Tzitzikostas claims 1 billion euros can be saved with new freight regulation
- The new electronic freight transport information regulation aims to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucracy in the EU's freight transport sector.
- Implementation is expected to save €1 billion annually for businesses across the transport and logistics sector.
- This regulation represents a significant step towards digital transformation and sustainability in the EU transport system.
On January 9, 2025, the European Union began implementing a significant overhaul of its freight transport regulations known as the electronic freight transport information regulation (eFTI). This regulation aims to streamline operations across the freight sector, enhancing digital transformation and efficiency within the industry. The European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, highlighted that this transition represents a major advancement for the transportation sector, which is critical to the economy. By substituting paper documentation with electronic data across various transport methods—road, rail, inland waterway, and air—businesses are expected to save approximately €1 billion annually in operational and administrative costs. Additionally, the eFTI initiative is intended to reduce bureaucratic barriers for companies engaged in freight transport. The regulation establishes common standards and encourages system interoperability, which is expected to facilitate paperless transport throughout the European Union. By improving data exchange between businesses, companies can better plan supplies, vehicle loading, and transport routes, resulting in a more robust and reliable supply chain. For EU member states, the implications of the new regulation are equally beneficial. It is expected to simplify compliance checks significantly and reduce the need for physical inspections. As a consequence, higher data quality and better monitoring capabilities will arise, allowing for enhanced enforcement of freight transport policies. This approach aligns with broader objectives aimed at promoting environmentally friendlier transport methods alongside improved competitiveness of EU logistics. Overall, the introduction of the eFTI marks a pivotal moment in the transformation of freight transport within the European Union, striving to position it as a leader in sustainable transport solutions and a more efficient economy.