One of the big announcements in recent months has been the automotive industry’s implementation of the electronic freight transport information (eFTI), set to be enforced by August 2024. The eFTI is a legal framework for road, rail, maritime, and air transport operators on which to share information with enforcement authorities in an electronic format. The aim of this regulation is to encourage the digitalization of freight transport and logistics to reduce administrative costs, improve enforcement capabilities of competent authorities, and enhance the efficiency and sustainability of transport. The proposal has identified that the main problems in the European Union are related to the acceptance of documents.
In an article recently published by the ECG Raluca Marian, the general Delegate of IRU’s permanent delegation to the EU, says, “This regulation is only a starting point for further transport digitalization, such as the ratification by all EU member states of the eCMR convention. Using eCMR, instead of its paper-based alternative, has already proven to be seven times cheaper. The eFTI regulation will increase the efficiency of all types of transport, cutting costs for operators, simplifying enforcement, and removing language barriers. This will considerably improve the efficiency of transport in the EU single market.”
It’s crucial that shippers prepare to adopt the necessary technologies and digital capabilities in order to abide by this new regulation. As mentioned, a digital acceptance of documentation is one of the many hinderances that this regulation will look to solve. To be more specific, citing the Official Journal of the European Union — it’s the absence of a uniform legal framework at the Union level. This lack of unification, or standardization, is one of the main reasons for the lack of progress toward the simplification and greater efficiency of information exchanges made possible by available electronic means.
RPM, a tech-enabled transportation provider, has already implemented automation and centralization as an offering to its customers. We use automation to increase the supply chain efficiency and accuracy of pickup and delivery reporting. Automation solutions, ultimately, reduce the risk of human error. Centralization increases control, improves transparency, and streamlines processes to, ultimately, reduce cost and risk. Centralization also provides optimization and visibility at all points of interest.
RPM already has the infrastructure and experience to ensure that our customers and carriers have the digital tools and resources needed for when this new regulation takes effect. RPM can reduce wait time during inspections, minimize paper document dependency, mitigate operational risks, and maximize operational efficiencies to ultimately improve our customers logistics cost structure. If you would like to learn more about how RPM can work with you to efficiently move your vehicles, please visit www.RPMmoves.eu.