NEXT GENERATION IN LAND FREIGHT TRANSPORT: THE SECOND GENERATION SMART TACHOGRAPH

Digital Revolution in International Road Freight Transport

Tachographs and their renewal in the Transport sector

The world of transportation is constantly evolving and adapting to new regulations and technologies. One of the most recent, drawing significant attention, is the new law on the installation of second-generation tachographs in trucks.

The tachograph, this essential device in transport vehicles that records data on driving times, breaks, and other driver activities, is undergoing significant transformation. The new generation of these devices is revolutionizing the way transport operators and authorities monitor and manage road safety and compliance with labor legislation.

What is the Second Generation Tachograph?

In simple terms, the second-generation tachograph is an advanced digital device designed to be even more accurate, secure, and harder to tamper with than its predecessors. It introduces GPS location features and a more intuitive interface for drivers. Moreover, it can transmit data in real-time to the relevant authorities, thereby facilitating road surveillance and inspection.

Installation of the second-generation smart tachograph is mandatory for vehicles registered in Europe from August 21. Vehicles with an analog or digital tachograph involved in international transport will have to change it by December 2024. While those already equipped with the first generation will have to do so by August 2025.

Stock issues. What to do now?

To implement the new features, the new tachograph requires the use of the satellite navigation message authentication system, but due to some delays, the service will only be available at the end of 2023. This prompted the European Commission to approve the implementation of a transitional version of the new tachograph.

The Ministry of Transport, in coordination with the Industry and the General Directorate of Traffic, has established an exceptional scheme allowing the provisional registration of vehicles not yet equipped, after notification of the chassis numbers to the DGT by the manufacturers.

These will be permanently registered before December 31, but the first registration date indicated on the registration certificate of these new trucks will be before August 21, to avoid violating European regulations.

Implications for Transport Companies

Transport companies should consider several key points:

• Mandatory update: From the date the law comes into effect, all new trucks operating in the jurisdiction where this regulation applies must be equipped with this second-generation device.
• Staff training: With the introduction of this new system, it's essential that drivers and staff responsible for managing tachograph data are properly trained. This will ensure not only compliance with the law but also a correct interpretation of the data.
• Investments: Although in the long run these advanced tachographs should bring benefits in terms of management and control, companies will initially need to consider investments to update their fleet and train their staff.

There are grants for the installation of the tachograph. MITMA has approved the transfer to Autonomous Communities of 110 million euros for the modernization program for self-employed workers and SMEs in road freight transport. Beneficiaries of these aids can choose up to two digitization solutions, including the second-generation smart tachograph system. For more details, see the following link published by CETM:

CETM MODERNIZATION PROGRAM

These aids represent an opportunity for companies and self-employed transport workers. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2024, but applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

Benefits and innovations of the Second Generation Tachograph

Regarding the benefits, we can consider the following:

• Increased safety: The ability to transmit data in real-time will allow authorities to detect infringements or dangerous driving behaviors more effectively.
• Reduced fraud: Tampering with tachographs has always been an issue in the transport industry. This new generation of devices, thanks to its advanced design, will significantly reduce the possibilities for fraud.
• Operational efficiency: For transport companies, the ability to access real-time data can translate into better route and resource planning and management.

As for innovations:

• Automatic vehicle positioning, whether the vehicle is in motion or in loading and unloading operations.
• Integration of an interface allowing the tachograph data to be used by an external device, for example, that of the authorities.

In conclusion, the introduction of the second-generation tachograph law represents a major advancement in the transport industry. Even though it presents immediate challenges for companies in terms of investment and adaptation, the long-term benefits in terms of safety, compliance, and efficiency are undeniable. Transport companies must act quickly to ensure they are up to date with this new regulation and maximize the potential benefits it can offer.

At TRANSPORTS PORQUERES, we have a fleet renewal policy that ensures our trucks are of the latest generation, with an average age of 2.5 years. This allows us to provide a high-quality road transport service both nationally and internationally while being environmentally conscious.

Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.