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CLECAT calls on the European Parliament and Council to finalise trilogues on the revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive by December 2026, under the Irish Presidency of the Council. A swift agreement is key to enabling the transition to zero-emission trucks (ZETs) and improving the efficiency of European freight transport.

Companies in the freight and logistics sector support this transition, but depend on regulatory measures, including moderate additional weight allowances, to ensure a level playing field with diesel vehicles. CLECAT urges negotiators to ensure at least two and four tonnes of additional weight for five- and six-axle combinations respectively, together with a minimum drive-axle weight limit of 11.5 tonnes. These allowances are essential to compensate for heavier technology and avoid a loss of cargo capacity in weight-sensitive operations.

The revision must also deliver immediate efficiency gains. CLECAT reiterates its call to allow cross-border operations at 44 tonnes between Member States that already permit these weights domestically, without restricting this possibility to ZETs. A truck permitted to operate at 44 tonnes on both sides of a border should be able to cross that border at the same weight.

The forthcoming trilogues are the opportunity to remove this unnecessary Single Market barrier, reduce additional journeys and costs, and support efficient freight transport, including the road legs of combined transport operations.