Truck toll 2026: what it means for movers

The moment the moving industry has been anticipating for years is coming. On July 1, 2026, the truck toll will take effect. Every moving company with vehicles over 3,500 kilograms will be affected. And it will cost you more than you think.

Does this sound familiar? You have just set your rates for the new year. Collective labor agreement wages have risen, fuel prices fluctuate, and you are trying to stay competitive. And then another cost is added that you have little control over.

The truck toll will cost an average of thousands of euros per truck per year.

What is the truck toll?

The truck toll is a new per-kilometer charging system that will be introduced in the Netherlands on July 1, 2026. The system is simple: you pay per kilometer driven on the designated road network.

These are the key features:

• Vehicles from 3,500 kg - All trucks in category N2 and N3 are included
• Highways and provincial roads - Approximately 3,900 kilometers of roads where the toll applies
• Rate per kilometer - Depending on the emission class of your vehicle
• Cleaner = cheaper - Electric and zero-emission vehicles pay the lowest rate

For moving companies, this means that virtually all moving trucks fall under the toll. The average moving truck weighs well over 3,500 kilograms. There is no avoiding it.

What does the truck toll cost per kilometer?

The rate depends on the emission class of your vehicle. The dirtier the engine, the higher the rate. These are the rates as of July 1, 2026:

All rates by emission class

Most moving companies drive Euro V or Euro VI trucks. So expect a rate between 15 and 19 cents per kilometer.

What does the end of the Eurovignette mean?

There is also good news. The Eurovignette you currently pay will be discontinued on July 1, 2026. No more annual costs of over a thousand euros per truck. The motor vehicle tax (MRB) for trucks will also be abolished or significantly reduced.

But note: the savings do not offset the new costs.

Example calculation: truck toll for moving companies

Let us calculate concretely. An average moving company drives about 60,000 kilometers per year per truck, most of which is on toll-liable roads.

This example is based on a Euro V truck with 60,000 toll-liable kilometers per year. With multiple trucks, these costs double or triple.

How do you pass the truck toll on to customers?

You can pass on the truck toll in several ways. Most moving companies choose one of these three approaches:

Which vehicles are covered?

The truck toll applies to all motor vehicles in category N2 and N3. These are vehicles designed for the transport of goods with a maximum mass exceeding 3,500 kg.

Note: it is about the permitted maximum weight, not the actual weight. An empty moving truck with a maximum weight of 7,500 kg is also covered.

Which vehicles are exempt?

• Vehicles under 3,500 kg - Vans and light commercial vehicles
• Classic vehicles - Vehicles 40 years or older
• Defense vehicles
• Emergency vehicles - Fire department, ambulance, police
• Agricultural vehicles - Tractors and similar

For most moving companies, this means the larger moving trucks do fall under the toll, but the smaller vans do not.

What subsidies are available for cleaner vehicles?

The government is making a total of EUR 253 million available to help transport companies become more sustainable. The largest portion goes to the AanZET subsidy.

The AanZET subsidy covers up to EUR 100,000 per zero-emission vehicle. This can make purchasing an electric moving truck significantly more attractive. Especially since electric driving also saves you 83% on the truck toll itself.

How do you prepare?

The truck toll is coming. You cannot avoid it. But you can prepare. This is what you need to do now:

Short term (before July 1, 2026)

• Register your vehicles - Sign up with RDW and register all toll-liable vehicles
• Choose a payment method - Via an On-Board Unit (OBU) or automatic license plate recognition
• Adjust your rates - Calculate the impact and incorporate it into your new price list
• Inform your customers - Communicate proactively about the rate change

Long term

• Analyze your fleet - Which vehicles do you replace and when?
• Explore electric alternatives - With subsidies and lower tolls, this can be profitable
• Optimize your routes - Fewer kilometers means less toll. With planning software you can combine trips more efficiently
• Consider a mix - Vans under 3,500 kg for short trips, trucks for large jobs

Conclusion

The truck toll is a fact. Starting July 1, 2026, you will pay an average of 15 to 19 cents per kilometer with your moving truck. For an average moving company, this means thousands of euros in extra costs per year, per truck.

You have two choices. You can wait and hope for the best. Or you prepare now, adjust your rates, and communicate clearly to your customers.

The companies that act now will not face any surprises later. Also read how digitalization makes your moving company future-proof.