Structural changes in the TSL sector in Europe

From 1 July 2026, European international transport will enter the next phase of changes resulting from the Mobility Package. The obligation to use second-generation smart tachographs will be extended to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes engaged in international transport. In practice, this means that the light transport sector, hitherto valued for its high flexibility and speed of order fulfilment, will operate under rules similar to those applicable to heavy transport. Drivers will be subject to regulations concerning driving time, mandatory breaks and rest periods, whilst operators will be required to manage and archive tachograph data on an ongoing basis.

These changes entail additional investment in vehicle equipment, IT systems and administrative support, but their impact extends far beyond technical issues. The need for strict planning of drivers’ working hours will lengthen certain transport processes and limit the ability to fulfil orders under the existing ‘just-in-time’ model. As a result, the market will gradually adjust delivery schedules and rate levels to the new operational realities.

For customers, this primarily means the need to plan shipments even earlier and to take greater account of the time required for transport. At the same time, the new regulations aim to increase transparency, safety and uniform standards for road transport operations across Europe. As your logistics partner, we are monitoring these changes and adapting our processes accordingly to maintain the highest quality of service and ensure continuity and predictability of deliveries for our customers under the new market conditions.