The authorisation of the 44 t for transport is a necessary step forward

The director of integral logistics of Ercros, Manuel Arce, has drawn attention to the three-year delay in the authorisation of the 44 tonnes in transport: "a time lost in a particularly delicate context for the chemical industry, affected by high energy costs and low demand". Although, as he explained, "it is also a positive measure that will benefit both carriers, due to its greater efficiency, and producers, by reducing distribution costs, emissions and road congestion, as well as helping to alleviate the lack of drivers".

In his speech at the round table "Tanker transport and 44 tonnes: how it will affect", held during the 10th Congress of the Spanish Confederation of Tanker Freight Transport (CETM), Arce warned that the measure will not be applicable to 100% of shipments due to the characteristics of some products.  He stressed the importance of optimizing loads to make the most of their advantages and improve operational efficiency, by reducing the number of operations and vehicles needed, and therefore the total loading and unloading times.

The representative of Ercros considered that the application of the measure exclusively in domestic transport introduces some complexity but also implies a competitive advantage over imports. Regarding the risks, he cited the possible overloading of trucks, especially in the transport of dangerous goods, and pointed out that Ercros is already adapting its computer systems to strengthen controls.

Finally, he stressed that the measure must be implemented immediately and progressively, and concluded that although it comes late, this is one of the few good news for the chemical industry in recent years.