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The transport industry is one of the most regulated sectors in Europe. The reason is clear – road transport directly affects the economy, safety and the environment. That is why the European Union regularly adopts new regulations and rules with the aim of unifying the rules for all carriers and freight forwarders.
From 2025, a new EU regulation on transport will enter into force, and its provisions will change the way in which road transport of goods is organized in the EU. The changes will be felt by everyone – from drivers and carriers to forwarders and logistics companies.
Below, we provide a detailed overview of what the regulation entails, why it was introduced, and how to prepare for it.
What is the new EU transport regulation?
The regulation is part of a broader European Union strategy to:
- safer traffic,
- reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
- digitalization and transparency in logistics.
Simply put, the new rules aim to create fairer business conditions for hauliers , but also to increase road safety. The regulation covers all the main elements of road transport: drivers’ working hours, environmental standards, documentation and digital tools.
From the source: European Commission – Mobility and Transport
Who does the regulation concern?
This regulation does not only apply to large international carriers.
Almost all links in the transport chain have been affected:
- Carriers will have to adapt their fleet and operations to the new standards.
- Drivers will be subject to stricter control of working hours and mandatory use of digital tachographs.
- Freight forwarders will have to be careful to cooperate only with carriers that operate in accordance with the new EU rules.
- Logistics companies must adapt their IT systems to follow new documentation and regulations.
What are the main changes?
Unlike previous regulations, this one focuses on three key areas :
1. New generation digital tachographs
All trucks will have to be equipped with devices that automatically record border crossings and drivers’ working hours. This is intended to reduce the scope for manipulation and increase traffic safety.
2. Environmental standards
The EU aims to reduce CO₂ emissions, so the use of electric trucks and alternative fuel vehicles will be encouraged. This means that transport companies will have to think about renewing their fleets.
Learn more in our blog: Green Logistics: How Companies Reduce Their Carbon Footprint (Guide 2025)
3. Work and rest rules
Drivers will have stricter rest conditions. This brings safety, but also the need for better route organization and a greater number of available drivers.
Why is the EU introducing a new regulation?
The main reasons are:
- Driver protection – prevent overwork and exhaustion.
- Ecology – reduce emissions in line with the European Green Deal.
- Fair competition – prevent price dumping and unfair competition between carriers.
- Digitalization – to encourage transparency and more efficient business operations.
In other words: the goal is not just to put an additional burden on carriers, but to create a more sustainable and fairer road transport system .
How to prepare on time?
Carriers and freight forwarders shouldn’t wait until the last minute – it’s best to start making adjustments now. Here are a few steps:
- Check your fleet – are your vehicles compliant with future emissions standards?
- Invest in digital tools – software for tracking routes and working hours can make adaptation easier.
- Employee training – drivers and forwarders must know how to properly use tachographs and follow regulations.
- Cooperation with reliable partners – working with freight forwarders and carriers who already follow EU regulations gives you an advantage.
FAQ: New EU regulation on transport
Q: When does the new regulation come into effect?
A: From 2025 throughout the European Union.
Q: What is the purpose of the ordinance?
A: Increase safety, reduce emissions and ensure fairer conditions for carriers and drivers.
Q: Will the rules also apply to carriers outside the EU?
A: Yes – everyone driving within the EU must follow the same rules.
Conclusion
The changes brought by the EU regulation will certainly affect the daily work in transport and logistics. What they all have in common is the need for reliable partnerships and better organization.
👉 That’s why there is HUBBIG – a digital place where freight forwarders and carriers can connect and negotiate deals more easily.
Find more information at hubbig.com .
