Benelux, Durability, Economy, Mobility
Benelux paves the way for a fully cross-Border network of longer and heavier trucks
01 Jul. 2026
Ten years of cross-border transport using Longer and Heavier Vehicle combinations between Belgium and the Netherlands has led to a clear conclusion: the trucks contribute to more efficient, sustainable and future-proof freight transport. This was the key message of an expert round table organised by the Benelux Union in Vuren, the Netherlands, where policymakers, industry organisations and European partners looked back on a decade of cooperation and discussed a possible extension to Luxembourg.
Ten years of successful cooperation
In 2015, Belgium and the Netherlands concluded agreements within the Benelux framework on the cross-border use of the trucks. This cooperation emerged in the absence of a European regulatory framework and has since become a practical example of how cross-border mobility solutions can be successfully tested and implemented.
More efficient transport with lower emissions
The experience gained over the past ten years demonstrates that these trucks make a significant contribution to the sustainability and efficiency of freight transport. Thanks to their length of up to 25.25 metres, these vehicle combinations can carry more cargo per trip than standard trucks, reducing the number of vehicle movements needed to transport the same volume of goods.
This lowers CO₂ emissions per unit transported and also helps mitigate the impact of the persistent shortage of professional drivers.
During the round table, participants also confirmed that Dutch operational experience provides no indication of any negative effects on road safety. Nor is there evidence that these trucks result in a shift of freight transport from rail to road.
Luxembourg as the next step
One of the key topics discussed during the meeting was the possible participation of Luxembourg. The Grand Duchy is currently examining the introduction of the trucks on its territory.
Participants also stressed that further harmonisation remains necessary. Differences in authorisation procedures, vehicle requirements and administrative processes still complicate cross-border operations. Greater alignment between countries and further digitalisation of procedures could help remove these barriers.
The Benelux as a European testing ground
The ten years of experience gained within the Benelux also provide valuable insights for Europe. The knowledge acquired regarding safety, enforcement and operational organisation is feeding into the ongoing discussions on the revision of the European Weights and Dimensions Directive.
Representatives of the Benelux countries, Transport and Logistics Netherlands (TLN), companies from the transport sector and partners from Scandinavia took part in the expert round table. The meeting was hosted by transport company Hartog & Bikker, where several of these truck configurations were demonstrated.
Working together on the mobility of tomorrow
Through this initiative, the Benelux once again confirms its role as a testing ground for innovative mobility solutions. By first testing cross-border cooperation in practice and sharing the lessons learned, the Benelux continues to contribute to European solutions for safer, more efficient and more sustainable freight transport.
