Conclusions of 48th ASTIC General Assembly

The road transport sector is currently navigating through a complex web of challenges that threaten its viability and competitive edge. As the industry faces new regulations and a critical shortage of drivers, the call for effective solutions has never been more urgent. Understanding the evolving landscape is essential for stakeholders to adapt successfully.

Index

The road transport sector faces regulatory upheaval and a driver shortage

The road transport sector faces regulatory upheaval and a driver shortage

The perfect storm threatening the transport industry

In Spain, the international road transport sector is grappling with three major challenges that are compounding the crisis:

The avalanche of European regulations (Green Deal, ETS II, CS3D, CSRD).
The ongoing deficit of professional drivers (currently 30,000, projected to reach 116,000 by 2028).
The potential reduction in working hours (which could see drivers covering 8,000 kilometers less annually).

These issues were highlighted during the 48th General Assembly of ASTIC, held in Segovia, which underscored the significant risks to the sector's competitiveness.

The heavy burden of new European regulations

The regulatory landscape is shifting dramatically, particularly with the introduction of the European Green Deal. This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions but comes with hefty financial implications for transport companies.

The ETS II (CO₂ tax) could represent an additional cost of 10-20 cents per liter of fuel.
For companies operating around 100 trucks, annual expenses could increase by €875,000 to €1.2 million.
Compliance with directives such as CS3D and CSRD mandates ESG audits, with costs ranging from €75,000 to €175,000 per year for each company.

As a result, ASTIC plans to formally request a revision of deadlines and objectives from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Marcos Basante, president of ASTIC, stated, “These regulations could erode our margins by 3%-5% and lead many companies to bankruptcy.”

Driver shortages: a growing crisis

The shortage of qualified drivers is reaching alarming levels:

Currently, 30,000 drivers are missing in Spain.
This figure could escalate to 116,000 by 2028, primarily due to a lack of generational replacement.
The current average age of drivers is 54 years, with only 3% being women.

Addressing this crisis requires immediate and strategic solutions.

Proposed urgent solutions

Integrate road transport into the Catalog of Occupations in Shortage.
Streamline the hiring process for foreign drivers.
Encourage involvement of young people and women through tailored training programs.

Reduction of working hours: a potential conflict with European regulations

If the government implements the proposed 37.5-hour work week by 2026:

Each driver would cover 8,000 kilometers less per year.
This change could conflict with the EU's driving and rest time regulations.
Such a reduction would diminish competitiveness against other European nations.

Ramón Valdivia, vice president of ASTIC, emphasized, “This measure would put us at a disadvantage and increase the cost of transporting goods.”

ASTIC in numbers: a pivotal sector for the economy

With a substantial presence in the economy, ASTIC represents:

240 member companies, accounting for 20% of the sector's revenue.
An average of 33 years of operational experience per company.
Over 120 trucks per company.
Approximately 25,000 direct jobs created across the sector.

The need for realistic adaptation policies

The road transport industry requires policies that do not jeopardize its viability. Effective strategies should include:

Flexibility in European regulations to accommodate industry needs.
Incentives to attract new drivers into the workforce.
Open dialogue to prevent the negative impacts of reduced working hours on the sector.

As ASTIC points out, “Without transport, there is no economy. We need solutions, not more burdens.”

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