Toll traffic: transparent toll charges
In Germany, toll charges are mandatory for vehicles with a gross weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes. These apply to all logistics providers – including GLS – for both local and long-distance transport. As many parcels are transported via toll roads such as motorways and federal highways, this incurs additional costs, which we pass on to our business customers as a so-called toll surcharge.
You will find this surcharge on your invoice under the item “Toll Traffic National” or “Toll Traffic International”. The toll fees are calculated based on several factors such as route length, number of axles, and the emissions class of the vehicles used. By presenting these additional costs transparently, we aim to offer you a fair and understandable calculation – because transparency is a core part of our service at GLS.
Transparent. Fair. Reliable.
The toll surcharge at GLS is not a hidden cost, but clearly and understandably shown. This gives you full transparency in pricing – even if truck toll charges increase. Our business customers benefit from this openness, as it allows them to better calculate their own shipping costs.
Moreover, the toll surcharge is clearly itemised separately from the standard transport price on your invoice. This builds trust and helps you keep track of your ongoing shipping costs at all times.
How toll charges are calculated at GLS
The toll charge at GLS is based on the official motorway tolls for trucks over 7.5 tonnes. These costs depend on several factors, including route length, vehicle type, number of axles, and emission class. GLS allocates the appropriate toll surcharge to shipments transported on toll roads. The surcharge is shown transparently on your invoice to ensure full cost traceability. Let’s now look at the toll charges for both national and international shipping.
National toll charges
National toll charges are incurred in domestic parcel shipping within Germany whenever shipments travel on toll roads such as motorways or designated federal roads. These costs are especially frequent in long-distance transport where large-volume trucks are used. GLS lists these additional costs as “Toll Traffic National” on your invoice. This keeps domestic shipping costs transparent and traceable for business customers.
International toll charges
International toll charges apply when parcels are transported across borders as part of international parcel shipping – for example, from Germany to France or Italy. Since many European countries use different toll systems and rates, the costs vary significantly depending on the route and country. Countries like Austria, Italy, and France tend to have higher toll charges due to extensive toll road networks. GLS transparently lists these international costs under the item “Toll Traffic International” on your invoice.
Toll charges for different types of vehicles
Toll charges aren’t just a concern for commercial HGV traffic – they apply to a range of vehicles. Depending on vehicle type and road usage, cars, motorhomes, or buses may also be subject to tolls. To give you a clearer picture, here’s a brief overview of the main differences. It shows why HGV traffic – and thus parcel shipping – is especially affected.
Become a GLS business customer today!
As a business customer with GLS, you benefit not only from reliable shipping and fast delivery times but also from a transparent cost structure – especially regarding toll and traffic. The clearly itemised toll surcharge ensures you always have a clear overview of your transport costs. This allows you to manage your shipping processes efficiently and plan economically. Rely on GLS's logistics expertise and become a business customer today – for transparent and fairly calculated parcel and goods shipping, even as toll charges rise.
Even when dealing with complex topics like motorway fees and toll costs, GLS helps you stay informed. Our invoices include a clearly marked toll surcharge so you can track and plan all additional costs. The toll fee is calculated transparently and fairly – based on actual road use and legal requirements. This provides your business with planning certainty and a reliable cost basis for shipping.
