We ask carriers to use the digital tools available

Mónica Viloria, head of Transport and Foreign Trade at Ercros, has asked transport companies to use the digital tools that are already available. According to Viloria, "the adoption of these technologies is essential to fully leverage the advantages of the new regulatory framework", especially regarding the digitalization of dock management.

In this regard, Ercros is dedicating significant resources to digitalize its operations, particularly in the logistics area. The investment plan, 3D Plan, includes several projects that are already well advanced. Among them is the B2B Transport Project, which enables slot booking for land shipments and slot assignment for product unloading.

The Ercros representative participated in a roundtable organized by the Spanish Logistics Center and Fieldeas, discussing the impact of Royal Decree 2/2022 three years after its implementation.

This Royal Decree sets a maximum time limit of one hour for loading and unloading and penalizes non-compliance. According to Viloria, the implementation of slot systems increases the competitiveness of shippers and carriers by significantly optimizing resources. However, it “adds complexity to the relationship between the involved parties due to the difficulty of coordinating work schedules, road congestion, and delays in previous operations, among other factors—complexity that multiplies in the case of hazardous goods transport.”

Viloria acknowledged the positive progress made in terms of safety and operational efficiency thanks to the new regulation. Both she and the other speakers agreed that the regulation has acted as a catalyst for a cultural shift toward professionalization and improved working conditions, although all concurred on the need for a clearer, more practical, and flexible regulation.