Low-emission Zones and Road Transport

The introduction of eco-zones improves air quality but presents challenges for European transporters, whose trucks are, on average, nearly 14 years old.

The introduction of eco-zones improves air quality but presents challenges for European transporters, whose trucks are, on average, nearly 14 years old.

Did you know that fines of €30,000 and public shaming of debtors are not enough to completely eliminate delays in transportation payments? Draconian penalties for repeat offenses and the “name and shame” practice have set Spain apart as one of the most proactive countries in combating delayed payments for transport services. After stricter penal provisions took effect in 2021, under strong pressure from the domestic transport industry, authorities began publishing the names of fined companies from the summer of 2023. Data from Spanish transport associations indicate that payment statistics have significantly improved, but delays still persist.

According to Transport Intelligence (Ti) estimates, May 2024 marks the fifth consecutive month of declining European road freight transport capacity, down 7% compared to May 2023, due to increased demand for road transport. Spot rates are on the rise, reports Ti, citing data from the Transporeon transport exchange.

Logistics is a complex puzzle. From the moment a product comes off the factory line until it reaches the end user, a large number of parts and pieces need to be coordinated. Owners of goods aim to choose the best allies on this journey, calculating factors such as price, flexibility, or agility, while logistics and transport companies compete for their share of the pie. In this game, sometimes societal circumstances even play into someone's favour, giving them an unexpected boost.

IVECO has won yet another prestigious award – the new S-Way MY24 has been honored with the iF DESIGN AWARD 2024 in the vehicle/automobile design category.

The European Parliament voted on March 12th, on a set of regulations promoting greener configurations of freight vehicles.

In order to become CO2 neutral by 2050, Europe needs more electric vehicles on the road and many more EV chargers. Despite the insufficient number of charging stations still being considered one of the main obstacles to the stronger development of electric mobility, it is evident that network construction has been gaining momentum in recent years.

Did you know that one of the pioneering examples of Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage in logistics dates back to the 1970s?

Toll fees are a central topic in truck transport, and their cost is a crucial factor in competitiveness. In the upcoming period, we can expect numerous price increases that will inevitably impact the operations and liquidity of transportation companies. The reform of the toll collection system for trucks in Germany came into effect on December 1, 2023, bringing significantly higher costs. Despite strong opposition from the transport and logistics industry and warnings that the price hike would push many small and medium-sized enterprises into an abyss, authorities did not deviate from their planned course.

How would you describe the year 2023, both in a professional and personal sense? At the end of each year, it is important to pause and make a quick recap. Although the common denominator for the past 12 months across Europe for the road transport sector is mostly the same, each market has its characteristics. That is why the experiences of our interlocutors from different countries are valuable.