From December 1, 2023, the truck toll in Germany was significantly increased; since July 1, 2024, it also applies to smaller vehicles with a technically permissible total weight of over 3.5 tonnes. The toll charges that affected businesses must bear cannot be universally defined but are undeniably substantial for smaller companies. The toll amount depends on various factors such as the length of the covered distance or the pollutant class. Emission-free vehicles are temporarily exempt from tolls.

The toll can be recorded using a purpose-installed onboard unit (OBU); alternatively, each journey can be manually booked. Revenue from the toll is intended for financing transport infrastructure and especially for expanding the rail network.

Who is covered under the 'craftsman exemption'?

Craft businesses and craftsmanship-like trades are exempt from the toll. Proof that a journey qualifies for the craftsman exemption is required during toll control. This can include the crafts-trade card, a copy of the trade registration, a delivery note, or customer orders.

The new regulation impacts not only freight transport but also industries such as fair construction companies, horticulture businesses, event technicians, or property maintenance services, which may be viewed as craftsmanship-like trades but are not included in the exemption rule.

For many companies, the cost of purchasing vehicles with alternative drives is too high.

The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) is advocating to the federal government for broader inclusion of trades under the exemption regime. At the same time, businesses affected by the legislative change must prepare for compliance. This not only involves quickly arranging for device installation for toll recording and vehicle registration but also rethinking calculations and explaining the toll-related additional costs to their customers, with corresponding price adjustments. Even when costs are fully passed on to customers, liquidity can suffer, given the 6-to-8-week gap between toll payment and customer payment receipt.

Few emission-free alternatives

High prices, limited model availability, and supply bottlenecks can significantly complicate the transition for businesses.

Moreover, infrastructure is still not sufficiently developed across the country, preventing widespread and nationwide use of vehicles with alternative drives.