Smart Tachographs for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. What are your solutions for express transport? (Part 2) 🚚

In the first part of our article, we introduced the topic of smart tachographs and outlined the reality awaiting European logistics starting July 1, 2026. Under the European legislation (the so-called Mobility Package), all vehicles with a total weight between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes engaged in international transport will be required to use smart tachographs.

The fundamental challenge facing the market is time. By law, van drivers are subject to strict rules on mandatory safety breaks and rest periods. Express delivery, which has primarily relied on transiting Europe without major delays, will naturally see extended lead times.

At SWIDA Innovative, we aren’t just waiting around. Based on market research and data analysis, we have developed strategic solutions for our clients to keep cargo moving even after the legislative changes take effect.

How can you avoid delays? We have 3 solutions for you.

When a driver is legally required to rest, we have two primary ways to maintain delivery continuity (excluding the premium capacity-limited option of using double-crew vans).

Solution 1: Transition to Vehicles under 2.5 Tonnes 

The new European regulation applies to vehicles over 2.5 tonnes. One of the simplest solutions for smaller, urgent shipments is splitting the cargo into smaller volumes. This allows the use of vehicles (e.g., pickups and small vans) with a total gross weight that does not exceed this limit.

• Advantage: These vehicle types are not currently subject to tachograph rest rules, which means they retain their original flexibility and delivery speed.
• Disadvantage: Limited capacity. This is ideal for smaller volumes/weights, but larger shipments would require multiple vehicles, leading to higher transport costs.

Solution 2: The “Pit Stop” Strategy (On-route Transhipment)

This solution is for you if you need to transport a standard van volume but cannot afford to wait. The goods are transferred from the first van to a second one at a strategically located warehouse along the route, featuring a fresh, well-rested driver.

• Advantage: Instead of your cargo sitting in a parking lot for 9 to 11 hours due to mandatory rest, it continues moving with a new driver. This effectively bypasses long legislative pauses.
• Challenge: While the “Pit Stop” avoids hours of sleep-related downtime, the physical handling of goods still extends transit time by approximately 1 to 2 hours. Depending on the distance (+1000 km), costs may double. This also requires proper coordination – the warehouse must have capacity for immediate transhipment, and the second vehicle must be on-site and ready.

Solution 3: National Transport. 

An interesting exception may be domestic (national) transport. However, a strict rule applies: the vehicle used must be registered in the specific country where the transport takes place.

Financial Summary

Legislative changes always bring price adjustments. Tachographs reduce overall vehicle efficiency, and any alternative that aims to compensate for this lost time incurs increased costs. Based on current market research and carrier planning, we estimate the following price trends from 2026:

• Standard Van with Mandatory Breaks: If the client accepts longer transit times and the driver adheres to legal rest periods, we estimate a 20-30% price increase depending on the route and destination.
• “Pit Stop” Strategy: Using a logistics hub and a second vehicle will bring a price increase of approximately 25-35% (costs can potentially double on certain long-distance routes). However, you regain the lost time.
• Splitting into <2.5t Vehicles: Using smaller vehicles ensures maximum speed, but due to lower volume efficiency, the price increase may be 30-40% higher. 

  *Note: These figures are qualified estimates based on current market data. The final situation will largely depend on vehicle availability and total demand at that time.

The introduction of tachographs for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes will change the rules of the game. At SWIDA, we pride ourselves on bringing solutions, not just problems. Thanks to our wide carrier network and advanced planning, we are ready to set up your shipments so they make sense – both in terms of time and cost.

Don’t waste time looking for solutions at the last minute – our experts will help you set up an optimal transport strategy tailored to your needs. Contact us today.