Impact of the road transport directive: a survey of road hauliers in the Netherlands

Implementing the road transport directive for heavy goods vehicle drivers in March 2005 could jeopardise sustainable road delivery systems if less productive drivers and rolling equipment ensue. An investigation of the impact perceived by the Dutch road haulage industry tested eight hypotheses in an instrument distributed electronically. The current driver shortage was expected to worsen, and additional drivers will incur additional operating costs. Where few customers will fund cost increases, historically low returns on investment will demand fundamental changes in transport operating systems. Small firms, international operators and the physical environment are at risk.