The road transport sector in the European Union is currently in a phase of full enforcement of the regulations contained in the Mobility Package and the “Fit for 55” strategy. The transitional period for most regulations has come to an end, marking a shift from the planning stage to the strict application of new technical, environmental, and administrative standards.
The main directions of change focus on three areas: the decarbonization of fleets through emission charge systems, the total digitalization of transport documentation, and the unification of social conditions for drivers in international traffic.
For transport operators, this is a time of mandatory adaptation to carbon footprint monitoring systems and the finalization of replacing recording equipment with second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2). This article presents the specific legal requirements determining the operation of transport companies this year and outlines the steps necessary to maintain compliance with EU directives.
Next-Generation Tachographs and Electronic Documentation
A key pillar of EU transport changes is the digitalization of control processes, aimed at tightening the driver posting system and precisely monitoring cabotage operations. The primary tool in this area is the Smart Tachograph Version 2 (G2V2).
Smart Tachographs as a Data Hub
Modern recording devices are no longer limited to logging work and rest times. By utilizing the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), they automatically record border crossings between Member States and locations during loading and unloading.
- Process Automation: This eliminates the need for manual country code entry by the driver at the border, reducing the risk of errors and shortening downtime.
- ITS Interface: Allows for the transmission of data to external fleet management systems in real-time, facilitating logistics planning in accordance with current working time limits.
- Remote Inspection: Enforcement authorities can download selected tachograph data via radio communication (DSRC) without stopping the vehicle, allowing for the pre-selection of vehicles for roadside checks based on detected anomalies.
The eFTI System and Digital Document Flow
In parallel with hardware upgrades, the EU is implementing the legal framework for Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI). The goal is to move away from paper documentation in favor of unified digital platforms.
- Real-time Access: Transitioning to digital consignment notes (e-CMR) allows for immediate data access for the shipper, carrier, receiver, and control authorities.
- Cost Efficiency: Digitalization eliminates costs related to printing, archiving, and physical document circulation while accelerating the settlement process for transport services.
- Mandatory Acceptance: The eFTI system obliges Member States to accept information in electronic form, provided it is shared via certified platforms.
Implementing these solutions requires transport companies to invest not only in hardware but, above all, to change internal processes. Full digitalization is becoming a prerequisite for efficient roadside inspections and maintaining operational liquidity in the European market.
CO2 Emissions and New Operating Costs
The EU’s climate neutrality strategy translates into specific financial mechanisms designed to favor low-emission vehicles. For transport companies, this means that a fleet’s CO2 emission level is no longer just a technical parameter but a key factor shaping operating costs.
Road Tolls Linked to Emission Classes
The reform of the Eurovignette Directive introduced the principle that toll rates are strictly linked to a vehicle’s CO2 emission class. Heavy-duty vehicles are divided into several classes, where Class 1 covers the highest-emitting vehicles and Class 5 covers zero-emission vehicles.
- Discounts for Modern Fleets: Carriers using state-of-the-art vehicles (meeting the highest standards) can expect significant toll reductions. Conversely, older engines are burdened with additional external-cost charges related to air pollution.
- Data Accuracy: Emission class data is pulled directly from on-board systems and manufacturer databases, requiring companies to keep vehicle data updated in toll collection systems.
The ETS2 System and Its Impact on Fuel Prices
The next stage of regulation is the inclusion of road transport in the expanded Emissions Trading System (ETS2). Unlike the existing system for industry, ETS2 covers fuel suppliers.
- Carbon Pricing at the Pump: Fuel suppliers are required to purchase emission allowances for the fossil fuels they sell. This cost is passed directly onto the price per liter of diesel.
- Economic Incentive: The steady increase in allowance prices is intended to act as an economic trigger to move away from diesel engines toward electric and hydrogen powertrains.
Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR)
To enable carriers to adapt, the EU introduced the AFIR regulation, which mandates Member States to expand charging and refueling infrastructure for alternative fuels.
- TEN-T Network: Regulations guarantee high-power charging stations for trucks at specific intervals (e.g., every 60–100 km) along main transport corridors.
- Hydrogen Availability: The schedule also includes the construction of hydrogen refueling points to enable the operation of fuel-cell vehicles in long-haul transport.
Working Conditions and Social Aspects
Social aspects and driver working conditions are among the most rigorously enforced areas of EU transport law. The foundation of these regulations is the posting of drivers mechanism, based on ensuring remuneration consistent with the standards of the country where the transport service is actually performed.
This applies particularly to cabotage and cross-trade operations, where the carrier must register the driver in the IMI system and ensure the full minimum wage rate, including all bonuses applicable in the host country. Bilateral transport and transit are generally exempt, requiring fleet managers to precisely record the type of operations performed.
Ban on Cabin Sleep
EU law strictly prohibits taking regular weekly rest (45 hours or more) in the vehicle cabin. Employers must provide adequate accommodation with sanitary facilities outside the vehicle and cover the costs.
Return of the Driver
Regulations require companies to plan work so that drivers can return to the company’s operational center or their place of residence in specific cycles, usually every four weeks.
SSTPA Network
The development of Safe and Secure Truck Parking Areas (SSTPA) ensures drivers have access to proper social infrastructure and security.
Administrative and Reporting Challenges (ESG)
Implementing ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategies is becoming one of the greatest administrative challenges for modern transport firms. Large enterprises are now required to disclose their environmental impact, including emissions generated throughout the entire supply chain (Scope 3).
- Data Demand: Carriers acting as subcontractors for large logistics operators or retail chains are increasingly required to provide precise carbon footprint data for every shipment.
- Standardization: International standards such as ISO 14083 are becoming crucial for unifying how greenhouse gas emissions are quantified in freight transport.
- Non-financial Reporting: ESG also covers ethical standards, pay transparency, and safety. Sophisticated telematics are now necessary to integrate fuel consumption and route data into contractors’ reporting systems.
How Will EU Regulations Impact Transport Costs in Europe?
The implementation of EU regulations leads to a permanent increase in operating costs. Carriers using older fleets must face significantly higher tolls, while rising emission allowance prices directly increase fuel costs.
Simultaneously, social requirements necessitate higher spending on wages and accommodation. The obligation for the regular return of the fleet to base creates additional empty runs, reducing logistical efficiency and forcing a revision of freight rates.
Coupled with high capital expenditures for low-emission vehicles and the administrative costs of ESG reporting, road transport in Europe is shifting from a low-cost service to a high-tech, high-entry-barrier link in the global supply chain.
