,000 kilograms will be abolished. For heavier trucks, this tax will be significantly reduced.
Nevertheless, many market parties expect that total transport costs will rise in practice. The final impact depends on factors such as the fleet, distances driven, and the extent to which sustainable vehicles are used.
What are the consequences for shippers?
The truck levy does not only affect carriers. Shippers and companies that purchase transport will also notice the effects.
Many hauliers will partially pass on the extra costs in their rates. As a result, transport budgets may come under pressure. Companies with many distribution movements within the Netherlands, in particular, may face higher logistics costs.
In addition, there will be an even greater focus on efficiency within supply chains. Consider:
- Smarter route planning
- Better load factors
- Reducing empty kilometers
- Strategic stock locations closer to customers
For many organizations, logistics optimization will become even more important than before.
Sustainability gets an extra boost
A key objective of the truck levy is to accelerate the sustainability of Dutch transport.
Because cleaner vehicles benefit from lower rates, a financial incentive is created to invest in alternative drivetrains such as electric or hydrogen trucks.
The government is also investing in various incentive programs to support the transition to low-emission transport. This should help the transport sector take a significant step toward lower CO2 emissions in the coming years.
Why it is important to look ahead now
Although the truck levy does not start until July 1, 2026, preparation is essential. Hauliers must choose a provider for their toll boxes in good time and gain insight into the financial consequences for their operation.
Shippers would also be wise to look at the impact on transport flows, distribution networks, and future cost structures together with logistics partners.
At Van der Helm Logistics, we closely follow developments regarding laws and regulations. The introduction of the truck levy is a change that affects the entire logistics chain. By gaining timely insight into the consequences, you can better anticipate changes in transport costs and logistics processes.
In the coming months, more and more details will be announced regarding rates, implementation, and enforcement. We will continue to follow these developments and share important updates as soon as they are available.