Even more challenging puzzles for our transport colleagues
Cleaner transport options such as biofuel (HVO) and electric transport are becoming increasingly attractive in the years ahead. They deliver significantly lower CO₂ emissions and align more closely with both customer sustainability objectives and our own SBTi targets.
At the same time, the cost landscape for transport is changing. From 1 July 2026, the Dutch truck toll will come into effect on motorways and selected N-roads. From 1 January 2027, the European ETS carbon price will also be passed on through fuel prices. In practice, this means transport costs will increase, particularly for diesel-powered trucks. This marks the beginning of a structural shift: costs are expected to rise in the short term while simultaneously encouraging lower CO₂ emissions.
The impact varies by type of propulsion (see visual). Diesel will be affected the most due to the combined impact of the truck toll and the carbon price.
What does this mean for DFG companies?
During this transition phase, it becomes even more important to maintain a sharp focus on transport performance and costs:
- Continue to maximise efficiency in loading and planning — optimisation efforts will have a greater impact as costs continue to rise.
- Take a critical look at the structure of transport rates: truck toll charges are often passed on generically, while not all journeys are subject to these charges (for example, regional transport outside toll roads).
- Make a conscious and well-founded translation into your own pricing towards customers.
Call to action: More control over transport performance and costs?
Through the “CO₂ meten en verbeteren” (developed and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management), companies gain practical insight into the efficiency and CO₂ emissions of their transport operations, as well as the associated cost structure. Participation in the programme provides direct opportunities to improve efficiency and make more sustainable decisions.
Are you open to learning from this and sharing insights with other DFG companies?
Get in touch with Marjon and together we can explore a specific challenge.
