From 1 July 2026, vans weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes engaged in cross-border transport will be brought under key EU Mobility Package rules.

The framework introduces three main obligations for operators:

• Mandatory installation and use of tachographs

• Application of EU driving and rest time rules

• Application of rules on the posting of drivers in relevant operations

For many operators, this marks a fundamental shift, as these EU requirements did not previously apply to their activities.

Cross-border operations, including cabotage and cross-trade, may trigger the application of rules on posted drivers. This requires additional administrative steps, including registration on the EU road transport posting declaration portal and compliance checks.

Who’s affected?

The rules apply to operators carrying out cross-border transport operations, including cabotage and cross-trade. Even occasional cross-border activity brings operations within scope.

What’s the impact?

These changes will directly affect how transport operations are organised. Operators will need to adapt routes, schedules and driver management to comply with driving and rest time requirements. They must also integrate new administrative processes linked to posting rules.

Driver preparedness is another concern. While driving and rest time rules will apply from July 2026, many drivers are not yet trained to apply them in daily operations. Drivers need training on how to plan and respect driving time limits, taking mandatory breaks and rest periods, recording and managing activities correctly, and using the tachograph as part of their daily work.

With the deadline now approaching, the sector is entering the final stretch. Preparation efforts need to accelerate.

What should I do?

Operators need to accelerate preparation by planning the installation of G2V2 smart tachographs across their fleets and ensuring vehicles used in cross-border operations are equipped on time.

Driver training should be prioritised to ensure that driving and rest time rules are correctly applied in daily operations.

At the same time, operators should review routes and schedules to reflect these requirements and assess when posting rules apply to their activities, ensuring that the necessary administrative processes are in place.