Across Europe, road transport is entering a new phase. Regulatory changes, sustainability goals, and rising operational costs are reshaping how logistics networks are designed and operated. One such change is the introduction of a distance-based road toll in the Netherlands, planned to take effect from 1 July 2026.

Rather than viewing this as a single national measure, it is important to understand it in its wider context. The Dutch road toll forms part of a broader European movement toward kilometer-based charging systems, designed to improve road safety, reduce emissions, and create more transparent and consistent pricing for road use across borders.

What does this mean for shipping?

From mid-2026, trucks over 3.5 tonnes, both Dutch and foreign-registered will be charged per kilometer driven on most Dutch motorways, key provincial roads, and selected municipal routes. The system will replace the Eurovignette for the Netherlands.

Kilometers will be registered digitally via an on-board unit (OBU) installed in the vehicle. For international operations, EETS-compatible devices are recommended, enabling seamless toll registration across multiple European countries.

While final tariffs will be confirmed closer to implementation, current provisional guidance from the Dutch authorities indicates an average rate of approximately €0.20 per kilometer for 2026. Actual costs will vary depending on vehicle weight, number of axles, and emission class with cleaner vehicles benefiting from lower rates. Importantly, empty mileage is also included, which means total road exposure becomes a critical cost factor.

As seen with other distance-based toll systems across Europe, these costs are expected to be reflected in transport pricing throughout the industry. At the same time, the transition toward electric road transport continues, but full fleet electrification will take time, influenced by infrastructure availability, investment cycles, and customer demand.

What we are already seeing is a growing focus on reducing road kilometers altogether, rather than simply absorbing higher per-kilometer costs. This is where transport planning, network design, and modal choices become increasingly important.

How Samskip helps customers adapt and save:

At Samskip, we view regulatory change not as disruption, but as a moment to rethink how transport flows are structured. Our extensive multimodal network, integrating rail, shortsea, and road allows customers to reduce reliance on long road hauls, limit exposure to kilometer-based tolls, and improve predictability in an evolving cost environment.

By shifting parts of the journey from road to rail or shortsea where feasible, customers can:

• reduce total road kilometers and associated toll costs
• lower CO₂ emissions
• improve resilience against congestion and regulatory changes
• maintain reliable transit times through well-established corridors

These solutions are far from new. They are proven services already embedded in our European network.

The Dutch road toll is one of several regulatory developments shaping the future of logistics. Staying informed, planning early, and choosing the right transport mix will be key to managing both cost and sustainability expectations.

Samskip remains committed to supporting customers with clear information, practical solutions, and transparent dialogue. As details are finalized and implementation approaches, we will continue to share updates and help customers explore transport strategies that work today and in the years ahead.

Contact us today to see how we can effectively support your supply chain.