After freight forwarders protested against high costs, Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) sought talks with industry representatives. After a meeting in Berlin, he announced that he would set up a commission on possible help for the industry.

“This is intended to develop short, medium and long-term measures to reliably support companies. All options should be examined in the ongoing budget implementation,” said Wissing. The commission will include representatives from the logistics industry and commercial vehicle manufacturers. It should present results “in a timely manner”.

Freight forwarders had recently joined farmers’ protests against additional charges. At a large demonstration last Monday at the Brandenburg Gate, the Federal Association of Road Transport Logistics and Disposal (BGL) criticized the increased truck toll in December, which has since also included a CO2 surcharge.

The industry also complains about a lack of framework conditions to make transport traffic climate-friendly. Wissing assured the logisticians that he would be at their side. Accelerated procedures would eliminate bottlenecks on motorways and invest in a charging network for electric trucks.

The Federal Logistics Association