Logistics service providers expect to be more expensive when Germany introduces the minimum wage. This is according to a survey by the Verkehrsrundschau among German shippers and carriers. 43 per cent of logistics service providers expect a cost increase of at most 3 per cent. A third of shippers also assume this. Only a small percentage thinks the cost increase will be higher than 3 per cent.
Administrative red tape
Germany intends to introduce a minimum wage of 8.5 euros. This will also entail an additional administrative burden for transport and freight forwarding companies. Shippers will have to check whether hauliers are paying the minimum wage and whether their subcontractors are doing so too, particularly when they use foreign drivers. Of the service providers surveyed, 34 per cent expect more administrative red tape. Twenty-eight per cent believe this will lead to more cases being brought before the employment tribunal. A majority of shippers and hauliers in Germany expect the minimum wage, due to be introduced on 1 January next year, to have an impact on logistics costs.
Consequences for the Netherlands
The minimum wage also has implications for Dutch hauliers. They must be able to demonstrate to German customs that they pay their drivers the minimum wage. Furthermore, a foreign company operating in Germany is required to have a legal representative. After the transport operation, this representative must retain the documents proving that the company pays the minimum wage for a period of two years.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
