What has been a largely fixed, predictable cost for years will thus become a direct variable cost component per trip. Inefficiencies, such as unused capacity in trucks, which previously went unnoticed in fixed costs, will soon be visible on every invoice.
This is not a marginal factor. Data from Eurostat shows that empty kilometers in the Netherlands are a structural challenge: on average, 23.1% of the kilometers driven are empty, with 26.8% in domestic transport and 17% in international transport. In public debate, even 55% of trucks with unused loading capacity is mentioned. However, these figures deserve nuance, for example, because certain products cannot be combined with other goods or because measurements are based on weight rather than volume, leading to a more realistic estimate of around 30%.
Nevertheless, it remains a significant inefficiency. When considering the 1,822.9 million kilometers that Dutch trucks drive annually according to CBS figures, 23% vacancy means approximately 419 million empty kilometers per year. Kilometers that from July 2026 will not only cost fuel and time but will also be directly taxed. The truck levy does not increase inefficiency, but makes it visible and financially tangible.
Driving the most efficient, cost-effective routes
In addition to investments in cleaner vehicles, a significant part of the solution lies in technology, says Bernhard Schmaldienst, Associate VP Transporeon Products at Trimble. A first step – with the most immediate effect on the levies – is according to him the application of smart planning capabilities. AI-driven systems are capable of combining historical data with real-time insights. This leads to the most efficient routes, incorporating multiple stops when this is more advantageous, thereby ensuring optimal capacity utilization. Commercial mapping and navigation systems can even take into account restrictions for heavy trucks and legal limitations that can lead to unnecessary detours and thus extra kilometers, such as bridge heights and weight limits.
Moreover, during the trip, dynamic planning capabilities can be applied, allowing trips to be automatically updated based on external factors such as current traffic situations, delays, and weather conditions. Advanced tools also provide the option to set avoiding toll roads as a fixed condition to further limit costs in addition to reducing kilometers.
Faster and automated spot bidding management
Additionally, faster spot decisions can significantly contribute to reducing empty kilometers. Quick and consistent bidding helps carriers secure loads that best match their planned routes and timing, according to Schmaldienst. An AI-driven solution for spot quotes, such as 'Autonomous Quotation' from Transporeon, enables carriers and freight forwarders to automate their spot bids and secure optimal loads. This takes into account current market trends and margin expectations. This not only provides immediate insight into which trips are profitable but also allows for more efficient load combinations, leading to an optimal loading rate for each trip.
Data for continuous optimization
Finally, better data and analytics provide opportunities for ongoing improvement, says Schmaldienst. By combining internal execution data, such as planned versus actual routes, empty kilometers, and stop patterns, with available market signals and historical patterns, intelligent systems can provide insights into which recurring routes and corridors yield the highest share of empty kilometers, and where the chances of finding return loads are greatest. It also provides transparency in incurred (toll) costs per route and per shipment, making the actual cost impact of empty kilometers visible and encouraging better-informed decision-making.
In short: with the introduction of the Dutch truck levy in July 2026, every empty kilometer, every avoidable detour, and every missed return trip will lead to extra costs. For carriers still working with standalone planning or manual quotes, the pressure on margins will be immediately felt in an already challenging market. The good news is that the means to respond to this are already available: smart planning, route optimization, and automated quotes. With July 2026 around the corner, swift action is required.
For more information about Trimble, visit: Trimble
