Decrease in truck mileage in March

The mileage of toll-required, at least four-axle trucks on German highways recorded a decline in March 2026. According to a statement from the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) and the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the calendar and seasonally adjusted truck toll mileage index decreased by 0.3% compared to the previous month of February 2026. Compared to the same month last year, March 2025, the index is even 0.6% lower.

Connection to economic activity

The development of truck mileage is considered an indicator of economic activity in the industry, according to the statement. An increase or decrease in mileage can provide early indications of changes in the economy. The truck toll mileage index is published about a month earlier than the production index, making it a leading indicator. However, a detailed breakdown by various economic sectors is not possible, which can complicate the analysis of the exact causes of the changes.

In parallel with the publication of the figures, the office releases a daily truck toll mileage index on an experimental basis. This can be accessed via the „Economic Pulse“ along with other economic indicators.