Navigating the EU Mobility Package 2025: What It Means & How Freightline Is Supporting Customers
The transport industry in Europe is heading into a period of significant regulatory change. The Eu Mobility Package is designed to enhance working conditions for drivers, ensure fair competition and strengthen compliance across European road transport. While some elements are already in force, 2025 brings key deadlines and requirements, and being ready is critical. For many hauliers and manufacturers, these updates also introduce new operational challenges; from technology upgrades to tighter record-keeping requirements.
Key Updates
Second-Generation Smart Tachographs
From August 2025, all trucks engaged in international transport must be equipped with second-generation tachographs (Smart 2). For light commercial vehicles (>2.5 t) used internationally, the deadline extends to the 1st of July 2026. For operators, this represents a major shift in compliance tracking. Fleets still using analogue or first-generation devices will need to retrofit ahead of the deadline, a process that requires careful scheduling and operational planning.
56-Day Proof Requirement
From the same date, drivers and operators will need to maintain records of driving, rest and working times for the previous 56 days (up from the current 28). This extended proof window will give enforcement authorities greater oversight and aims to ensure that fatigue and rest rules are properly followed.
Eight-Week Return Rule Annulled
In October 2024, the CJEU annulled the requirement for trucks to return to their country of registration every eight weeks. This decision removes one of the most controversial aspects of the package, easing the burden for international hauliers, especially those in Eastern Europe.
The Wider Impact
While these changes strengthen accountability and safety, they also require significant adaptation. Operators will need to plan vehicle retrofits, implement more robust data systems, and manage driver schedules with even greater precision. The good news is, with the right logistics partner, these challenges can become a competitive advantage
How Freightline Are Positioned to Support
As specialists in time-critical and cross-border logistics, Freightline is helping customers transition smoothly into compliance, without disruption to their operations. Our proactive approach includes:
1. Compliance-Ready Fleet and Partner Network
We are proactively reviewing our vehicles and driver processes to ensure Smart 2 tachograph readiness, and full adherence to the extended records-keeping requirement. For urgent loads requiring continuous movement, we offer double-manned vehicles to ensure uninterrupted driving while maintaining full legal compliance. This is ideal for automotive, aerospace, engineering and time-critical operations.
2. Operational Guidance and Transition Planning
Our team is providing tailored support to help customers assess their readiness for the 2026 requirements. From reviewing tachograph upgrade schedules to mapping driver rest patterns, we’re helping identify potential compliance gaps early and build practical action plans.
3. Advanced Tracking and Data Visibility
With GPS-equipped vehicles, live tracking and secure data storage, our systems already align with the EU’s push for greater transparency. As the 56-day rule comes into effect, we’ll provide customers with improved access to driver and shipment data, ensuring full traceability and simplified record-keeping. Our cross‑docking facilities allow efficient load transfers, consolidation, driver changes and strategic vehicle swaps, reducing road miles and maintaining compliance with driving‑time and routing rules.
4. Cross-Border Expertise and Customs Support
Our European logistics and 24/7 customs clearance services are designed to keep shipments moving efficiently between the UK and EU, even as regulations tighten. We can help customers adapt routes, documentation, and timing to align with the new compliance framework.
5. Strategic Transport Solutions for Critical Sectors
For our key industries; Automotive, Aerospace, Engineering, Retail and Manufacturing – the mobility package brings a new layer of complexity to just-in-time and production-critical transport. Our time-critical service, available 24/7/365, ensures that even under stricter compliance rules, essential parts, materials and goods, arrive on time, every time.
- Agile Small-Vehicle Solutions
For lightweight or urgent consignments, our fleet of small and medium commercial vehicles provides fast transit, flexibility and reduced exposure to road transport restrictions.
- On-Board Courier (OBC) Services
When timing is critical, Freightline offers hand‑carried On‑Board Courier services. A dedicated courier accompanies your shipment door‑to‑door, providing the fastest and most secure transport solution available.
- Urgent Air Freight & Next Flight-Out
For shipments that cannot wait, Freightline provides urgent air freight and Next‑Flight‑Out (NFO) services with full tracking, customs coordination and seamless integration into our road‑transport network.
6. Training, Communication and Collaboration
We’re keeping our customers informed with ongoing updates, practical guidance, and one-to-one support. Our operations team monitors shipments round‑the‑clock, proactively managing routing, compliance, driver hours and border processes. This ensures continuous movement even as Mobility Package enforcement increases. Our dedicated account managers are available to discuss the upcoming changes and how we can tailor solutions to each customer’s needs.
Staying Ahead Together
The EU Mobility Package represents both a regulatory challenge and a strategic opportunity. The deadlines may feel distant, but proactive preparation is critical. With preparation, companies can minimise disruption, maintain compliance and strengthen their logistics resilience.
At Freightline, we’re here to make that transition seamless, ensuring your transport operations remain compliant, efficient and reliable across the UK and EU.
Need help preparing for the upcoming changes?
Our team is ready to support you with the compliance guidance, route planning and tailored transport solutions.
Get in touch with us today to find out how Freightline can help your business stay one step ahead.