The German project cargo sector is grappling with significant challenges due to a high level of bureaucracy, hindering its potential for active growth. Recent reports from Germany reveal that the transportation of super-heavy cargo necessitates the issuance of over 100 permits, a factor that significantly complicates the process.

In addition, the authorities are very slow in processing these permits, which usually leads to enormous costs for both shippers and carriers. Finally, there are also serious problems with infrastructure. According to an earlier report in the German Tagesschau business paper, as a rule, heavy cargo transport that is more than 90 metres long cannot usually take the direct route because many roads are too narrow or in deplorable condition.

The convoys also cannot avoid roundabouts. Very few roundabouts in Germany were built with a through lane in the middle. Construction workers, therefore, have to laboriously remove guide posts and widen the lane with iron plates. Another problem: the convoys are only allowed to drive at night, being in acute need of parking spaces during the day. However, there is currently a shortage of such spaces in Germany, and most local analysts believe Germany’s infrastructure is not prepared for heavy cargo transportation.

Shippers have already made a compelling case to the German government, urging for substantial changes in domestic legislation for heavy cargo transportation. They argue that Germany should learn from the Netherlands, where such approval procedures take just one to five days. However, in Germany, this is currently unattainable due to the unique regulations of each federal state.