HE highway transports logistics sits at the heart of ongoing discussions as Europe moves toward a final regulatory framework. The European Commission is preparing a new directive on weights and dimensions to enable 44-ton trucks to operate more broadly within the EU and across megatruck configurations. Today, 13 member states permit 44-ton cargo on heavy goods vehicles, while 10 countries allow 60-ton Euromodular vehicles. In the coming weeks, the Commission will propose harmonized rules to align national standards, streamline cross‑border transport, and advance energy efficiency and emissions reductions by upgrading freight fleets and vehicles.
Fenadismer, the general secretary, noted that Spain currently has about 270,000 heavy public transport vehicles, including roughly 85,000 trucks and 115,000 articulated trucks (tractor units with semi-trailers). He observed that the shift in Community regulations is unlikely to demand significant investments from vehicle owners, since the move from 40 to 44 tonnes does not require major technical changes for most trucks.
Regarding megatrucks and large articulated vehicles, Fenadismer estimates the number in use is in the low hundreds. Spanish government proposals under development would ease some entry requirements for these special vehicles, but in practice they will remain a very small share of the overall transport fleet because their configuration limits road access, meaning a rise toward a thousand units in the near term is unlikely, according to Gil.
The majority of carriers in Spain favor introducing the larger 60-ton trucks, but opinions are more cautious among self-employed operators who face higher purchase costs. The largest firms can absorb the cost, while smaller operators may struggle. Each megatruck can carry a maximum load of 60 tonnes, compared with a standard 40-ton capacity. The potential savings come from carrying more cargo per trip, which can reduce emissions by around 20 percent relative to a conventional 40-ton setup. Real savings depend on variables such as distance, cargo weight, and route grade, making precise projections case by case.
Autonomous hauliers, owning one or more trucks, worry that a surge in massive one‑piece articulated vehicles could threaten livelihoods by reducing vehicle availability and limiting ownership to larger firms due to higher upfront costs.
The European Commission highlighted existing fragmentation in the market for overweight and long vehicles, caused by a patchwork of national rules, varying requirements, and separate authorization systems. The Commission also pointed to a lack of alternative fuels or electric power options, as well as limited aerodynamic improvements and lower consumption technologies. A practical path forward is seen in simplifying cross-border traffic regulations to remove barriers.
Officials note that current EU rules constrain the full potential of longer combinations under the European modular system, which could unlock greener logistics. The fragmentation also affects related areas such as intermodal transport and vehicle carriers, resulting in efficiency losses. In this context, rail transport is viewed as a key partner for Europe’s logistics network because it often offers lower costs, reduced emissions, and safer operations.
automatic authorization
The Commission argues for updating European regulations to harmonize the framework and to introduce an automatic authorisation process among neighboring member states for cross-border operation with heavier or longer vehicles. The aim is to standardize maximum weights and dimensions with broadly accepted limits. At present, 13 member states permit the 44-ton configuration, which allows a loaded length of 20.75 meters and supports European modular systems up to 25.25 meters long and 60 tonnes for mega trucks.
The Ministry of Transport has, since December 2021, pursued agreements with carrier associations to phase out the 44-ton Spanish fleet gradually, while simplifying authorization and roaming procedures for megatrucks and duotrailers. There is ongoing technical dialogue with the associations that constitute the National Road Transport Committee to secure further approvals in the coming months.