Take advantage of grants: Apply for de minimis aid by 2 October

In view of narrow margins and high risks, transport companies have to calculate very precisely and keep their costs as low as possible. It is therefore all the more astonishing that some 15 years after the establishment of the corresponding EU regulation, the state de minimis subsidies are still not being used by all hauliers. One can only speculate about the reasons for this restraint. What is certain is that De-Minimis is not a friendly donation by the legislator, but compensation for toll payments made. It is a funding programme of the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM).

A lot of money is at stake

The maximum subsidy amount is 33,000 EUR per company. Fleet operators receive a subsidy of EUR 2,000 per heavy goods vehicle weighing 7.5 tonnes or more. All vehicles subject to tolls that were registered to the applicant by 1 December of the previous year are taken into account. However, the subsidy covers a maximum of 80 percent of the eligible expenditure. This makes it clear that de minimis initially involves investments. Vehicle-related measures and measures to increase efficiency are eligible for funding. The BALM has drawn up a so-called positive list of eligible measures.

For example, driver assistance systems, telematics solutions as well as hardware and software for connecting the truck to the company are eligible for funding. But also on-board refrigerators, window wind deflectors, rain sensors or hands-free devices are on the extensive list. The same applies to winter and all-season tyres, throw chains and additional headlights for rear manoeuvring. The complete list with all categories and many examples can be downloaded HERE.

Observe rules

A grant is only certain once a notice of grant has been issued. It should also be noted that measures are only eligible for funding if they are carried out within 5 months of receipt of the notification of funding at the latest.

Those who do not have time for the administrative work involved can also hand over these activities to external consultants. Many institutions offer their services on the internet, such as the Landesverband Bayerischer Transport- und Logistikunternehmen (LBT), bavaria-deminimis Fördergeldberatung or easysub plus GmbH. It is possible to get to know them personally at NUFAM, because easysub plus and bavaria-deminimis Fördergeldberatung are among the exhibitors. Those who use the services of an external consultant usually have to pay a service fee. However, this is still cheaper than foregoing the subsidy.

Observe deadline

A different approach is taken by traders whose assortment includes the items promoted by BALM. For example, anyone who spends at least 70 percent of the promised subsidies at Hofmeister & Meincke GmbH is assisted by them free of charge in applying for the money. So there is no reason for transport companies and other fleet operators to do without De-Minimis. The funding period for this year's De-Minimis programme runs until 2 October - nine days after the last day of visitors to the NUFAM commercial vehicle trade fair.

Background

Incidentally, the term de minimis originates from the European Union's competition law. Competition in trade between EU member states should not be distorted. Therefore, state subsidies to companies are generally prohibited. They represent an economic advantage for the receiving company compared to competitors who do not receive the subsidy.

However, EU law allows exceptions to the prohibition. This applies in particular to subsidies whose amount is so small that a noticeable distortion of competition can be ruled out. These so-called de minimis subsidies do not have to be notified to the EU Commission or approved.