The Portuguese road freight transport sector - 2019

The Portuguese RFT sector remains marked by a strong international activity representing more than two thirds of the flag’s total activity. Since 2014, date of the previous CNR study, the Portuguese RFT sector has known important social changes. The new collective agreement (CCTV) signed on 8 August 2018 introduces an increase in the legal minima (gross basic salary, seniority, salary top-up, travel allowances) but also a new classification: the « Iberian driver ». Equally important change, the payment of two extra hours per day (clause 61) which replaces the former clause 74. Previously applied only to international transport, the payment of these two extra hours becomes mandatory for all drivers, regardless the type of transport (except those driving vehicles of less than 7.5 tonnes).

In summary, the total cost of a driver increases by +2.7 % per year on average between 2014 and 2019, for a total cost of € 29,979/year in 2019.

In addition to the driver cost, the insurance cost increased by +41.3 % compared to 2014 as well as tolls (+9.2 %) and the possession cost. (+16.8 %). These increases are, nevertheless offset by the fall in the annual cost of fuel, the largest cost item for Portuguese hauliers, established at € 43,909/year in 2019, down 14.6 % compared to 2014. A notable feature in Portugal, transport companies which make application for « veículo longo » pay only half of the axle tax. This practice seems to be mostly followed by the profession.

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