From 1 June 2025, van drivers in Norway will get a guaranteed minimum wage. This change also gives more responsibility to companies that order transport services.

Until now, only drivers of heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes were protected by general minimum wage regulations. But from June, drivers of vehicles starting at 2.5 tonnes — including vans commonly used for deliveries and courier services — will also be covered.

These drivers will be entitled to a minimum wage of 222 NOK per hour.
This rate is expected to increase shortly to 229 NOK, following the recent national wage settlement.

This is a significant step in an industry known for low regulation, high work pressure, and a high share of foreign workers, where the risk of labour exploitation has been a concern , especially among smaller transport firms.

Extended Responsibility for Transport Buyers

Another major change coming into effect on 1 June is the expansion of the «duty to ensure compliance» (påseplikt) for those who order transport services.

Previously, buyers of transport services had no legal responsibility to check whether subcontracted workers were receiving fair wages and working conditions.

With the new rules, businesses hiring subcontractors must now:

• Inform their subcontractors about the required wage and working conditions
  
  
• Ensure that general wage regulations are actually being followed
  
  

This duty applies only to businesses, not to private individuals purchasing transport for personal use.

Inspections and Consequences

The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) will monitor whether companies follow the new rules.
If companies lack proper routines, or fail to act on violations, the authorities can take action. This may include official warnings, fines, orders to correct non-compliance and in serious cases, shutting down operations.