The Commission proposed measures to make freight transport more efficient and more sustainable, by improving rail infrastructure management, offering stronger incentives for low-emission lorries, and better information on freight transport greenhouse gas emissions. According to the European Commission, the aim is to increase efficiency within the sector, helping it to contribute to the target of cutting transport emissions by 90% by 2050, as set out in the European Green Deal, while allowing the EU single market to continue growing.

More than 50% of freight is carried by road in the EU (2020 figures), and this transport is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Proposal revises these rules to allow additional weight for vehicles using zero-emission technologies, as they tend to increase a vehicle's weight. This will incentivise the take-up of cleaner vehicles and technologies. Once the technology develops and and zero-emission propulsion systems become lighter, thanks also to the use of aerodynamic devices and cabs, cleaner vehicles will benefit from additional loading payload in comparison to conventional lorries.

The uptake of more aerodynamic cabins and other energy-saving devices will also be encouraged, not only improving driver comfort and safety, but also increasing the efficiency of zero-emission powertrains – meaning the mechanism that transmits the power from the engine to move the vehicle.

The proposal will also provide clarity on the use in cross-border traffic, in certain conditions, of heavier and longer vehicles, which are allowed today in some Member States. This includes clarifying that Member Stated who allow European Modular Systems (EMS) in their territories, will also be able to use them in international operations among these neighboring Member States.

To encourage intermodal transport, whereby goods are moved using two or more transport modes but with a standardised cargo unit (like a container trailer or other), lorries, trailers and semitrailers will be allowed to carry extra weight. Extra height will also facilitate the transport of high-cube containers by standard vehicles.

The associations had already called for a review of these measures. Therefore, Green group Transport & Environment (T&E) welcomed the decision to support greener trucking by increasing weight limits under the EU Weights and Dimensions Directive. For them, this proposal to increase weight limits will ensure electric trucks can serve long-haul routes without having to lighten their cargo load. After the law enters into force, electric or hydrogen trucks could weigh up to 2 tonnes more.

Bernardo Galantini, freight officer at T&E, said: “Electric trucks with ranges of around 500 km are coming to the market in the next two years. The extra weight allowance will accelerate their roll-out by ensuring that no payload will be lost to accommodate batteries. This will make long-haul electric trucks more attractive to hauliers and shippers.”

Hydrogen Europe also welcomes the new proposal and the provisions for the increased weight limit for zero emission trucks being set at 44 tonnes as this will provide significant support to the uptake of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles in commercial freight operations.

“Higher weight limits, additional axle loads and larger dimensions for zero emission heavy-duty vehicles will surely give more options for future development to vehicle manufacturers, encourage fleet operators to switch to hydrogen trucks and buses, thus contributing to lowering of GHG emissions from road transport. Hydrogen powered heavy-duty vehicles will become even more attractive to transport companies,” said Darko Levicar, Director for Mobility at Hydrogen Europe.

More efficient use of rail capacity

The proposed Regulation will optimise the use of rail tracks, improve cross-border coordination, increase punctuality and reliability, and ultimately attract more freight companies to rail. Passengers will benefit from additional rail services as the capacity of the network will be better used, impacting positively the cross-border services by enabling more frequent connections and earlier ticket booking, among others.

Proposal for a regulation on the use of railway infrastructure capacity in the single European railway area builds on the industry-led Timetable Redesign Project. The aim is to better respond to the different needs of the rail sector: stable timetables and early booking of tickets for passenger services, and flexible train runs adapted to just-in-time supply chains for freight shippers.

CountEmissionsEU: comparing carbon footprints

The Commission also proposed a common methodological approach for companies to calculate their greenhouse gas emissions if they choose to publish this information, or if they are asked to share it for contractual reasons. The proposed methodology is based on the recently adopted ISO/CEN standard for the quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions arising from the operation of transport chains of passengers and freight. Reliable data on door-to-door emissions will enable operators to benchmark their services and allow consumers to make informed choices on transport and delivery options.