TLN welcomes the extension of the NOW scheme. However, the industry association believes that the third support package for ailing transport companies offers too little help. This is because transporters are still unable to claim the Fixed Charge Contribution (TVL).
"Extending the support package by nine months creates more clarity," said TLN president Elisabeth Post. "In these uncertain times, this is important. Entrepreneurs know better where they stand and what support they can expect. But for ailing transport companies, the whole package is not enough."
For the next nine months, affected companies can continue to claim an allowance for labour costs from the NOW scheme. In addition, the tax deferral will be extended until 1 January. A small boost, Post said. "Hopefully that will provide some breathing space in the short term and prevent acute liquidity problems for companies."
No subsidy for fixed costs
Because transport companies do not have the correct SBI code, they cannot claim the Fixed Charge Contribution. An unfair scheme, TLN believes. "Transporters supplying affected sectors are still facing losses. Because if a certain industry is at a standstill, so are the trucks. Yet a transport company with high turnover losses cannot apply for the TVL, while entrepreneurs in an affected sector are eligible for it. That cannot be reconciled."
According to Post, TLN has raised this issue several times with the cabinet and central employers' organisations, but received no response for this.
