New regulations on road cabotage: towards a tightening of European regulations?
Cabotage transport in Europe refers to transport operations carried out by European companies within another member state. The 2020 Mobility 1 package continues the strict regulation of this activity. The regulations adopted aim to guarantee better working conditions for truck drivers. It also aims to harmonize competition between hauliers in the western and eastern parts of the Union.
A reminder of cabotage transport in Europe
Road cabotage authorizes a haulier from a member state of the European Union to carry out transport operations in a country other than his country of origin. Once delivery has been made, the foreign carrier can carry out further loading and unloading operations.
What's important is that the pick-up and delivery addresses are located in the country of destination. Rather than driving empty, the non-resident carrier makes the most of his trip before crossing the border.
Road cabotage is controlled by European regulations. This text sets out the conditions to be met by carriers from the European Union and theEuropean Economic Area (EEA). The haulier must hold a Community transport license. Road cabotage must also be preceded by international transport, with complete unloading of the vehicle.
The new rules introduced by the European Mobility Package
Cabotage transport in Europe is governed by strict rules. Their aim is to protect local hauliers from competition from member countries in which costs and wages are lower. In July 2020, the European Parliament adopted the Mobility Package 1. The rollout of the various measures is staggered from 2020 to 2026.
Rest and driving time provisions
Implementation of the Mobility Package begins in 2020, with the application of measures relating to rest and driving times. Weekly rest in the cab is prohibited. Drivers must be able to return home or to an operational center every four weeks.
Conditions for carrying out road cabotage operations
The Mobility Package does not alter the cabotage rules already in force. In the case of transport to France, road hauliers may carry out three consecutive cabotage operations on French territory. However, these operations must take place within seven days of the initial international haul. Since February 21, 2022, there has been a four-day waiting period between each cabotage operation.
If France is not the country of destination, only one cabotage shipment is authorized on French soil. This transport must take place within seven days of initial unloading, and within three days of the empty truck entering the country.
Cabotage transport in Europe: the introduction of the intelligent tachograph
2023 sees the introduction of version 1C V2 of the intelligent tachograph. As of August 21, all new transport vehicles must be equipped with this system. This tool will enable better control of compliance with road haulage and cabotage regulations. By 2026, all vehicles over 2.5 tonnes used for international transport or cabotage operations will have to be fitted with the intelligent tachograph.
With this device, border crossings are automatically recorded. The driver no longer has to perform this operation manually. In addition, every loading and unloading operation is geolocated and recorded. In the event of a check, the police can compare the data with the corresponding consignment note.
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