Logistics & Freight Accounting in the Netherlands

Our Dutch logistics accounting services are built for companies at the heart of the European supply chain:

• Freight Forwarders: Companies coordinating air and sea freight from around the world into the EU via Dutch ports and airports.
• Third-Party Logistics (3PL) & E-commerce Fulfillment Centers: Businesses offering warehousing and pan-European distribution for online retailers.
• Trucking & Haulage Companies: Operators managing fleets of vehicles for road transportation from the Netherlands to other EU member states.
• Customs Brokers: Agents specializing in navigating Dutch customs and ensuring smooth clearance of goods into the EU single market.

From your first shipment, specialized logistics accounting is necessary. It becomes indispensable when:

• You Import Goods into the EU: You need an Article 23 license to defer import BTW, a critical cash flow advantage for importers.
• You Transport Goods Across EU Borders: This requires correctly applying the BTW reverse-charge mechanism and managing digital transport documents (e-CMR).
• You Need to Understand Shipment Profitability: To be profitable, you must be able to accurately calculate all associated costs (freight, customs duties, insurance, transport) for each individual shipment and compare it to your revenue.
• You Invest in Assets: Whether it's a warehouse or a fleet of trucks, you need to manage depreciation schedules and financing arrangements.

Outsourcing logistics accounting provides access to a specialized skillset crucial for profitability in this asset-heavy, low-margin industry.

• Small Operators (low volume): €700 - €1,600 per month. This generally includes BTW-compliant bookkeeping, import/export transaction processing, and basic shipment profitability tracking.
• Medium-Sized Forwarders/3PLs: €1,600 - €4,000 per month. This level adds more detailed reporting, cost analysis, and management of more complex customs and multi-currency transactions.
• Large Logistics Firms: Custom pricing starting at €4,000+, often including virtual CFO services for strategic advice on fleet acquisition and operational efficiency.

The logistics industry in the Netherlands operates under strict customs and tax regulations, with significant risks for non-compliance:

• Incorrect BTW on EU Transport: The BTW rules for transport services within the EU are complex. Incorrect application of zero-rating or reverse charges can lead to significant penalties from the Belastingdienst.
• Customs Errors: Misclassifying goods or undervaluing shipments can lead to hefty fines and delays, damaging your reputation as a reliable logistics partner.
• Loss of Article 23 License: Failure to maintain compliant records can lead to the revocation of your import BTW deferment license, creating a severe cash flow disadvantage.
• Poor Cost Control: Without a precise understanding of all costs associated with a shipment or route, companies can easily take on unprofitable contracts, leading to financial distress.

Logistics finance is not generic business accounting. It requires a deep understanding of EU customs law, the pan-European BTW system, and the financial drivers of the supply chain. Finding an in-house accountant with this specific expertise is both difficult and expensive.

Outsourcing to YourLegal's logistics finance partners provides an immediate, expert solution. We implement systems to track the profitability of every shipment, ensure you are fully compliant with the Belastingdienst and EU customs authorities, and manage your multi-currency transactions effectively. We provide you with the financial clarity needed to price your services competitively and make smart decisions about operational efficiency, allowing you to focus on your core mission: moving goods through Europe's premier logistics gateway.