Introduction

Starting in July 2026, tachographs will become mandatory for vans (2.5t to 3.5t) engaged in international transport within the EU.
This is part of the broader EU Mobility Package aiming to standardize working conditions, increase road safety, and improve monitoring across the logistics sector.

For many express operators — especially those using vans and light commercial vehicles — this marks a major operational change.

---

Why Are Tachographs Being Introduced for Vans?

• Increasing volume of cross-border van transport
• Reports of excessive working hours in the express segment
• Safety considerations
• Aligning van operations more closely with heavy vehicle regulations

The EU plans to create a single, controlled standard for all commercial transport operators.

---

Who Must Install Tachographs?

You must have a tachograph if your vehicle:

• has a maximum permissible weight between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes, and
• performs international transport, including Switzerland, Norway, and other EEA states.

Domestic (within Poland only) van transport is not affected by this requirement.

---

What Type of Tachograph Is Required?

Only smart tachographs (second generation) will be allowed — including:

• GNSS positioning
• automatic border crossing registration
• remote roadside data access
• secure data recording

Older devices will not meet the legal requirements.

---

Impact on the Transport Industry

1. Operational changes

Van drivers will need to follow similar rules to truck drivers:

• working time restrictions
• rest period rules
• more structured planning

2. Increased administrative workload

Companies must maintain:

• tachograph data archives,
• compliance reports,
• inspection readiness.

3. Higher operational costs

Costs include:

• installation of tachographs,
• calibration,
• training,
• compliance tools.

4. A shift in the express transport market

Some operators may switch to trucks; others may modernize fleets.
Professional companies will benefit from a cleaner, more regulated market.

---

How to Prepare for 2026

1. Start planning fleet upgrades

If you use older vans, replacing them may be more economical than retrofitting tachographs.

2. Train drivers early

New rules require proper understanding of work-time restrictions.

3. Update pricing models

The new regulations will increase operational costs — communicate this early.

4. Introduce telematics systems

Smart fleet management will become essential for compliance.

---

Conclusion

The tachograph requirement for vans is one of the biggest regulatory shifts in the express delivery sector.
At Spedition X, we monitor all EU legislative changes to keep our clients informed — and to ensure our operations remain efficient, compliant, and fast.

If your business depends on time-critical deliveries, staying ahead of these changes will be essential.