Subsidized Truck Parking:
How Transport Companies Can Now Secure an 80 % Grant

For years, the shortage of truck parking along German motorways has been a major challenge for the logistics industry. Secure truck parking spaces are scarce—and not free. But now there’s good news: the new "Environmental Protection and Safety" grant program (formerly known as "De‑minimis") from the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) now offers transport companies an 80 % subsidy on truck parking fees.

In this blog post you will learn:

• Which companies are eligible
• Which parking spaces are subsidized
• The amount of the subsidy
• Important timeframes
• How simple the application process is
• How Happy Trucker supports you through implementation
• Answers to frequently asked questions

1. The new "Environmental Protection and Safety" program—an overview

The "Environmental Protection and Safety" program (previously called "De‑minimis") is a key initiative to support the logistics sector. It targets measures that enhance safety and environmental protection in road freight transport—including parking fees at certified secure parking areas.

Who is eligible?

Eligible are companies operating commercial freight transport—i.e. transporting goods on public roads—and who, as of 1 December 2024, are the owner or registered keeper of heavy commercial vehicles. "Heavy commercial vehicles" are defined as goods vehicles with a gross weight over 3.5 t. Companies in the fisheries, aquaculture, or agriculture sectors are excluded.

What is funded?

Funding is available for measures that improve safety and environmental protection in road freight transport.
This includes:

• Purchase of equipment and facilities
• Other relevant environmental or safety measures
• Consulting on environmental or safety‑related management issues

The full list of eligible measures—including individual subsidy rates—is available here. Measures that are legally required are not eligible.

Under the guidelines, parking fees at eligible parking lots are subsidized, provided:

• The parking site is in Germany
• It is fully fenced
• Access is restricted (e.g., by gate or barrier)
• All entrances and exits are monitored by camera or video surveillance
• Sanitary facilities are within walking distance for drivers
• The entire parking area is evenly lit

The parking invoice must clearly reflect these requirements.

What is the grant amount?

The subsidy covers 80 % of eligible parking fees; the transport company covers the remaining 20 %. The funds do not need to be repaid.
The subsidy is capped at €2,000 per heavy vehicle and €33,000 per company—so a maximum of 17 trucks can be subsidized.

Example calculation:

Parking fee: €20 per night
Subsidy (80 %): €16
Your share: only €4

What are the timeframes?

Applications can be submitted online via the BALM grant portal from 4 August 2025 to 1 September 2025. Importantly, you may only begin the funded action—such as booking eligible parking—after receiving a positive grant decision. You can, however, pre‑register with Happy Trucker to be ready to book once your decision arrives.

The subsidized period during which bookings can take place ends on 31 December 2025.

2. Happy Trucker: Book truck parking in one click and claim your subsidy

Happy Trucker is the leading platform for bookable truck parking—with the widest selection of eligible parking sites.

How it works:

1. Submit your grant application via the BALM eService portal (online only)
2. Register for free with Happy Trucker to be able to book subsidized truck parking with a few clicks
3. Book eligible parking from our BALM match list—visit this page for the current list
4. Receive a subsidy‑compliant invoice automatically
5. Submit and claim your subsidy—upload the invoice and proof of payment via the portal, and the subsidy will be paid to your designated bank account

3. Benefits at a glance

• ✅ Save 80 % on parking fees
• ✅ Largest selection of bookable parking across Europe & UK
• ✅ Greater safety for drivers, cargo, and equipment
• ✅ Reduces driver stress and boosts retention
• ✅ Supports compliance with rest periods via scheduled parking
• ✅ Digital booking in seconds via web app or integrations (MapTrip Truck, CargoTour, drip, etc.)
• ✅ Monthly invoices in grant‑compliant format

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

Companies operating heavy goods vehicles (over 3.5 t) for freight transport, and based in Germany.

How does the application process work?

Applications are submitted digitally via the BALM grant portal. Upload the required documents and submit. Once approved, you can begin the funded measures (e.g., parking bookings).

What should I look for when booking parking?

Only book parking that meets BALM requirements. We provide a BALM match list on Happy Trucker.

How do I receive the subsidy?

After paying, submit the invoice to BALM. They review it and reimburse you 80 % of the fee.

How long is the program running?

It runs through the end of 2025—while funds last. Early participants benefit most.

Is there any obligation after registering?

No. Registration is free and non‑binding. You only pay for the parking you book.

5. Why secure parking matters

Cargo damage, theft, assaults—the risks on unsecured parking are real. Studies show over 75 % of cargo damage happens at unsecured sites. Secure parking protects drivers and goods, reducing claims and costs.

With this program, transport companies can now access high security at low cost—a win‑win for all.

6. How to get started

Easy to do—in three steps:

1. Apply now via the BALM grant portal —Link to portal
2. Register for free on Happy Trucker —Registration link
3. Book eligible parking and secure your subsidy —Link to BALM list

7. Summary: Use the subsidy, increase safety, reduce costs

The BALM program gives transport companies a real chance to cut parking costs—without compromising safety. The combination of government subsidy and digital platform creates a win‑win for all stakeholders.

Act now—claim your subsidy while it lasts!

👉 Register now on Happy Trucker and access subsidies

Contact & Further Info

For questions about subsidies or registration, the Happy Trucker team is available by phone at +49 341 98994870 or via our contact page.

Note: This article is based on BALM’s official grant guidelines as of August 2025. Subject to change.