Number of empty trailer trips drops sharply further impact expected from truck levy

According to ING, the number of miles driven with empty trailers in road transport has decreased significantly. In the sector study Asset Vision Trucks and Trailers 2025, the bank concludes that this development is partly due to more efficient use of data and technological innovations.

Smarter planning systems, often supported by AI, ensure that trailers are better utilized. For example, some carriers are already using cameras in trailers to get real-time insight into remaining load capacity.

This trend toward higher load factors is expected to continue when the truck levy takes effect next year. ING anticipates that this measure will provide additional incentives for carriers to avoid unnecessary empty miles. The result: lower costs and more efficient use of equipment.

Yet this increasing efficiency also has a downside. The need for new trailers is decreasing. Many companies keep trailers as spares or for unforeseen peak times, partly because the residual value on the used market is relatively low. As a result, investments in new trailer equipment remain limited for now.

This trend is also visible at large rental companies. For example, ING reports that DSV, following its acquisition of DB Schenker, is currently focusing mainly on integrating the companies and reviewing the joint fleet. As a result, major trailer replacement rounds remain out of the question for the time being.