In this issue of Cahiers de l’Observatoire, the National Road Committee has chosen to present a monograph on the economic and social characteristics of the road freight transport sector in Portugal. This study, carried out by the CNR with the assistance of experts from the international consultancy firm Prognos, was supplemented by contributions from ANTRAM, the main professional organisation representing the interests of road transport companies in Portugal. The information contained in this article reflects the economic conditions prevailing in 2003.