The Czech road freight transport sector - 2019

As in many other sectors, the Czech Republic seems to be gravitating increasingly towards its large German neighbour with respect to RFT, thus diverging from patterns seen in Eastern European economies.

In the space of a few years, the Czech TRM has shifted gears and reached a level of development normally associated with EU15 countries. Unlike its Slovakian, Hungarian or Polish neighbours, there is no longer a strong specialisation in international freight transport in the Czech Republic. Its domestic business is becoming increasingly important, while its international business has declined considerably. From a peak in 2013 – which was identified in the previous CNR study (2014) –, the Czech RFT sector’s international business has declined by almost 60%.

In terms of labour relations, pressure on wages is mounting and truck drivers are demanding increasingly favourable working conditions, including frequent returns to base. Thus, driver costs have increased by 35% in 5 years, to bring them closer to those of a Portuguese or Spanish driver. At €26,444 per year, the annual cost of a driver is above the average found in neighboring Slovakia for instance.

Concerning the vehicle, the ownership cost is close to Western levels following fleet renewal campaigns. As a result, new, more efficient vehicles have reduced fuel costs by 13% in five years. All in all, the Czech sector has managed to control its costs.

CNR invites you to discover this new study dedicated to the Czech RFT sector.