Rules for Foreign Transport Companies Operating in Norway
To ensure fair conditions and prevent social dumping, Norwegian authorities have implemented strict regulations for foreign transport companies operating within Norway. For foreign employers and companies, it may seem strange that the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority has the authority to order two non-Norwegian entities to follow Norwegian rules for wages and working hours, but nevertheless, that’s a fact.
The Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority has jurisdiction to require foreign transport operators who have no other connection to Norway than that they want to deliver goods to a customer in Norway to comply with Norwegian rules on wages and working hours.
Also, the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority may require that the entity ordering the transport, which is often also a foreign company, has a duty not only to inform the transport company about these rules, but also to ensure that the employer actually follows all parts of the labor regulations.
At the center of this framework is the Regulation on Partial General Application of Collective Agreements in the Road Transport Sector. This regulation defines the minimum pay and working conditions foreign drivers must be granted when operating in Norway.
Operating in this regard being that a foreign truck with a foreign driver, drives on Norwegian roads, with cargo destined for a Norwegian recipient.
What Is “General Application” of a Collective Agreement?
General application means that certain provisions of a Norwegian collective agreement (negotiated between unions and employers) become legally binding for all companies, regardless of whether they are party to the agreement, and also regardless of the company origin. For the transport sector, this mainly applies to wages and working conditions.
Key Rules for Foreign Transport Companies
If your company is sending vehicles or drivers to Norway, or ordering services performed by companies sending vehicles or drivers to Norway, the following rules apply:
1. Minimum Wage and Allowances
Foreign drivers performing assignments in Norway are entitled to the Norwegian minimum wage. These rules also apply to all professional transport drivers on Norwegian roads, included:
- Domestic freight transport within Norway (cabotage)
- International transport involving loading or unloading in Norway
- The domestic leg of international combined transport
As for the latest applicable rates (updated regularly), the following applies:
- Minimum hourly wage for truck drivers: approximately NOK 198–210 (depending on experience and type of work)
- Overtime pay is mandatory when working more than 9 hours per day or 40 hours per week
- Meals and accommodation must be covered by the employer if the driver cannot return home
It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure these wage levels are followed, even if the driver is employed in another country.
However, the company that orders the transport has joint liability. This means that the ordering company is co-responsible for ensuring that the employer follows the rules on wages and working hours and is also required to check that the regulations are in fact implemented and compliant.
2. Documentation and Inspections
Companies, both employers and the ordering company/clients must be able to prove compliance with the general application rules. This includes:
- Payslips, available upon request
- Employment contracts (translated into Norwegian or English)
- Work and driving time logs
During inspections by the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority, the police, or the Road Authority, this documentation must be presented either on-site or shortly after the inspection.
3. Coverage of Travel and Living Expenses
If the assignment requires overnight stays, the employer must provide suitable accommodation and cover necessary expenses for meals, sanitary facilities, etc. This applies especially during cabotage or extended stays within Norway.
Exemptions and Limitations
Transit transport (passing through Norway without loading/unloading) is not covered by the regulation. This means that anyone can drive on Norwegian roads without any on the above being implemented for them, as long as they don’t stop for pick-ups or deliveries.
Why These Rules Matter
Norway is quite strict when it comes to ensuring that employees have safe and good working conditions. The aim of this regulation is to prevent social dumping, ensure fair competition between Norwegian and foreign operators and to protect workers’ rights.
Failure to comply may result in fines, driving bans, or even exclusion from operating in Norway.
Summary
Foreign transport companies operating in Norway must comply with the following rules:
- Pay drivers at least the Norwegian minimum wage and cover meals, accommodation, and overtime
- Pay attention to the rules regarding working hours and ensure that the employees comply
- Provide documentation upon inspection
The Regulation on General Application is an essential part of ensuring a fair and professional transport sector in Norway.
Read More: Brækhus’ expertise within Employment Law
Next Step
We regularly assist foreign companies with compliance under Norwegian employment law, including wage and working time regulations, employer obligations, and generally applicable collective agreements.
Contact us today for an informal discussion on how these rules may affect your business.
