An unbearable rise in energy prices, low-profit margins, a massive shortage of drivers, and EC’s legislative efforts to transition to greener vehicles may drive European SME haulers out of business. Revealing this, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) said European governments should urgently intervene and avert a fast-approaching storm of calamities that threaten the existence of the continent’s SME road transport sector. Seeking immediate support from governments, European Road Haulers Association secretary general Marco Digioia said national authorities must reduce tax on diesel, and the EU should permit member states to cut excise duty for freight transport, and refund substantial excise duties to carriers.
