The regulations have changed: new protections for road haulage

With the entry into force of Legislative Decree 73/2025, the regulatory framework for the road haulage sector has been radically overhauled. The new "DL Infrastrutture" introduces mandatory measures to protect transport companies, with an immediate impact on loading/unloading times and payment terms.
The key changes include:

• A mandatory 90-minute grace period for each loading or unloading operation. Once this time is exceeded, the carrier is entitled to €100 compensation for each hour (or part thereof) of delay, an amount updated annually in line with the ISTAT index.
Arrival times can be evidenced via satellite geolocation or a smart tachograph, eliminating disputes.

• Joint liability between the contracting party and the loader for any compensation owed.

• New transparency and communication obligations for contracting parties regarding access procedures at loading/unloading sites.

• Strengthened powers for the AGCM (Italian Competition Authority) to intervene in cases of late payments.

For operators in the sector, these changes represent a genuine shift in operational and contractual practices, providing greater certainty and protection in commercial relationships.