Sweden is among the European pioneers in introducing longer and heavier freight transport vehicles; this change is part of their long-term program to implement extended modular vehicles. Stockholm, let’s remember, did not stop at 25 meters (which was already beyond the usual European standards). After extensive analysis, by the end of 2023, they allowed configurations up to 34.5 meters long on about 600 kilometers of roads, thus joining Finland, the leading EU country in terms of truck length.
“Super trucks, with the new maximum length, will benefit not only Sweden’s transport industry but the country as a whole,” authorities stated at the time. “We want a competitive industry within our country, and making road transport cheaper is part of that goal. Improving the environment is an additional benefit.”
Although Scandinavian countries are leading the way, they are not the only ones in Europe experimenting with long vehicle combinations – Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany are also at various stages. Still, it remains a rather delicate topic. The announced revision of EU rules on road freight vehicle dimensions and weight has encountered divided opinions: some believe mega-trucks are a solution for cheaper, greener transport, better business optimization, and a remedy for the driver shortage; others argue that longer trucks will compromise road safety, slow down railway development, and threaten infrastructure.
How big are European trucks?
In the European Union, maximum permissible vehicle dimensions for international road transport are regulated by Directive 96/53/EC, with the latest amendments effective from 2024.
Maximum dimensions of vehicles in international traffic (EU):
- Length: truck (solo vehicle): up to 12.00 meters; articulated vehicle (semi-trailer): up to 16.50 meters; truck with trailer (road train): up to 18.75 meters
- Width: up to 2.55 meters (or 2.60 m for vehicles with refrigeration units)
- Height: up to 4.00 meters
- Mass: up to 40 tons gross vehicle weight or up to 44 tons in intermodal transport
These rules apply to international traffic between EU member states adopting standard dimensions. Some member states, such as Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain, allow longer vehicle combinations under the so-called European Modular System (EMS):
- EMS1: up to 25.25 meters
- EMS2: up to 32 or even 34.5 meters (in Sweden and Finland)
However, these longer combinations are permitted only nationally or under bilateral agreements and do not automatically apply to all international traffic within the EU. For instance, special agreements regulate road transport by vehicles over 25.25 meters between Germany and Denmark, and across the German-Dutch border.
More Capacity – More Savings
According to previous estimates by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), three 32-meter combinations could replace six standard trucks, potentially reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 27% per ton of goods transported. It’s simple: increasing payload capacity reduces the number of trips needed and overall fuel consumption.
Besides ecological benefits, proponents highlight significant economic advantages. For example, a study conducted in the Netherlands showed that if 213 extended trucks operated across 570 routes daily, the transport and logistics industry could save 6 million euros annually compared to using standard vehicles. Transport by megatrucks is especially suited for plants and palletized goods; potential is also seen in construction materials, containers, etc.
Northern Europe isn’t the only region interested in this trend – Spain, for instance, is experimenting with long vehicle combinations on domestic routes, with companies like Disfrimur, Carrefour, Procter & Gamble, and XPO Logistics participating.
“The Solution is Railways – Not Bigger Trucks”
Critics of the concept argue that the CO₂ savings for trucks over 25.25 meters and up to 60 tons, compared to those of 44 tons, are only about 5%, and that economic motives are the real driver behind their introduction. Some estimates from 2024 suggest that transport could become up to 20% cheaper due to reduced demand for drivers and vehicles.
But is this good news? The rail industry doesn’t think so: mega trucks are considered a serious threat to modal shift efforts and diverting freight onto rails. So serious, in fact, that several railway organizations conducted surveys in 2024 across various countries to demonstrate that EU citizens are unaware of the negative safety impacts of long trucks. They point out longer braking distances, bigger blind spots, and the fact that existing roads and overall logistics infrastructure are not suited for such long vehicles. Sweden is cited as an example, where over 500 million euros had to be invested in infrastructure just to allow the use of extended combinations.
Debates between the opposing sides are becoming sharper, especially as discussions intensify about amending EU rules on vehicle dimensions. And although there is currently no consensus among EU member states, further negotiations are expected during 2025 – when the answer to the dilemma may finally come: are long trucks a solution or a problem on the road?
