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Romania has introduced new legislation prohibiting professional truck drivers from carrying out loading and unloading operations for heavy goods vehicles, aligning its rules with similar measures already in force in Spain. The new law applies to commercial road transport using vehicles with a maximum authorised weight exceeding 12.5 tonnes. Under the legislation, consignors, consignees and other parties involved in the transport chain may no longer require professional drivers—including foreign drivers—to load or unload goods, pallets or packaging.

The measure is intended to improve drivers' working conditions and reduce the physical burden associated with loading operations by clearly distinguishing between driving duties and cargo handling activities. Limited exceptions apply to certain types of specialised transport where loading or unloading forms an integral part of the transport operation. Companies failing to comply with the new rules face fines of up to €3,800.  Freight forwarders and logistics companies organising transport to and from Romania should therefore ensure that loading and unloading responsibilities are clearly allocated and that local operational procedures comply with the new legal requirements.