The Quarterly Index of Labour Costs measures short-term trends in "average hourly labour costs", defined as (total) labour costs divided by the corresponding number of hours worked in the relevant quarter. This index includes the labour component "wages and salaries", the "employers' social security contributions", plus taxes, including "bonuses", "supplements", "premiums", ... paid in each pay period. It is based on the data from the NSSO: National Social Security Office.

The evolutions of the component "energy" is the index that is used in the calculation of the consumer price index (Excl. VAT *) and published monthly in the table "Indexes per product as from 2006" (COICOP, line 04.5.1.0)
(* Reason: the VAT reduction from 21% to 6% on 01.04.2014 and the increase of 6% to 21% on 1/09/2015 was neutralized)

To measure correctly increases in the cost of living, one use a monthly index. This economic indicator measures the change in price of a basket of goods and services purchased by households and businesses, and is representative for their consumption habits.

The Institute of Transport & Logistics Belgium calculates monthly the cost and cost evolution for national cargo transport and for national and international transport in general.

This monthly index indicates the average evolution of the main cost and the total cost in the form of indices and is a government-recognized tool when negotiating any freight rate revisions (the cost indices and their quarterly average progression are published in the Official Gazette).

The expense items which are taken into account are: fuel; tires; repair, overhaul, maintenance; vehicle depreciation; operational staff; insurance of the vehicle; CMR operation insurance; other direct vehicle costs; financing; overheads.