Spain’s 44-tonne truck reform sparks row over fair cost-sharing

The updated regulation—published in Spain’s Official State Gazette (BOE)—modifies Annex IX of the General Vehicle Regulations, making the 44-tonne limit official. The change is part of a broader agreement between Spain’s Ministry of Transport and the National Road Transport Committee (CNTC), a sectoral body in which CETM plays a key role.

While the higher weight limit is expected to improve efficiency—especially for shippers—CETM warns that without legally binding guarantees to share the extra costs fairly, the reform could have serious consequences for road hauliers.

Promises made, but not delivered?

The 44-tonne weight limit was part of a wider package negotiated back in 2021. It included several concessions aimed at improving working conditions and profitability in the road haulage sector, such as:

• A ban on requiring drivers to load and unload their own vehicles

• Reduced waiting times at loading bays

• Automatic price adjustment clauses based on fuel costs

• Opposition to new tolls unless agreed by the sector

• Monthly refunds of professional diesel tax

CETM says it only accepted the increased weight limit on the condition that haulage contracts would be adjusted to reflect the higher operating costs, and that a transition period would be introduced to protect businesses. However, the organisation says these safeguards were omitted from the final regulation, despite being discussed with the government.

“It is unacceptable that these guarantees have not been included,” CETM said in a statement, adding that without them, the increased costs “will fall entirely on carriers.”

Up to 8% cost increase for hauliers

Although transporting more tonnes per vehicle may seem cost-efficient at first glance, studies cited by CETM suggest that the shift to 44 tonnes could raise vehicle operating costs by more than 8% per kilometre, due to heavier loads causing:

• Higher fuel consumption

• Faster wear on tyres and brakes

• Longer loading and unloading times

• Stricter technical requirements for vehicles and infrastructure

Meanwhile, shippers stand to gain a nearly 9% productivity boost, thanks to lower cost per tonne transported. CETM insists that this imbalance is unsustainable unless the regulation is accompanied by mandatory cost-sharing mechanisms.

Limited to Spain, for now

Another complication is the reform’s limited geographic scope. Since there is no EU-wide agreement on 44-tonne operations, the change currently only applies to domestic transport within Spain. Cross-border journeys are still subject to the regulations of other member states, some of which limit trucks to 40 tonnes.

As a result, CETM is also calling for a clearer strategy on international transport operations, including harmonisation at the European level.

CETM’s demands

To restore confidence in the reform, CETM is urging the Spanish Ministry of Transport to:

• Honour the original agreements made with the sector

• Include mandatory clauses in transport contracts to reflect rising costs

• Make cost review clauses legally binding in the new regulations

“CETM has fulfilled its commitments. Now it’s time for the Ministry to do the same,” the federation said, warning that a fair and balanced implementation is essential to safeguard the viability of road haulage in Spain.

Without these protections, CETM concludes, the reform risks undermining the very sector it aims to modernise.