Minimum remuneration for couriers

Minimum remuneration for couriers was created to combat social exploitation and ensure fair competition. This obligation comes into force on 1 July 2024.

The minimum remuneration corresponds to the minimum hourly rate (excluding VAT) that the parcel delivery service is required to pay the courier and it includes all costs. Of course, a courier's remuneration can be higher than the minimum remuneration.

There are two different rates, depending on the means of transport.

Calculation of the minimum remuneration for couriers

The government commissioned transport economists from the University of Antwerp to develop a calculation method for the minimum remuneration for couriers. Thereafter, the government consulted with the Institute of Road Transport and Logistics Belgium (ITLB) as well as various Belgian interest groups from the transport and logistics sector to further refine this calculation model.

Two types of remuneration depending on the driving licence type

With regard to the minimum remuneration, the law distinguishes between two means of transport: the use of a motorised vehicle or a bicycle.

In practice, however, we have to consult the Royal Decree, which lays down the practical rules of the law. This ‘implementing decree’ distinguishes between these two types of transport on the basis of the driving licence type required for the means of transport used.

In order to know what minimum remuneration a courier is entitled to, you are required to make the following distinction:

• Mode of transport 1: at least a category B driving licence is required for the means of transport used;
• Mode of transport 2: less than a category B driving licence or no driving licence at all is required for the means of transport used.

Please note that mode of transport 2 includes bicycles, e-bikes and scooters for which no driving licence is required as well as speed pedelecs, scooters and motorbikes for which a category A, A1, A2 or AM driving licence is required.

Which parameters and costs are decisive for the calculation?

The calculation takes into account 4 types of costs, the scope of which is adjusted depending on the mode of transport:

1. energy costs
2. labour costs (e.g. minimum hourly rate Joint Committee 140.03, employer's contribution, average sick leave, etc.)
3. fixed vehicle costs (e.g. depreciation, maintenance, insurance, etc.)
4. general costs (e.g. clothing, mobile phone, mobile phone contract ...)

These costs are calculated on the basis of 3 average values that are applicable to the execution of the order. In addition, their amount is adjusted according to the mode of transport:

1. number of working hours per day
2. number of working days per month
3. number of kilometres driven per day

The following table contains detailed information based on the latest data. These are indicative figures excluding VAT. Official source is always the Ministerial Decree as published in the Official Belgian Gazette.

	Mode of transport 1	Mode of transport 2
Labour costs
Minimum hourly wage	25,5072 euros	25,5072 euros
Hours worked per half year	1.170 hour	878,64 hour
Distance travelled per half year	11.700 km	8.786,4 km
Vehicle costs
Depreciation	426,29 euros/month	152,78 euros/month
Maintenance	93,33 euros/month	125 euros/month
Insurance	180 euros/month	9 euros/month
Tyres	28,99 euros/month	-
Technical inspection	5,57 euros/month	-
Vehicle tax	13,58 euros/month	-
General costs
General costs (administration...)	1,80 euros/hour	2,40 euros/hour
Energy costs
Average costs of the last 6 months	1,90 euros/hour	0,0113 euros/hour

Regular updating of the calculation

The minimum remuneration is updated at regular intervals:

• every 6 months for energy costs, in line with the consumer price index. The update takes place on 1 July and 1 January of each year;
• annually for labour costs, among others according to JC 140.03;
• annually for other costs, according to the smoothed health index;
• the methodology is revised every three years.