NEW EU REGULATIONS AND DIRECTIVES FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT

For several years, the EU has been discussing changes to the regulations for international transport under the name Mobility Package 1. The purpose of the new regulations is to be able to influence and harmonize the market and working conditions for drivers. Clear rules must eliminate illegal practices and ensure safer compliance with new regulations and directives.

The changes have been dealt with in Mobility Package 1 and have been divided into different steps. Two regulations and one directive are affected:

• A regulation regulating access to the market for road freight transport and the conduct of freight transport activities or passenger transport by road
• A regulation on the longest permitted driving time and shortest rest period as well as position determination with the help of tachographs
• A directive on the review of supervisory requirements and the establishment of rules on the posting of drivers

Mobility package 1 was voted through in the European Parliament on 8 July. The vote gave final approval to this comprehensive agreement between EU Member States.

Driving and rest times, which is the first regulation, entered into force on 20 August and means, among other things, that:  

• Carriers shall organize the work of drivers so that, within four consecutive weeks, the driver can return to the employer's workplace where the driver is normally stationed and where his weekly rest begins, in the Member State where the employer is established, or return to his place of residence, spend at least one normal weekly rest or a weekly rest of more than 45 hours taken as compensation for reduced weekly rest. 
• The regular weekly rest and longer rest period cannot be spent in vehicles or in a parking area but only in suitable accommodation. 

At DHL Freight we are generally positive about the new rules that will ensure better working conditions for drivers. We act of course on the basis of the new regulation and thus plan for our customers' transports in the best way. It is also our responsibility to inform that the changeover may affect both transport times and increased transport costs beyond our control. In cases where we feel compelled, we reserve the right to pass on these costs. Regarding the scope of this, we will come back to you. 

With regard to other EU proposals, we will come back with more information when these become relevant.

In the coming weeks, the control authorities in individual EU countries are expected to present guidelines and clarifications regarding amendments to the regulation concerning driving and rest times.

Mobility package 1 consists of several parts, which will involve further changes. These will be implemented earliest after 18 months and we will keep you informed.

We follow the development and will update our website; https://www.dhl.se/freight with new information as time goes on.

Sincerely,

DHL Freight Sweden