TRAVIS Talk Weekly: EU extends Chinese truck tyre tariffs | Tachograph card issues disrupt Spanish transport
Welcome to this week's edition of TRAVIS Talk
We’ve collected the latest news and insights to keep you informed about what’s happening in the industry. Dive into the updates that matter to you!
ON THE ROAD
EU extends Chinese truck tyre tariffs
The European Commission has officially extended the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on truck and bus tyres imported from China, with rates ranging from €21.12 to €78.90 per tyre. This decision, published on 16 January 2025, follows a thorough investigation involving both European retread tyre producers and sampled Chinese manufacturers such as Giti and Hankook. The updated tariffs are aimed at addressing concerns over unfair pricing and subsidies that have affected the EU market since the original measures were introduced in 2018. Despite previous legal challenges, the Commission's renewed enforcement seeks to ensure fair competition within the European tyre industry. More details on the specific tariffs for individual manufacturers can be found in the Commission's latest regulations.
Tachograph card issues disrupt Spanish transport operations
Spanish drivers and transport operators are facing disruptions due to incompatibility issues between tachograph cards issued before August 2023 and the new second-generation smart tachographs. These older cards fail to accurately log rest periods and do not support the automatic border-crossing registration feature, which is mandatory for international transport from January 1, 2025. As a result, drivers risk fines and operational inefficiencies, prompting industry bodies like FROET to advise immediate replacement with updated cards marked with the e9-07 code. The transition to the new tachograph system highlights the need for transport operators to stay up to date with evolving regulatory requirements.
MARKET UPDATES
IRU explores future of driver assistance systems in road transport
The IRU recently hosted its first Technology and Innovation Roundtable, bringing together industry leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in commercial road transport. With safety at the forefront—considering that human error contributes to 85% of road accidents—ADAS technologies, which leverage sensors and AI to support drivers in tasks like lane centring and automatic braking, were a key focus. The roundtable also addressed broader topics such as digital border processes and AI-driven route optimisation. Insights from the event will contribute to IRU’s advocacy efforts within the UNECE Group of Experts, which is working on regulatory frameworks for automated driving systems. Upcoming discussions within IRU’s Commission on Technical Affairs will further shape the organization’s stance on advancing road transport safety and efficiency.
INNOVATIVE TRANSPORTATION
BSI sets new standards for HGV charging sites
The British Standards Institution (BSI) has introduced BSI Flex 2071 2.0, a new code of practice to standardise HGV charging infrastructure at motorway service areas and truck stops. The guidelines cover site layouts, vehicle segregation, and public access, ensuring safe and efficient deployment. Industry stakeholders welcome the standards as a key step toward supporting the transition to battery-electric HGVs and meeting Net Zero goals.
Read more >> finance.yahoo.com
XPO Logistics and SKF boost sustainability with electric truck
XPO Logistics and SKF are enhancing their partnership by introducing a fully electric truck for SKF product transport in France. This move supports their sustainability goals by cutting emissions and improving environmental impact. XPO plans to expand its electric fleet, while SKF aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 through various green initiatives.
Read more >> europenews.xpo.com
Upcoming events
LogiMAT - 11-13 March - Germany
Multimodaal Transport Expo - 13 March - Netherlands
SiTL - 1 -3 April - France
Transport Scandinavia - 3-5 April - Denmark
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