From January 1, 2027, Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen will allow 7-axle trucks to increase their weight by two tons. This is intended to make Danish freight transport more efficient.
The government will allow 7-axle trucks to drive with more goods on Danish roads.
Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen (V) is behind the new initiative. From January 1, 2027, large trucks can load two tons of extra cargo.
The initiative is part of a larger plan. The plan is to make better use of the capacity in the transport sector. Just as the infrastructure must also be utilized in the best possible way.
This is stated by the Ministry of Transport in a press release .
The goal is to make freight transport more efficient. When each truck can carry more, there will be fewer trips overall. This benefits both the individual haulier and the economy.
There is also a benefit for the climate. Fewer truck kilometers mean lower CO2 emissions. This is an important element in the green transition of the transport sector.
Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen believes that the rules are being adjusted to increase flexibility. Longer trucks with higher weight limits mean that drivers can deliver more goods per trip.
– We are tightening all the levers we have to make it easier and more flexible to transport goods in Denmark.
– With longer trucks that can carry more kilos, the individual driver can deliver more goods, and this provides benefits for both the economy and the climate.
– We are now allowing 7-axle trucks to drive with two tons of extra cargo, so that freight transport is made more efficient, says Minister of Transport Thomas Danielsen.
Financing increased road wear
The increased weight will cause greater wear and tear on the road network. This is an inevitable consequence of heavier vehicles.
However, the financing for the additional road wear is in place. The funds come from residual funds from the agreement on kilometer-based tolls for trucks.
In that agreement, it was decided to compensate the industry, including through changes to national regulations for weight and dimensions.
Permanent funds from another agreement are also used. This is the agreement on partial dismantling of the green fund. The funds from this are to cover the permanent wear and tear on the roads.
The new weight limit for 7-axle trucks is not the only measure. The Ministry of Transport has previously relaxed the rules in other areas.
The future of Danish freight transport
On January 1, 2024, 11 other measures came into effect. They made it possible for trucks to carry an extra row of pallets. It also became possible to transport a forklift in the back of the vehicle.
Now, the increased total weight for 7-axle truck combinations is being followed up. This is following a strong request from the transport industry itself. At the same time, the maximum permitted height for trucks is being increased to 4.2 meters.
The two new measures – increased weight and increased height – are expected to yield major savings. The transport industry could save around 500 million kroner annually. This applies when the transition is fully implemented.
The streamlining of freight transport continues. The goal is to create a better framework for the industry. At the same time, climate and infrastructure must be taken into account.
Are you interested in transportation and vehicles? You can find more news, analysis and articles about the latest developments in the automotive and transportation world here at Boosted.dk. We continuously cover the latest trends and regulations.
