30 January 2024, European Shippers’ Council (ESC) organised a webinar on the revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive (WDD). The discussions, moderated by Matteo Nenciolini, a Policy Officer for Sustainability at ESC, showed the critical importance of this directive in shaping the future of transport efficiency and sustainability in the European Union.
Raluca Marian, General Delegate of the Permanent Delegation to the EU of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), emphasised the significance of enhancing transport efficiency through standardised regulations. IRU expressed satisfaction with the proposed changes, particularly in standardising maximum weights and promoting the European Modular System (EMS). IRU underlined the importance of incentivising modal shift without penalising any mode of transport.
Aurora Garcia de Sandoval, representing Directorate-General Mobility and Transport of the European Commission, highlighted the directive’s role in promoting decarbonisation and harmonising rules within the internal market. Measures proposed include facilitating the uptake of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) and supporting intermodal transport, aligning with broader EU strategies for greening transport.
Thomas Fabian, Commercial Vehicles Director at the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), emphasised the need for adjustments in the directive to accommodate ZEVs and meet CO2 reduction targets. ACEA welcomed the revisions while advocating for simplification and efficiency improvements across all transport modes.
Ralf-Charley Schultze, the President of the International Union for Combined Road-Rail Transport (UIRR), stressed the importance of aligning the WDD with the Combined Transport Directive to effectively integrate various transportation methods. He highlighted the need for efficiency not only in road transport but across the entire logistics chain to support broader transportation objectives.
ESC remains committed to advocating for policies that promote sustainable and efficient transport solutions in the European Union.