Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

EU to Phase Out Tax Breaks

The tax breaks won by European truckers last year through strikes and blockades will be short-lived

by Staff
February 12, 2001
2 min to read


The tax breaks won by European truckers last year through strikes and blockades will be short-lived.

European Union finance ministers have agreed to phase out the tax breaks on diesel fuel implemented by some countries. The deal requires countries to reduce the discounts next year or limit them to 40,000 liters per truck. They will be dropped completely after 2002.
France, Italy and the Netherlands granted waivers on fuel taxes last fall in response to protests over high fuel prices. Germany, which refused to give such tax breaks, has charged that they resulted in unfair competition in the European Union, putting truckers from countries without the tax breaks at a disadvantage.
Meanwhile, truckers in the United Kingdom are demanding more fuel discounts. The Freight Transport Assn. estimates that 50,000 UK trucking industry jobs have been lost to foreign truckers with lower costs.
The FTA wants an extra 10 pence per liter discount, which it says would save an average of $6,300 per truck (4,200 pounds). The group says the UK fuel taxes are the highest in Europe. Although the government has promised to cut the fuel tax by 3 pence a liter, the FTA says that will still leave the UK rate at nearly double the European Union average.
The organization cited a recent survey that found that 10 percent of UK fleet managers had subcontracted all or part of their operations to EU-based haulers, while 3 percent had relocated outside the UK.
Britain's transport minister urged truckers to apply for the tax rebates announced in November. An estimated 20,000 UK truckers have not yet claimed their rebates.

Topics:Equipment

More Equipment

Great American Trucks: REO
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 29, 2026

Great American Trucks: REO

The evolution of the modern truck was a long, slow affair. But perhaps no other company did more to establish the template for what a modern truck should be, and how it should perform, than REO.

Read More →
Western Star's Star Nation customer event.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 27, 2026

Western Star Doubles Down on Driver Pride With 2026 Star Nation Experience

Western Star has expanded its operator-focused Star Nation competition and outreach to spotlight skill, attract new drivers, and strengthen industry ties.

Read More →
HDT Spotlight: Volvo VNR test drive.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 23, 2026

Is the All-New VNR Volvo's Safest Truck Ever?

The all-new Volvo VNR is jam-packed with advanced safety features. Join HDT for a first-hand look at how Volvo is keeping drivers safer and productive on the road.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
2026 Volvo VNR
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 22, 2026

Volvo Redesigns the VNR With Drivers and Tight Turns in Mind

At Volvo’s New River Valley customer center, the all-new VNR proves that maneuverability, safety, and driver confidence can coexist in a regional-haul workhorse.

Read More →
Great Dane trailer.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

FTR: Trailer Orders Jump in March, but Demand Still Lags

March trailer orders posted an unexpected monthly jump, but demand still trails historical norms as fleets prioritize power units over trailing equipment.

Read More →
Humble cabless autonomous freight hauler.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

Autonomous Start-Up Humble Announces Cabless Autonomous Electric Hauler

A new autonomous truck startup company is targeting yard, port, and short-haul freight with a lighter, fully autonomous platform designed for dock-to-dock moves.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Circles with trucks demonstrating sustainable features and Top Green Fleets logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 16, 2026

Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended

Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.

Read More →
New Kenworth vocational front frame options.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 14, 2026

Kenworth Announces Reinforced Front Frame Option for T880 and T880S Models

Kenworth has released a factory-installed reinforced front frame option for T880 models, designed to simplify upfits, cut costs, and speed time to service.

Read More →
Stoughton PureBlue reefer trailer.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 13, 2026

Stoughton Rolls Out PureBlue Reefer Trailer, Raises Safety Bar With 40-mph Rear Impact Guard

Stoughton’s new refrigerated trailer platform delivers double-digit efficiency gains while a next-generation rear impact guard exceeds current crash standards.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Youtube thumbnail featuring man in Big-Lebowski-inspired sweater
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]

Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.

Read More →