Toll
The toll is an obligatory charge for the use of certain traffic structures such as freeways, federal highways, bridges and tunnels, which is applied in many countries. In some European city centers, a city toll is charged upon entry or access to environmental zones is subject to a fee.
Toll history in Germany
In 2005, the truck toll was applied to federal highways in Germany. The amount of the toll and its application on the roads of the Federal Republic of Germany have been defined and implemented in several phases by the German government in recent years.
According to the modified German Federal Highway Toll Law, the collection of distance-related charges (Highway toll) will be calculated from January 1, 2019 based on the pollutant class, the weight class and, in the case of motor vehicles or vehicle combinations with a permissible total weight of more than 18 tons, additionally according to axles. In addition, the costs for noise pollution will be charged. On December 1, 2023, tolls will raise significantly for all vehicle classes due to the introduction of a component for CO2 emissions.
What will happen to the toll on December 1, 2023?
As of December 1, 2023, the toll charges will increase significantly for all vehicle classes due to the introduction of a component for CO2 emissions. As this component was also set at different levels (cents per kilometer) across the vehicle classes, the overall increase will vary – between just under 70 % and over 80 % depending on the vehicle category (EURO VI emission class).
How are the toll classes categorized?
In addition to the introduction of the CO2 component, the technical measure for toll class classification has been changed. If the classification is based on the gross vehicle weight until November 30, 2023, the technically permissible maximum laden mass will be used from December 1, 2023. This will result in a further increase in costs, as vehicles whose gross vehicle weight is close to the upper class limit will sometimes slip into a more expensive category due to the use of the technically permissible maximum laden mass. Overall, this effect increases toll costs by a further 2 %.
Further perspectives
In addition, vehicle class 3.5 tons to 7.5 tons, which was previously exempt from the toll, will be included in the toll starting from July 1, 2024. We will inform you about the impact at the appropriate time.
The DB Schenker toll table was adjusted by the statutory increase as of December 1, 2023.
Your DB Schenker contact will be happy to help you with further information and details.
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