What will happen to “light” transport after the changes on July 1, 2026?


The Mobility Package has caused considerable turmoil in the transport market since its implementation in 2020. The changes that came into force in 2022 were particularly significant and continue to stir up a lot of emotion. 

In 2026, regulations affecting “light” transport, i.e., vehicles with a GVW of 2.5t to 3.5t, will come into force.

This will require the installation of G2V2 smart tachographs and the recording of working time in accordance with, among others, Regulation 561/2006 EC, which will significantly affect the operational processes of transport companies, and further on, the prices of services and the time of performing transport services.

We asked our experts, who manage a fleet of up to 3.5 tons on a daily basis, about the consequences for the industry and customers.


What challenges will the introduction of tachographs create in the operation of a bus fleet?

 

As the Transbed&Strada group, we operate a fleet of 50 vehicles with a GVW of up to 3.5t, mostly working on regular routes with large contractors in the e-commerce industry. The planned changes will pose a significant organizational challenge for both transport coordinators and drivers themselves.

The new regulations will not only affect the way logistics operations are planned and carried out, but will also translate into increased costs for businesses and drivers.

Compliance with the regulations will require additional formalities, training, and investment, which may consequently lengthen delivery times and increase their cost.

Ultimately, the effects of these changes will also be felt by the end consumer, for whom the prices of transport and courier services may increase. Furthermore, in the long term, market consolidation, particularly in the smaller business segment, seems inevitable.

Let's start with the basics. The installation of second-generation smart tachographs (G2V2) in vehicles with a GVW of 2.5t to 3.5t used in international transport is not just a matter of the cost of the device itself. It is also a complex logistical operation, requiring adequate planning of time for installation, tachograph legalization, and preparation of drivers to work under the new legal regime.

It is necessary not only to train drivers in the use of the tachograph, but also to familiarize them with the rules set out in Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006.

 

Drivers of vehicles up to 3.5 tons have not previously undergone specialized training in this area and often have no experience working with tachographs. An additional element of the entire process is the need to obtain driver cards and adapt internal company procedures to the new recording obligations.

The market is only slowly preparing for changes in the context of the installation and commissioning of tachographs in buses. From our perspective, it is reacting too slowly to these revolutionary changes.

 

Could these changes make it more difficult to recruit and retain drivers?

 

Yes, definitely. Unfortunately, the industry is already struggling with a shortage of workers, and the new formal obligations may exacerbate this problem.

Until now, employees were required to have experience in driving vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of up to 3.5 tons, i.e., a category B driver's license. This year, the situation will change dramatically, as drivers will have to bear the cost of obtaining a driver card, which may be a deterrent for those who are just planning to “try their hand” at international transport.

Secondly, drivers will have to undergo a series of additional on-the-job training courses related to the use of tachographs and working time in accordance with Regulation 561/2006 EC, which may cause organizational problems given the high turnover rate.

The new regulations also mean a change in the daily reality of drivers' work. During their free time, they will not be able to move freely with their vehicles, which will limit the flexibility that light transport has offered so far. Given the specific nature of this work, which involves limited space for operation and the need to plan stops and purchases in specific locations, this change may be noticeable.

In addition, more intensive roadside checks are to be expected, which will also affect the comfort of performing the job. Combined with growing regulatory pressure, this situation may translate into higher employee turnover and difficulties in attracting new candidates to work in this segment.