Navigating the Future of Transport: Emerging Regulations and Sustainability

By Rogier Laan, VP of Sales & Marketing at TIP Group

The transport sector is in the middle of a big shake-up, with new regulations popping up, aimed at making our roads safer and our operations greener. As these changes come our way, it's important for all of us in the industry to really understand what they mean and how we can turn them into opportunities. In this blog, I want to share some thoughts on navigating these key regulatory changes we're seeing.

TPMS Regulations: A Step Towards Enhanced Safety

Introducing Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) for trailers from July 6, 2024 is a big step forward in road safety. According to the regulations, all trailers registered after this date must be equipped with TPMS technology. This technology alerts drivers when tyre pressure is too low, helping prevent blowouts. After all, when you get that warning light on your dashboard, you won’t ignore it, right? And it’s not just about safety—low tyre pressure also increases fuel consumption, so TPMS helps save on fuel costs and reduces environmental impact.

The big question is: who’s going to check that the TPMS is installed and working properly after registration, and during the vehicle’s life? Will it be part of the MOT, or will another process handle it? Right now, the practical details are still a bit vague, which makes it tricky for operators trying to prepare. We’ve seen this before, like when mobile phone use while driving became illegal. It took a while for enforcement to catch up, but once it did, we all adjusted. Hopefully, the same will happen here, but it’s something to keep an eye on.

VECTO Regulations: Assessing the Impact on Trailers

VECTO regulations, which measure vehicle energy consumption, are already being applied to trucks, and it looks like trailers are next! What does this mean, you wonder? The VECTO legislation that will take effect in five years will mandate that manufacturers achieve a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions for trailers (relative to 2020), which may consequentially lead to an increase in their prices. This is all about reducing the environmental impact, which sounds great on paper. But here's the thing: trailers don’t produce emissions directly (except reefers, due to their engine). The legislation should focus on trucks and reefers, which have engines that emit CO2, while stimulating the use of e-trailers.

By focusing on weight and aerodynamics for trailers that don’t emit CO2, the regulations risk causing unintended problems. For example, if trailers get too light, operators might load them up even more, which could cancel out any environmental benefits. In other words, lighter trailers might encourage operators to increase payloads, potentially offsetting any reductions in fuel consumption and emissions from reduced trailer weight. And let’s not forget about rail transport—making trailers too aerodynamic could mean they don’t fit on trains anymore, which is a step backward, as it means greater reliance on less efficient and less sustainable road transport. About 30% of trailers have rail capabilities, so that’s a big deal! The faster wear and tear of lighter trailers would also mean more frequent replacements, increasing resource use and waste.

These unintended consequences highlight the dire need for a balanced approach —one that focuses on vehicles that emit CO2, like trucks and reefers, while ensuring that sustainability efforts for trailers account for their full life cycle and operational context.

Challenges and Opportunities with Periodical Technical Inspection (PTI)

The PTI is a mandatory roadworthiness test for trailers, required by all EU member states. While it’s essential for safety, the current system is a real headache since the safety inspection must be carried out in the trailer’s country of registration. How inefficient is that, especially for those operating internationally? It’s not just a waste of time, it’s bad for the environment too, with all those unnecessary emissions from extra travel.

The mobility pack, introduced in February 2022, requires trucks to return to their place of registration every eight weeks. While this helps ensure regulatory compliance, it can temporarily remove resources from supply chains and lead to higher emissions. Thankfully, trailers are exempt from this rule, allowing more cross-border flexibility. However, the requirement for PTI inspections to be done only in the trailer’s country of registration remains a challenge, limiting efficiency. It just feels like there’s got to be a better way.

Fortunately, more and more people are backing the idea of mutual recognition of PTI standards across Europe. The Belgian and Dutch governments are taking the lead, with a Belgian workshop conducting PTI for Dutch-registered trailers. In addition, the Netherlands and Spain are collaborating and testing this approach, reflecting a shared commitment to safer and more efficient trailer inspections. These ingenious initiatives are a crucial step towards mutual PTI adoption, and highlights its effectiveness in ensuring compliance while cutting down on unnecessary travel and CO2 emissions.

Organizations like the European Transport Board (ETB) and the Technical Road Transport Association (TRTA) are also sharing valuable insights that are spurring the need for re-evaluation of the current norms. Imagine being able to get your trailer inspected in any member state in the future. It would make life easier for operators, cut down on emissions, and boost efficiency. Sounds like a win-win !

Leveraging Technology for Compliance

Embracing new tech is key to staying on top of these evolving regulations. Current PTI procedures require the vehicle to be physically present at the testing station for inspection. Adopting digital solutions can help transcend this barrier. Telematics, for example, lets you keep an eye on vehicle performance remotely, whether it’s tyre pressure or brake efficiency. Not only does this help with compliance, but it also boosts safety and makes operations run smoother by eliminating geographical constraints.

A great example of innovative technology in practice is in the UK, where the integration of EBPMS (Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring System) technology into legislation allows for more streamlined inspections and greater compliance with safety standards. However, while these technologies are promising, they still face different regulations in different countries. Although this technology has gained traction in Germany, it has yet to take off in the Netherlands.

And let’s talk about electrification. It has almost become the standard for last-mile delivery, and operators in our industry are keen to move in that direction, but the infrastructure is inadequate, particularly in less urban areas, which can disrupt logistics and efficiency. Additionally, one of the biggest challenges for fleet operators is developing a solid financial business case for transitioning to electric vehicles. The high initial costs of electric vehicles and the necessary charging setups can be a barrier for many companies.

It’s worth noting that electric vehicles produce zero CO2 emissions, making them a cleaner alternative compared to traditional vehicles. In contrast, while vehicles using biofuels do help reduce emissions, they still produce some CO2. Although technological advancements are rapidly improving battery life and charging speeds, regulatory frameworks are struggling to keep up. To support widespread adoption, regulators need to invest more in charging infrastructure and offer incentives to reduce the financial burden on companies. Addressing these issues will be crucial for making electrification a viable and efficient option for the industry. As we move forward, we see new models entering our industry that are reducing risks for operators.

Looking Ahead: Future Regulations and Strategic Preparation

There are some big changes on the horizon, especially with VECTO for trailers and the push for electrification. The idea that trailer prices could double due to VECTO regulations is worrying, not to mention the infrastructure challenges that come with electrification. To navigate these upcoming changes, companies should start by assessing their current fleet and operations for VECTO compliance and electrification readiness. Investing in staff training and new technologies will be crucial. Collaborating with industry partners can help address challenges while planning for infrastructure upgrades and budgeting for potential cost increases will ensure a smoother transition. Proactive steps now will help companies stay competitive and meet future sustainability standards.

Exploring Practical Solutions for Immediate Impact

While all this high-tech stuff is exciting, sometimes the simplest and most practical solutions can have the biggest impact. Did you know that one of the most transported things in the world is air? This is because so many trailers are running empty on return trips. If we could fill those trailers with goods instead, we’d make huge strides in sustainability. However, in order to do that, we need better cooperation between operators across Europe. Isolation spells doom for possibilities, and collaboration is the clear way forward. And with the driver shortage being as bad as it is (together, the EU, Norway, and the UK are short by about 230,000 drivers according to the IRU!), it’s more important than ever to be efficient. And what about Super Eco Combinations—two trailers towed by one truck? That could increase capacity by 100%, cut emissions by 40%, and help with the driver shortage. It’s quite reasonable to expect that the success of the Eco Combination trucks has quite pertinently laid the way for more widespread adoption of the Super Eco Combination. If we could roll out these solutions on selected European roads with skilled drivers, we’d see some quick wins while we work on the bigger, long-term changes.

In the end, navigating the future of transport is all about finding the right balance. This industry is renowned for thinking on its feet and being creative with solutions, but now more than ever, we need to stay on top of regulatory changes and cleverly turn challenges into opportunities. At TIP Group, as active participants in the ETB, we believe it's crucial to highlight and advocate for key topics that significantly impact the transport sector. By keeping informed, embracing new technologies, and advocating for practical solutions, we can make sure that the industry moves forward in a way that benefits both us and the environment.

Reach out to Rogier at https://www.europeantransportboard.com/contact to know more!