COUNCIL REACHES GENERAL APPROACH ON W&D DIRECTIVE
Last week, Member States’ Permanent Representatives agreed on a general approach for the revision of the Weights & Dimensions Directive, set to be formally adopted during the upcoming Transport Council on 4 December.
The agreement introduces extra weight allowances for zero-emission trucks, permitting up to 4 tonnes for 6-axle combinations and 2 tonnes for other configurations, while capping the maximum allowed weight at 46 tonnes. It also maintains weight advantages for trucks involved in intermodal transport operations and simplifies provisions for European Modular System (EMS) vehicles, allowing cross-border operations between consenting Member States.
The Council’s approach enables cross-border movements of 44-tonne vehicles between Member States that already allow such weights at the national level, but such movements could only be performed by zero-emission and intermodal vehicles. CLECAT continues to advocate for the inclusion of heavier conventional vehicles in cross-border transport to ensure a level playing field and operational flexibility for the logistics sector.
This agreement sets the stage for trilogue negotiations with the European Parliament, which adopted its position in March 2024. CLECAT welcomes the progress and will continue to engage in the legislative process to ensure the final text supports both sustainability and the practical needs of the freight forwarding industry.