Road Freight Transport in Europe: Alternatives for Increasing Capacity

Abstract

AbstractTransport is a strategic sector of the European Union economy (about 5% of GDP) as it represents a significant source of jobs (5% of total employment), without forgetting its role in the proper implementation of the European single market. The volume of freight transport has grown in recent decades and is expected to continue to do so, with road freight transport contributing more than 75% of total inland freight transport in the European Union (EU) in 2020. Thus, more than three quarters (79%) of EU road freight transport in tonne-kilometres were carried by heavy goods vehicles with a maximum authorised mass above 30 tonnes. In addition, heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for about a quarter of the fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of the transport sector in the EU. To reduce emissions, the EU has proposed an increase in transport efficiency which, among other strategies, includes better use of freight capacity and longer and heavier trucks. Currently, the dimensions and weights of trucks in international transport on European roads are regulated by Directive (EU) 2015/719. The European Commission allows EU members to test different dimensions than those proposed in the directive (without unfair competition) in order to study different alternatives for more efficient, greener and safer transport. The general situation of the EU and neighbouring countries in the field of road freight transport will be analysed, considering some alternatives such as those proposed in the Scandinavian countries, the United Kingdom and Italy, and their impact on costs and carbon footprint.KeywordsHeavy good vehicleLarge good vehicleSustainability