Since Monday, June 1, 2026, new regulations for road transport are in effect in three European countries. For freight forwarders, carriers, and dispatchers, this is not a huge legislative package, but a clear compliance issue.
In France, the legal minimum wage SMIC has increased by 2.41 percent. The new gross hourly wage is 12.31 euros, up from 12.02 euros. This also applies to posted truck drivers when they conduct international transport or cabotage in France. Reporting obligations remain important, including those related to SIPSI.
In Norway, the rules for load securing have been tightened. The new Section 3-2a clarifies that not only the driver is responsible. The transport company must also organize transports in a way that ensures the load can be properly and safely transported. In the case of high-risk transports, additional documentation requirements may become important.
In Germany, as of June 1, 2026, a new regulation on the enforcement of driving bans for holders of foreign EU and EEA driving licenses has come into effect. Essentially, it means that driving bans can be better enforced in Germany, even if the driver does not possess a German driving license.
For the industry, this means: three countries, three different issues, but the same message. Anyone driving cross-border must be aware of local regulations. It is not enough to simply plan freight costs and driving times. Minimum wages, reporting, load securing, and driving permissions are just as necessary.