Road transport cost structure
Indicative rates per kilometre in 2026
Price per km excl. VAT by vehicle type in mainland France:
| Vehicle type | Rate per km | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Light commercial vehicle (< 3.5t) | EUR 1.00 - 1.50/km | Urban delivery and short distance |
| Rigid truck (7.5t - 19t) | EUR 1.40 - 2.00/km | Regional distribution |
| Articulated lorry (40t) | EUR 1.20 - 2.20/km | National and long-distance transport |
| Refrigerated | EUR 1.80 - 3.00/km | Temperature-controlled transport |
| Tanker / ADR | EUR 2.00 - 3.50/km | Dangerous goods, liquids |
Indicative prices excl. VAT, excluding tolls and fuel surcharges. Variable depending on market conditions.
CNR reference indices
The Comite National Routier (CNR) publishes reference cost indices that serve as the basis for rate negotiations. These indices cover diesel, wages, tolls, and maintenance.
- Professional diesel index: updated monthly
- Cost price index: calculated by transport type
- Service time reference grid
- Kilometric reference rate schedule
Frequently asked questions
In 2026, the price per km ranges from EUR 1.00 for a light commercial vehicle to EUR 3.50 for specialised transport (ADR, refrigerated). For a standard articulated lorry, expect EUR 1.20 to 2.20/km depending on distance and conditions. Source: CNR indices 2025.
The price per km includes driving personnel (30-38%), fuel (20-25%), structural costs (12-15%), depreciation (13-18%), maintenance (7-9%) and tolls (5-8%). The CNR publishes reference indices for each item.
It depends on the contract. Tolls may be included in the per-km rate or billed separately. We recommend clarifying this point in the transport contract.
Offer regular volumes, long-term contracts, fast loading/unloading, and balanced flows (outbound and return). Compare offers on Affretium to get the best prices.
The fuel surcharge (or diesel clause) is a price indexation mechanism based on diesel price fluctuations. It allows the rate to be automatically adjusted according to fuel price changes.
