The road freight transport sector is one where small businesses are the rule, not the exception. According to data from the International Road Transport Union (IRU), in the European Union, truck carriers with up to 10 employees make up 89% of all companies operating in the sector. The situation is similar among bus operators, where the percentage is around 82%.
Amid praise for “opening doors for young workers” and criticism about “inexperienced teenagers behind the wheel of trucks,” Europe is preparing intensively for a major reform.
Transport companies in Sweden, as of April 15 this year, can use as many as five vehicle combinations exceeding 25.25 meters in length, instead of the previous two. Although their use is restricted to certain roads and subject to strict technical and safety regulations, for those who favor mega-trucks, this is good news. They say it's another step toward more efficient transport and reducing harmful gas emissions.
Driving restrictions at the Brenner Pass, which Austria has been applying for decades, remain a constant stumbling block in European transport. These restrictive measures, introduced with the aim of protecting the environment and reducing traffic congestion, have sparked a series of disputes between Austria, Italy, and Germany. Although the first bans date back to the 1980s, a key turning point was 2003, when Tyrol introduced the "Immissionsschutzgesetz-Luft" (IG-L) Air Protection Act, which regulated traffic restrictions due to high emissions of pollutants. Since then, the measures have gradually tightened, primarily affecting freight transport.
The transport industry was shaken at the beginning of March by news of the first fine issued for an inadequate tachograph, coming from southern Italy.
Across the European Union, over 31 million van vehicles are in use, playing an essential role in many parts of the transport chain.
New regulations, environmental requirements, and innovations are shaping the truck tire market
The transport sector across Europe faced diverse challenges and opportunities in 2024, as market conditions varied from country to country. Fluctuating fuel prices, increased toll costs, geopolitical disruptions, and shifting demand have all played a role in shaping the transport landscape. However, companies such as Invoitix have been able to adapt to these changing dynamics by offering tailored financial services to transport businesses. Below is a comprehensive overview of the transport industry’s performance in 2024 and what the future holds for 2025.
Car tires, keyboards, electric bikes, or luxury watches—today, cargo thieves target a wide variety of products.
Longer travel times, higher transportation costs, and supply chain disruptions are the consequences that the transport and logistics industry fears.
Our sales representatives will be in touch with you shortly.