Van tachographs: two months after 1 July 2026, what has changed for express freight?

Two months after implementation, a shipper’s question has changed: can the same delivery still be arranged within the same window and budget? Early reports provide concrete examples, but do not yet offer a representative measurement of every European route.

Which vans does this review concern?

Scope matters. The extension covers international freight and cabotage operations within the rules, with maximum permissible mass above 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes for the newly covered category, including a trailer where applicable. This regulatory mass is not payload. It does not concern every van below 3.5 tonnes. The European Labour Authority confirms that driving, rest and G2V2 smart tachograph requirements have applied since 1 July 2026. Any applicable exemption still needs to be checked against the actual operation.

An initial shock reported, followed by improving availability

In its 27 August update, German courier and express association BdKEP reports temporary price increases of 100–200%, or more, after the deadline. It then describes improving availability as equipped vehicles return from workshops. Its members also expect lasting cost increases of 35–80%, depending on journey conditions. That second figure is a cost expectation, not a measured average rise in European freight rates in September. The page does not disclose a representative sample supporting such a generalisation.

The practical implication for buyers is to separate vehicle availability from the feasibility of the requested delivery window. A vehicle becoming available again does not by itself confirm that the pre-July operating plan can be repeated.

Checks have already interrupted journeys

On 6 July, Osthessen police reported that three vans carrying commercial cross-border freight had been prohibited from continuing because no tachograph was installed. This is a documented interruption, not a European fleet noncompliance rate.

Where a delivery feeds production or a receiving appointment is difficult to move, ask a precise booking question: which compliant arrangement is actually confirmed for these goods and this date?

Compare a new quote with one from before July

A price difference alone does not establish that the tachograph caused the entire change. First check that both requests describe the same service.

1. Route: Use the same collection and delivery points, stops and access restrictions.
2. Goods: Keep packed dimensions, weight, pallet count, stackability and handling requirements the same.
3. Timing: Specify actual cargo readiness, the receiving appointment and acceptable flexibility. A preferred time and a contractual deadline are different requirements.
4. Proposed arrangement: Identify whether the offer uses a dedicated vehicle, a different driver arrangement or consolidation where suitable. Ask what changes in transit time and handling.
5. Price scope: Compare fuel, tolls, waiting and additional services separately.
6. Changes after booking: Moving the loading time or adding a stop may require the schedule and price to be reconfirmed.

What to take into the next booking

The available sources document a disrupted start and adaptations in progress. They do not establish a uniform percentage increase for every route or the same delay across all deliveries.

When sending Remo&Co an enquiry, provide the route, load details and actual time windows. Explain what is flexible and what is fixed. A specific brief makes a transport proposal assessable; a general percentage in a headline does not.

Sources reviewed to 9 September 2026. This first review should be updated when comparable route and service data become available.

Prepare the booking and check the applicable framework:

• Understand smart tachograph 2 as a shipper
• Check the rules for 3.5t vans
• Prepare an express freight booking

Request a quote for your next shipment