Important changes in transport: Tachograpfs in vans 2026

Reduced vehicle availability, longer delivery times, price changes - here's how you can prepare and ensure continuity of supply chain today.

In recent months, we’ve been talking more and more with customers about the future of transportation in Europe. We know that the changes ahead may create uncertainty, which is why we want to share reliable information and support you in planning your deliveries thoughtfully.

Based on our analysis of the latest stage of the Mobility Package, we anticipate that maintaining smooth, uninterrupted deliveries will be possible mainly for large transportation companies.
The withdrawal of smaller carriers from the market may, in the coming years, lead to a shortage of available vehicles across Europe.

That’s why it’s worth making sure – already today – that you’re working with a carrier that has the right operational capacity and is prepared for what’s coming, so the continuity of your deliveries stays secure and predictable.

We also want to remind you that as of July 1, 2026, regulations will take effect in the European Union requiring the installation of G2V2 smart tachographs in vans (vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 2.5–3.5 t) used for international road transport of goods.

We encourage you to review the data and analyses
we’ve prepared - these are concrete insights that can help you plan the coming years with greater confidence.

Is this the end of express transport?

Many signs point to yes. Until now, the main advantage of vehicles up to 3.5 tons has been speed. Once the new rules take effect, you should be prepared for:

  • Longer – a route you can complete today in 14 hours may take up to 26 hours because of mandatory breaks and stops,
  • More expensive – hiring additional drivers can mean even doubling wage costs,
  • fewer transport options available within the same time windows as before,
  • an end to β€œfirefighting” – delays and unplanned add-on loads will be much harder to handle without risking compliance violations.

In recent months, we’ve had many in-depth conversations with both customers and companies in the transportation industry. We asked how well they understand the Mobility Package and whether they’re ready to implement it. The answers we’re hearing point to one thing: uncertainty dominates, and many don’t have a clear plan of action.

The conclusion is straightforward: if you start planning your supply chain only when a crisis hits, you should expect serious disruption.

The analysis is concerning.

In recent months, we’ve had many in-depth conversations with both customers and companies in the transportation industry. We asked how well they understand the Mobility Package and whether they’re ready to implement it. The answers we’re hearing point to one thing: uncertainty dominates, and many don’t have a clear plan of action.

What is the transportation industry saying today? From these conversations, it appears that:

  • many business owners are stepping away from international transport, limiting their activity to the domestic market,
  • some companies are considering shifting to heavy transport and investing in larger vehicles,
  • others openly talk about shutting down because under the new rules β€œtransport is no longer profitable,”
  • only a small number are planning to hire more people to ensure double staffing for each vehicle.

The common denominator is clear:
a retreat from international transport and a lack of stability.

And what are customers saying?

Here, the situation is even more difficult. Our analysis shows that 9 out of 10 customers don’t know exactly what changes are coming or what their consequences will be. Many can’t imagine giving up deliveries using vehicles up to 3.5 tons – while at the same time not realizing what costs and limitations this will involve.

This combination is alarming: lack of knowledge, lack of a plan, and no prepared alternative.

We don’t want to scare you. We want to help you prepare earlier - before the market does it for you through higher prices and reduced transport availability.

Forecast: lower efficiency, higher rates

Mandatory installation of smart tachographs, as well as servicing them, is an additional cost that is already being passed along to carriers. What’s more, the new regulations will meaningfully reduce the number of trips that can be completed within a driver’s working hours. That will directly translate into higher rates and longer delivery lead times.

In practice, this means:

  • Less – up to a 40% drop in kilometers driven (mandatory breaks and strict working-time limits),
  • Harder – less flexibility in route planning and responding to changes,
  • More expensive – a 30 – 45% increase in cost per kilometer (more intermediaries, higher operating costs).

Even if everything is running smoothly today, starting in July 2026 the current model may stop being effective.

We have good news for you.

We care about your business – we’re with you – so we’re not waiting until July. We’re already working on solutions that will help you maintain continuity of deliveries while also reducing costs and the risk of delays resulting from the upcoming changes.

We’re focused on flexibility and real alignment with your needs. That’s why we’ve developed a strategy to help you move through the changes efficiently, in compliance with regulations, and without unnecessary stress – step by step, with full support at every stage.

If you want to stay up to date and prepare your supply chain intentionally, stay in touch with us. Sign up for our newsletter and follow our social media channels. You can also find more information at matex-transport.com.

This is a good moment to look ahead at the future of transportation.
Planning today means peace of mind tomorrow.

Best regards,
Team Matex Transport

You can talk to our expert. Contact us.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Our newsletter – Your guide transport industry.

Knowledge, news and more. Sign up and benefit!

I agree to receive el ectronically at the e-mail address indicated by me commercial information within the meaning of Article 10, paragraph 1 of the Act of 18 July 2002 on electronic servi ce provision from Matex Transport s.c., ul. KiliΕ„skiego 2, 30-308 Krakow The administrator processes data following the Privacy Policy.

Let's stay in touch

Our newsletter – your guide to the transport industry. Knowledge, news and more. Sign up and benefit!