The specifics of road transport in Germany

Road transport to Germany is one of the most important pillars of European logistics. As a country located in the centre of Europe, Germany serves as a crucial transport hub, connecting the east with the west and the north with the south of the continent. For Polish entrepreneurs, the German market is not just a neighbour, but above all the largest trading partner, which translates into intense freight traffic.

The German market - our specialty

The German market? We have been serving it continuously for over 25 years, and we are not afraid to say that we are really good at it. Why? Because we know that customers value precision, punctuality, and reliability - and we deliver all that with a healthy dose of common sense and flexibility, which is sometimes missing in logistics.

The German market is changing – more and more is being said about ecology, changes in tolls, and document automation. For years we have been adapting our actions to be ready for these changes – with no surprises or unnecessary costs for customers.

In short: we are reliable, concrete, and focused on long-term relationships. If you need a partner who understands the German market, can act quickly, and foresee two steps ahead – we are at your disposal.

Regulations and requirements for carriers in Germany

Road transport in Germany is subject to strict regulations that are worth knowing when planning the transport of goods. Here are the most important aspects:

Toll system (Maut)

Germany has one of the most developed toll systems in Europe. The Maut system covers all vehicles with a permissible total weight over 7.5 tons. The amount of the toll depends on:

• Length of the route

• Number of axles of the vehicle

• Emission class

• Total weight of the vehicle

It is worth emphasizing that the Maut rates are regularly modified, and new changes usually go towards tightening environmental standards and increasing costs for older generation vehicles.

Traffic restrictions

When planning transport to Germany, it is important to consider:

• Complete ban on the movement of trucks with a permissible total weight exceeding 7.5 tons on Sundays and holidays (from 00:00 to 22:00)

• Seasonal traffic bans during the holiday period on selected sections of motorways

• Local restrictions in cities (especially low-emission zones)

Documentation and certification

Professional transport in the German direction requires complete documentation, including:

• Community license

• CMR transport documents

• A1 certificates for drivers

• Working time documentation in accordance with AETR

• Certificates for specialist transport (ADR, ATP)

Trends and changes in the German transport market

Ecology first

German transport policy is increasingly focusing on ecological aspects. In practice, this means:

• Systematic increase of charges for vehicles not meeting the latest emissions standards

• Development of low-emission zones in cities (Umweltzone)

• Investments in infrastructure for electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles

• Plans to reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector by 42% by 2030

For carriers, this means the need for systematic fleet modernization and adaptation to increasingly stringent environmental requirements.

Digitalization of logistics processes

Germany leads in the digitalization of transport, which manifests in:

• Electronic toll collection system

• Digital consignment notes (e-CMR)

• Advanced cargo tracking systems

• Automation of warehouse processes

• Integration of transport and logistics systems

Companies that do not keep up with these trends may have difficulty in effectively servicing the German market.

Challenges in transport to Germany

Competition in the market

The German market is characterized by high competitiveness. Local carriers often focus on quality and reliability, while companies from Central and Eastern Europe mainly compete on price. Finding a balance between price competitiveness and service quality is key to success.

Shortage of drivers

The problem of a shortage of qualified drivers affects the entire European transport sector, but it is particularly severe in Germany. It is estimated that the German transport industry needs an additional 60,000 to 80,000 drivers. This situation impacts the availability of transport services and their prices.

Changing regulations

Regular changes in transport regulations require constant monitoring and adaptation to new requirements. This concerns both technical and administrative issues, such as regulations on the delegation of employees, working time regulations, and technical requirements for vehicles.

How SKAT supports its customers in transport to Germany

Comprehensive transport service

We offer a full range of transport services in the German direction, including:

• Full truckload transport (FTL)

• Less than truckload transport (LTL)

• Specialist transport (waste, ADR, oversized)

• Additional services (customs clearance, ferry crossings, insurance)

Experience and knowledge of the local market

Our many years of experience allow us to effectively navigate the intricacies of the German transport market. We know local regulations, business customs, and key challenges, which translates into smooth execution of orders.

Modern fleet

We have a fleet of vehicles that meet the highest emission standards (Euro 6), which minimizes toll costs and ensures compliance with environmental requirements. Standard, MEGA, or JOLODA trailers allow us to fulfil most orders.

Qualified personnel

Our drivers and forwarders have a deep understanding of the specifics of transport in the German direction, including knowledge of the language, regulations, and local conditions.

Summary

If you are looking for a reliable partner for transport in the German direction, contact us. Thanks to our experience, knowledge of the market, and commitment to continuous development, we can provide you with efficient and hassle-free transport service tailored to your individual needs.