Since the 2nd February 2022 drivers using digital tachographs are required to manually enter border crossings on their records, a requirement which has been in place for users of analogue tachographs since 20 August 2020.
This requirement is especially important for international hauliers as it helps assist with ‘cabotage’. Cabotage refers to the transport of goods or passengers between 2 places in the same country by a transport operator from another country, for the purposes of hire and reward. This is heavily restricted in the UK and abroad.
However, following the UK´s withdrawal from the EU, under the Transition Agreement the 'cabotage rules' in UK, and for UK hauliers, are different.
In the UK
EU hauliers may perform 2 'cabotage' operations in the UK after delivery of an international load. These must be performed within 7 days of delivery of the international load.
In an EU member state
UK hauliers may perform 1 'cabotage' operation within the territory of an EU Member State after delivery of an international load. This must be performed within 7 days of delivery of the international load.
From one EU member state to another
UK hauliers may undertake 2 laden journeys from one EU Member State to another EU Member State (a 'cross-trade' trip), without returning to the UK, provided that such journeys follow a journey from the UK.
In the territory of Ireland
UK hauliers based in Northern Ireland may perform 2 'cabotage' operations within the territory of Ireland after delivery of the load from Northern Ireland. These must be performed within 7 days of delivery of the load from Northern Ireland.
Please note: The 7-day period begins on the day of the last unloading of the international delivery.
