The Portuguese road transport sector continues to be characterised by strong international activity, accounting for more than two-thirds of total domestic activity. Since 2014, when the CNR conducted its previous study, the Portuguese road transport sector has undergone significant social changes. The new collective agreement (CCTV) signed on 8 August 2018 introduces an increase in the legal minimum (basic gross salary, seniority, salary supplement, travel allowances) as well as a new classification, that of «Iberian driver». Another change worth noting is the payment of two hours of overtime per day (clause 61), which replaces the former «clause 74». Previously applied only to international transport, the payment of these two hours of overtime is now mandatory for all road drivers, regardless of the type of transport (with the exception of those driving vehicles weighing less than 7.5 tonnes). Overall, the total cost of a driver increased by an average of +2.7 %/year between 2014 and 2019, with a total cost of €29,979/year in 2019.

In addition to driver costs, insurance costs increased by +41.3% compared to 2014, as did tolls (+9.2%) and vehicle ownership costs (+16.8%). However, these increases are offset by the decrease in the annual cost of fuel, the largest cost item for Portuguese transport operators, which stood at €43,909/year in 2019, down 14.6% compared to 2014. A notable feature in Portugal is that transport operators applying for « long vehicle »only pay half of the axle tax. This practice seems to be widely followed by the profession.

The CNR invites you to discover this new study dedicated to Portuguese TRM.