New EU regulations, increasing sustainability requirements, growing use of digital technologies: the rules of the game for logistics companies in Europe are changing. What does 2026 hold for the industry – and how can companies prepare for it?
January 7, 2026 – There is a lot going on in Europe, including in logistics. Numerous rules and measures will influence operational processes, cost structures, and strategic decisions in 2026. System Alliance Europe has taken a closer look at some of the most important changes.
CO₂ costs and new obligations in road freight transport
In 2026, the CO₂-based truck toll will be extended and differentiated across Europe by the EU directive, with dirtier trucks becoming more expensive and clean vehicles receiving discounts, resulting in a graduated toll, in particular with new CO₂ classes in Germany and a new regulation for zero-emission trucks, which will only pay 25% of infrastructure costs from 2026 onwards. The CO₂ tax will rise to €55-65 per ton, while countries such as the Netherlands will introduce a separate CO₂ toll system that focuses on emissions.
There is also another requirement: commercial vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tons that travel across borders must be equipped with smart tachographs in the future. These automatically record driving and rest times and tighten control and documentation requirements.
As a result, transparency and compliance requirements are increasing significantly. And without digital support, these requirements can hardly be implemented efficiently.
Sustainability is becoming a success factor
Sustainability is also becoming more of a focus outside of transportation. With expanded ESG and CO₂ reporting requirements, logistics companies must record their emissions in increasing detail—often along the entire supply chain. Missing or insufficient data can result in companies being excluded from tenders.
At the same time, new packaging regulations are coming into force. The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) obliges companies to reduce packaging material and focus more on recyclability. This affects not only manufacturers, but also logistics service providers who help design packaging and shipping concepts.
The EU AI Act 2026
From 2026, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act will come into full effect for logistics companies. The law regulates the use of artificial intelligence comprehensively and on a risk-based basis for the first time. Many typical applications in the industry – such as route and fleet optimization, autonomous vehicles, security or employee analysis systems – can be considered high-risk AI. They are subject to strict obligations: risk assessments, technical documentation, transparent decision-making logic, human oversight, and, in some cases, registration and reporting requirements.
Violations can result in heavy fines and jeopardize market access. At the same time, the AI Act opens up opportunities: Companies that establish AI governance at an early stage build trust among customers and partners and secure a competitive advantage. In 2026, AI compliance will thus evolve from an IT issue to a strategic factor for Europe's logistics companies.
Structural change in the market
In addition to regulatory and technological changes, the shortage of skilled workers remains one of the biggest challenges. There is still a shortage of qualified drivers and logistics specialists across Europe. Automation and AI can help, but they cannot completely compensate for the shortage of personnel.
In addition, transport capacities remain limited, while energy, personnel, and CO₂ costs are high. This will continue to cause cost pressure and stable to rising freight rates in 2026.
New opportunities through cooperation
Conclusion: 2026 is no ordinary year for logistics companies in Europe. It stands for:
• More regulation and higher compliance requirements
• Sustainability as a measurable cost and competitive factor
• Digitalization as an indispensable basis for efficient processes
Companies that strategically address these challenges and seize the opportunities arising from the changed conditions will come out ahead in an increasingly complex European market.
No one needs to reinvent the wheel or pay for expensive consultants.
Progress is much easier and faster when existing tools and standardized processes are used, such as those provided to members by System Alliance Europe – via a platform that bundles the expertise and best practices of 56 leading, independent logistics companies in Europe.
How will 2026 be a win for logistics?
Through cooperation. And with solutions that work perfectly right from the start.
Across Europe.
