Question 1

How do I calculate the cost per km of a truck?

Accepted Answer

Add all monthly fixed costs (leasing, insurance, parking, admin, driver) and variable costs (fuel, AdBlue, tolls, tyres, maintenance), then divide by your monthly distance. Logistonomics does this automatically and also shows your break-even and a suggested minimum rate.

Question 2

How do I open a transport company in the EU?

Accepted Answer

Register a company or sole proprietorship, obtain the EU Community Licence, pass the certificate of professional competence, prove financial standing (about €9,000 for the first vehicle), arrange insurance (OC/AC/OCP/CMR) and register for VAT and tolls. Logistonomics has step-by-step country guides.

Question 3

Can I reclaim VAT on diesel and tolls abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes — registered carriers deduct input VAT, and non-residents reclaim via the EU 8th Directive (or 13th for non-EU). VAT on real motorway tolls is reclaimable, but German Maut, Polish e-TOLL and most vignettes carry no VAT. Logistonomics shows recoverability per country.

German lorry parking, measured