ECG — 2025-12-05
News from ECG
The EU Council has adopted its general position on the revision of the Weights & Dimensions Directive (W&D), marking an important step forward for the finished vehicle logistics (FVL) sector. Central to the agreement is the introduction of Article 8c, which will formally allow vehicle transporters to operate at a 20.75m loaded length across the EU.
The revision of the W&D Directive forms part of the EU’s broader effort to modernise freight rules, enhance efficiency and support zero-emission HDVs by allowing additional weight and length where appropriate. For the FVL industry, Article 8c is one of the most impactful provisions, addressing long-standing operational constraints for vehicle transporters. For years, divergent national exemptions have complicated cross-border operations.
The new 20.75m standard, long advocated by ECG, offers long-needed harmonisation and better reflects operational realities.
“As ECG, we fully support the efforts of the Danish Presidency in bringing this issue forward. We have advocated for this change for more than two decades while operating in a fragmented market. At last, we are one step closer to harmonisation after years of complex negotiations,” says Frank Schnelle, Executive Director, ECG.
“A harmonisation of the loaded length up to 20.75m will mean better loading efficiency, fewer unnecessary journeys and smoother cross-border operations, all of which support lower emissions and a more competitive industry,” Schnelle adds.
However, some elements of the Directive would benefit from clearer definitions to avoid potential differences in interpretation among Member States. Ensuring that wording leaves no room for divergent application will be essential to achieving the consistent enforcement that the revision aims for. ECG outlines these considerations in its briefing paper, available here.
With the Council position now established, negotiations with the European Parliament and the Commission will begin. The upcoming trilogues, expected to last several months, will be crucial for refining technical specifications, ensuring a truly harmonised EU framework and providing legal certainty for operators. Once a final agreement is reached, Member States will have up to 24 months to transpose the rules into national law.
“As the Directive now moves into trilogues, it is vital that the final agreement removes any ambiguity, enabling Member States to apply the rules consistently,” Schnelle says.