Italy is set to overhaul its automotive fleet used for superheavy cargo transport, driven by the fleet’s poor condition and non-compliance with EU standards. According to the Italian business paper Il Sole 24 Ore, Italy currently operates one of Europe’s oldest fleets for delivering oversized cargo, averaging over 13 years in age.

Local shippers and carriers have urged the government to swiftly adopt a public incentive plan to support them amidst a deteriorating business environment exacerbated by the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war and tightening EU regulations. The plan requires approximately 700 million euros to be invested by 2026 to replace 25-30% of the oldest, most polluting, and unsafe vehicles over a three-year period.

Until 2024, Italy’s state support for the freight sector, especially in oversized cargo transportation, lagged behind neighbouring countries like France and Germany. However, changes are anticipated as early as the latter half of this year.

This initiative aims not only to modernize the fleet but also to ensure compliance with rigorous EU ecological and safety standards, enhancing overall efficiency and safety in cargo transport.