The Portuguese road transport sector is characterized by strong international activity, accounting for more than two-thirds of the sector's total activity. The Portuguese road transport sector is undergoing significant social changes.
The new collective bargaining agreement (CCTV) introduces an increase in the legal minimum wage, requires the payment of a flat-rate night work allowance for domestic transport, and takes into account the specific status of drivers transporting hazardous materials. 

In addition to driver costs, fuel costs also rose sharply: +37.1% compared to 2019 (date of the last CNR study). This increase is mainly due to the surge in energy prices following the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

According to CNR calculations, the cost price of a 40-ton Portuguese truck used for international transport is therefore €1.13/km.

Another notable development in Portugal is that the country has decided to regulate the loading and unloading of goods by drivers in 2021. Drivers of any nationality are now prohibited from loading or unloading goods on Portuguese territory. Exceptions remain, such as urban distribution and fuel transport. A penalty also applies to waiting times exceeding two hours.
In addition, TRM companies can no longer benefit from the “veiculo longo” status, which allows them to reduce the amount of axle tax by half.

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