New EU Regulations Put Pressure On Light Vehicle Availability
Since July 1st, light commercial vehicles and vans operating internationally within the EU have become subject to tachograph requirements, drivers’ hours rules and additional compliance obligations.
The changes apply to vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of more than 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes when used for international goods transport. Previously, these requirements only applied to vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes.
Introduced as part of the EU Mobility Package, the legislation is intended to improve road safety, support fair competition and strengthen compliance across the European road transport sector. Drivers must now accurately record their driving time, other work, breaks and rest periods using a second-generation smart tachograph.
For operators specialising in dedicated vans, express deliveries and time-critical transport, preparing for the changes has required significant planning, investment and driver training.
The opening weeks of the new regulations have demonstrated just how challenging major regulatory changes can be in practice. One of the most noticeable consequences has been a squeeze on small-vehicle availability at a time when demand for urgent European transport remains high.
Some operators had not installed the required tachographs before the deadline, temporarily removing vehicles from the market, while others chose to withdraw from this type of international work altogether.
Although capacity remains below demand, availability is gradually improving as more compliant vehicles enter or return to service.
Atlantic Pacific’s experienced European logistics team continues to monitor the situation closely, working proactively to secure capacity and minimise disruption across customers’ supply chains.
