Trucking in Europe is complex because of the many legal jurisdictions, varied terrain and sovereign borders, which your business may need to cross. If you include western Russia in Europe, then its size is slightly greater than the U.S with a terrain just as complex. You may drive across mountains, deserts, lakes and plains. One major difference, though, is that Europe still consists of many sovereign borders.
Consider these important issues when investigating trucking companies in Europe:
1. Be aware of the laws of every jurisdiction your vehicles will enter;
2. Consider the terrain your vehicles will pass through and whether they are up to the challenge; and,
3. Know what sovereign borders your vehicles will cross and the rules for doing so.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Learn the laws affecting European trucking companies
Because of the complexity of trucking businesses in Europe, laws must deal with the industry's many impacts on society. These impacts include unions, environment, safety and taxation. Become familiar with or hire the appropriate specialists in these areas of trucking law.
I recommend: The European Union has consolidated European trucking company laws. The European Commission's
Transport Directorate-General provides a website with extensive information about road transport.
Euro 4 emission regulations address some environmental concerns.
Prepare for diverse terrain with freight companies in Europe
Truckers can go from desert heat to mountain cold in a week's driving. Trucking in Europe can require driving through the deserts of Spain, over the Swiss and Italian Alps, and through heavily urbanized central Europe. A vehicle must be in top shape to handle such diverse geography.
I recommend: Freight companies in Europe can purchase transmission supplies from
Alibaba.com Limited to keep their transmissions in top-shape for tough driving. Many European countries strictly forbid idling longer than a few minutes, which eliminates the engine as a source of energy drivers could use to heat or cool their sleeping cabins.
Rocky Research has developed a no-idle climate control.
Know the customs European trucking companies must deal with
Although much of Europe falls into the European Union, there are still many borders European freight companies must traverse in a cross-European trip. Each border means new rules and regulations for European trucking companies.
I recommend: If your commercial trucking in Europe is in the east,
Russian customs code will be of critical importance. In central Europe, trucking companies may need to pass through
Swiss customs. A trucking business in Europe traveling along the eastern coast of the Adriatic may encounter customs for
Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Unions in Europe are often much more powerful than their counterparts in the U.S. Trucking companies in Europe must primarily work with regulations for the European Union.
- You may want to change trucking crews at boundaries to avoid issues in territories dominated by other unions and guilds.
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