With a population of over 11 million and an area of 30,666 km², Belgium is the second most densely populated country in Europe, just behind the Netherlands. Thanks to its central location and the ports of Antwerp (Belgium) and Rotterdam (Netherlands), the country is a hub for international freight transport to and from the European Union. However, the Belgian flag's activity is mainly focused on the domestic market, accounting for nearly 66% of its total activity.

With regard to vehicle operating conditions and working conditions for Belgian drivers, changes have been observed since the 2017 study. The annual mileage of vehicles has increased from 117,000 km to 121,900 km. This is due to the fact that the markets of the companies studied are different and further away than in 2017, such as Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom. The same is true for the number of days vehicles are in operation, which has risen to 233 days compared to 220 days in 2017. Conversely, the annual mileage of Belgian drivers is tending to fall, from 117,000 km per year to 115,000 km per year.

With regard to changes in the various cost items, there has been an increase in driver costs linked to increases in the minimum wage. Driver costs rose by +1.6% over four years, from €56,284 to €57,168. The combined social security contribution rate (total employer and employee contributions based on a 100% assessment basis) stands at almost 75%, the highest rate in the European Union. All cost items have increased: tolls (+51.1%), vehicle insurance (+45.1%) and vehicle ownership costs (+21.5%). 

Overall, the total cost of a Belgian heavy goods vehicle operating internationally is €1.26/km. Compared to the CNR study from 2017, the cost per kilometre has increased by +6.5%.