This new CNR study on Spanish road transport highlights major developments in the sector. Royal Decree-Law 3/2022 introduces new regulations on loading and unloading in Spain. Since September 1, 2022, drivers working in Spain are no longer allowed to be involved in loading and unloading operations. Compensation is also provided for transport companies for waiting times exceeding one hour. In addition, the Royal Decree makes diesel indexation mandatory.
These changes are taken into account in the CNR assessments of the costs of Spanish road transport internationally. 

Another unique feature of the Spanish TRM is the multiple collective agreements that exist across the country. In total, there are 55 collective agreements, equivalent to one collective agreement per province. Of these 55 provincial collective agreements, 42 are currently in force. Depending on the collective agreement applied, there are significant wage differences from one province to another. In 2023, the gross annual salary of a driver will range from €30,153 in Asturias to €12,244 in the province of Orense (Galicia), more than double the amount. Due to these significant disparities, the CNR has focused its analysis on two autonomous communities: the Basque Country and Catalonia. There are two reasons for this choice: their geographical proximity to France and their intense competition with French flag carriers.

As part of the monitoring of operating costs, the cost of drivers has increased in Catalonia since 2020, rising from €41,565/year to €44,736/year, representing inflation of +7.6% over three years. This is due to an increase in the legal minimum wage and travel allowances. In a new development, the CNR is also studying the cost of a driver in the Basque Country (province of Vizcaya). This is higher than in Catalonia at €51,310/year. Fuel costs rose by nearly 39% in 2023 compared to 2020, mainly due to soaring energy prices caused by the crisis in Ukraine. Tires were also affected, with a 47% increase, as were vehicle ownership costs, which rose by 22% compared to 2020.

Ultimately, according to CNR calculations, the cost per kilometer for a 40-ton Spanish truck operated by a Catalan carrier assigned to long-distance international transport is €1.10/km, compared to €1.25/km for Basque transport. This difference can be explained by the higher cost of drivers in the Basque Country than in Catalonia.