The German pavilion, which is the leader in Europe, is increasingly turning to its domestic market, giving up on the international market in the face of competition from Eastern European countries. The pavilion is weakened by labour shortages, rising operating costs and environmental constraints. As a result, its activity has been stagnating for several years.

German transport companies are desperate to recruit new drivers. As a result, salaries are rising, particularly in the eastern Länder. Drivers, who are demanding in terms of their working conditions, insist on returning home every weekend. The arrival of drivers from neighbouring countries in the east is easing tensions on the labour market somewhat. These drivers, who accept several weeks of travel abroad followed by a week at home, are preventing German international activity from collapsing. What's more, they are paid significantly less than their German colleagues. Nevertheless, this source of labour is becoming scarce, and rising wages in Eastern Europe are encouraging fewer and fewer drivers to move to Germany.

Ultimately, the German international cost per kilometre is 94% of that of the French flag, despite driver costs being 16% lower across the Rhine.

The CNR invites you to discover this new study dedicated to German TRM. It is supplemented by a summary that includes comparisons with France.