Vehicle Logistics Association ECG Calls for Transition Period

The newly published VDI guideline 2700 was supposed to allow for a transition period to give vehicle logistics companies time to certify their trucks before implementation. The European Vehicle Logistics Association (ECG) urges its members to report any issues they encounter during police checks or at loading sites.

(Brussels) Car transporters traveling through Germany or being loaded or unloaded there are subject to new regulations regarding the securing of vehicles on trucks. If the driver cannot prove that their truck fully complies with the new standards, fines or a ban on loading at facilities may be imposed. Thousands of trucks need to be certified, but according to the manufacturers, less than half of the vehicles have received the required certification so far. Various bottlenecks are delaying the process.

“During the webinar, it became clear that the time for our members to implement the new VDI guideline is insufficient. We urge both the police authorities and the OEMs to take this into account. A guideline that has proven itself over 15 years cannot be deemed inadequate and a traffic hazard overnight,” says Frank Schnelle, designated managing director of ECG.

Transition Period Necessary for All Parties Involved

“Therefore, a transition period is necessary for all parties involved to prevent half of the European car transporter fleet from being excluded from the German market.”

ECG organized an open webinar on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, with over 200 participants to discuss the new regulation and allow questions to the VDI (Association of German Engineers), the certification company TÜV Süd, as well as specialized trailer manufacturers Kässbohrer, Lohr, RIMO, and Rolfo.

“We wanted to give our members the opportunity to develop a common understanding to get a better picture of the current situation. Our members could not complete the certification and training of drivers in time. According to the manufacturers, it may take several more months to resolve everything,” says Frank Schnelle.

According to the statutes of the VDI, their guidelines are subject to regular review. To meet internal deadlines, the new VDI guideline 2700 had to be officially published by September 2024, following the release of the draft last year.

Guideline Not Legally Binding

The VDI guideline is not legally binding. However, since German road traffic law reflects the latest state of technology and knowledge regarding load securing on vehicle transporters, the VDI guideline can be interpreted as the current state of the industry. The VDI notes, however, that only a court can make such a decision. ECG asks its members to report any issues they encounter during police checks or at loading and unloading sites.

Photo: © ECG