European Transport Update: Compliance Gaps and Rail Strikes in July 2026
22 July 2026 · EN · NL · DE · FR
European Transport Update: Compliance Gaps and Rail Strikes in July 2026
This week's European transport update focuses on what has genuinely changed since our last roundup: a stalled rollout of the new van tachograph rules, the EU's paperless-freight (eFTI) deadline drawing nearer, fresh rail disruption in Italy, and growing pressure to harmonise road tolls across the bloc.
Van Tachograph Compliance Still Lags
The EU rule requiring smart tachographs (G2V2) and HGV-style driving and rest-time limits for vans between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes in international transport has applied since 1 July 2026. New data shows how unprepared the sector was: an IRU survey found only 27.7% of light-vehicle operators said they would be ready before the deadline, citing workshop shortages and installation costs.
What this means for carriers: with the rule now in force, expect uneven compliance across the market and closer roadside scrutiny of van fleets. Operators still catching up should prioritise tachograph installation and digitise driver-time and delivery records now to limit exposure during checks.
eFTI Deadline Moves Closer
The European Commission is finalising technical specifications for certified eFTI platforms under Regulation (EU) 2020/1056. From 9 July 2027, all member-state authorities will be required to accept electronic freight transport information instead of paper documents.
What this means for shippers and carriers: businesses still relying on paper CMR notes and delivery documents have roughly a year left to move to certified electronic exchange. Starting the transition now, rather than waiting for the deadline, avoids a last-minute scramble.
Italian Rail Freight Hit by Strikes and a New Closure
Italian rail freight took further hits this month. DB Cargo Italia staff struck for eight hours in Lombardy on 2 July, and Captrain Italia freight-rail employees held a national strike on 10 July. On top of the previously reported Brenner Corridor works, a second closure on the Peri-Domegliara section is running from 20 to 27 July, adding further pressure on the alternative routes already absorbing Brenner traffic and prompting surcharges on affected bookings.
What this means for shippers routing through Italy: build in extra schedule buffer through the end of July and confirm surcharge terms with rail partners before booking, since capacity on alternative routes is now doubly constrained.
Pressure Builds for Harmonised Tolling
CO2-based road tolling is now live in Denmark, the Netherlands and Alsace, on top of existing charges. The EETS industry body AETIS is pushing for harmonised EU-wide tolling rules to reduce the administrative burden on carriers operating across multiple countries.
What this means for multi-country operators: a single harmonised system is not imminent, so expect to keep managing a patchwork of national toll schemes for now, but watch this space as AETIS lobbying continues.
The Bottom Line
Compliance deadlines and rail disruption are compounding rather than replacing each other this July. Carriers running vans internationally, shippers routing through Italy, and any business still on paper freight documents all have concrete reasons to act before the next deadline lands.
Sources
- Only 27.7% of van operators ready for July tachograph deadline
- eFTI Regulation approaches full mandatory application in 2027
- Italian rail freight strikes hit Lombardy and national networks
- Additional Italian rail closure compounds Brenner bottleneck
- Dutch and Alsace CO2-based toll schemes expand across Europe
Frequently asked questions
When did the EU tachograph rules for vans take effect, and are operators ready?
The rule applies since 1 July 2026 for vans between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes in international transport, requiring smart tachographs and HGV-style driving-time limits. An IRU survey found only 27.7% of operators said they would be ready before the deadline, citing workshop shortages and installation costs.
When must EU authorities accept electronic freight documents (eFTI)?
Under Regulation (EU) 2020/1056, all member-state authorities must accept certified electronic freight transport information by 9 July 2027. The European Commission is still finalising the technical specifications for certified eFTI platforms ahead of that deadline.
Why is Italian rail freight disrupted in July 2026?
DB Cargo Italia staff struck for eight hours in Lombardy on 2 July, and Captrain Italia held a national strike on 10 July. These strikes add to a second rail closure on the Peri-Domegliara section from 20 to 27 July, compounding pressure from ongoing Brenner Corridor works.
Is there a single EU-wide toll system for trucks?
Not yet. CO2-based tolling now runs in Denmark, the Netherlands and Alsace alongside existing national schemes, and the EETS body AETIS is lobbying for harmonised EU-wide rules, but carriers should expect to keep managing separate national toll systems for now.