The past few years have been very challenging, both in terms of the economic outlook and consumer behavior. Despite these difficult times, we at ACE Logistics have done our best to maintain quality service and prices, as we continue helping our customers successfully transport their goods.
For customers, the principles of responsible management (ESG) and sustainable practices have become increasingly important, along with reducing the impact on the environment. Several European countries are moving in this same direction, and we confirm that adhering to ESG principles is also a priority for ACE Logistics and our partners.
In 2024, and continuing into 2025, there will be changes implemented regarding road usage and CO2 fee tariffs in road transport. These are driven by multiple developments linked to European and Nordic road usage and maritime transport and are reflecting in our procurement prices.
Main reasons for the changes:
- European Union Environmental Policies – The tightening of the European Union’s sustainability and environmental measures, including the European Green Deal and Fit for 55 initiatives, increases costs for reducing CO2 emissions. In December 2023, Germany significantly changed its toll system (MAUT) to reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector. From January 1, 2024, an additional fee was applied to all ACE Logistics shipments to Germany and shipments passing through Germany, to countries such as Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, the UK, and Ireland. From July 1, 2024, a CO2 road usage fee started in Germany for vehicles with a total weight exceeding 3.5 tons.
- Increase in Road Usage Fees – Several European countries have already increased road toll tariffs in 2024 or will do so starting January 1, 2025, to cover the costs of road infrastructure maintenance and environmental impact. This affects shipments going to countries such as Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Belgium, France, Portugal, Denmark and Switzerland, as well as to shipments passing through these countries.
- Maritime Carbon Tax – Starting from 2024, maritime transport companies are included in the European Union’s CO2 Emissions Trading System (ETS), resulting in an increased share of costs associated with maritime transport. During the current transition period, shipping companies must purchase quotas covering 70% of emissions as of this year. This impacts cargo transport routes to and from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the UK, and Ireland.
Considering all the aforementioned additional costs, new CO2 and road usage fee rates will apply to ACE Logistics road freight shipments across Europe and the Nordic countries, starting January 1, 2025. The surcharge will be applied to groupage shipments based on chargeable weight and to part loads based on loading meters. For full loads, the maximum surcharge rate will apply.
Exact surcharges are published in the e-ace system. In price calculations, the surcharges will automatically be included starting January 1, 2025. Therefore, the most convenient way to calculate prices is by using the e-ace price calculator. For more detailed information, please contact your sales representative or write to road@ace.ee.
Thank you for your understanding and co-operation!
We wish you peaceful holidays!
ACE Logistics
