In the field of TRM, as in many other sectors, the Czech Republic seems to be moving closer to the economic sphere of its large neighbour Germany, distancing itself from the model of Eastern European economies. In just a few years, Czech road haulage has shifted gears and reached a level of maturity usually seen in EU15 countries. Unlike its Slovak, Hungarian and Polish neighbours, international specialisation is no longer the norm in the Czech Republic. Its domestic activity is becoming increasingly important, while its international activity is declining significantly. Since its peak in 2013, noted in the previous CNR study in 2014, the Czech road haulage sector has lost nearly 60% of its international activity.

On a social level, pressure on wages is being felt and lorry drivers are not hesitating to demand increasingly comfortable working conditions with frequent returns to base. As a result, the cost of a driver has increased by 35% in five years, approaching the level of a Portuguese or Spanish driver. At €26,444 per year, the annual cost of a driver is above the average for the new Member States in the region but remains below that of its Slovak neighbour.

As regards vehicles, the cost of ownership is approaching Western standards following fleet renewal campaigns. As a result, new, more efficient vehicles are reducing fuel bills thanks to a 13% drop in consumption over five years. Apart from vehicle insurance, other cost items have seen relatively significant increases since 2014. Ultimately, however, the Czech flag has still managed to keep its costs under control.

The CNR invites you to discover this new study, which provides comprehensive details on Czech TRM under the operating conditions of 2019.