CLECAT ROAD LOGISTICS INSTITUTE MEETS
The CLECAT Road Logistics Institute met this week to exchange on key regulatory and operational issues impacting Europe’s road freight sector. The meeting focused on subcontracting practices, upcoming social rules for light-duty vehicles, and the decarbonisation of the road freight sector, all of which are set to shape the industry’s future.
Participants discussed the European Parliament’s draft report addressing subcontracting chains and the Commission’s upcoming Quality Jobs Roadmap. The Secretariat presented its formal response to the draft report, noting that EU-wide limits to subcontracting would negatively affect legitimate logistics operations and international supply chains. Members shared national experiences and reiterated that such contractual issues that may arise should be resolved through better enforcement of existing rules. CLECAT remains committed to engage with policymakers to ensure practical and balanced solutions.
Members also exchanged on the mandatory installation of smart tachographs in light-duty vehicles (2.5 to 3.5 tonnes) from July 2026 and called on the Commission to provide clear guidance to support operators in complying with the new requirements. The upcoming Clean Corporate Fleets Initiative, expected by the end of the year 2026, was another focal point of the discussion. CLECAT reaffirmed its opposition to zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) targets for corporate fleets, as outlined in its September position paper submitted in response to the Commission’s call for evidence. The Institute argued that such mandates risk imposing unrealistic burdens on operators without adequate consideration of infrastructure readiness or operational feasibility.
The meeting concluded with a focus on decarbonisation, particularly the European Commission’s consultation on revising CO₂ standards for light-duty vehicles. CLECAT shared its forthcoming position paper, emphasising the need for realistic and achievable targets, as well as enabling conditions for the uptake of zero-emission solutions for commercial vehicles.