Nowadays, technology is present in every aspect of our lives and cybersecurity has become essential, specially in sectors such as transport, where cyber-attacks were triplicated between 2021 and 2023.

Transport not only drives the economy in Spain, but also plays a vital role in the connectivity and mobility of both goods and people. So, if cyber threats are not properly managed, they could lead to interconnection problems.

How cyber security works in transport

The efficient performance of modern transport systems relies heavily on digital technology, from traffic control to fleet management to logistics. This means that we are always connected to networks and IT systems, which expose us to cyber-attacks.

Specifically, in the freight transport sector in Spain, cybersecurity becomes a basic pillar to protect the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and systems. At the end of the day, in a world where efficiency and competitiveness depend to a large extent on technology, protecting against cyber-attacks is a priority for us.

Moreover, we must not forget that freight transport is fundamental to the Spanish economy and is also a crucial element in global trade. Every stage of the process, from logistics to distribution, relies on interconnected computer systems that manage information and coordinate operations. The problem is that this interconnectedness can also be exploited by cyber threats that could bring the supply chain to a complete halt if not properly managed.

Cyber-attacks in the transport sector

There are several ways in which cyber-attacks can affect the freight industry. From data ransomware to denial-of-service attacks (DDoS), which disrupt operations. Predictably, the consequences can be devastating in both financial and reputational terms. If fleet management systems were to be compromised, the chaos could be severe, with trucks being stranded in the middle of the road or even being directed to the wrong destinations.

In recent years, cyber-attacks in freight transport have become a national security concern, in addition to the economic risks. Given the importance of transport in the supply of basic and strategic goods, if our systems are vulnerable to external manipulation, it could lead to major implications for the stability and security of the country.

Importance of cybersecurity in transport

Based on the above, cybersecurity in the transport of goods is an essential need. For this reason, at Ríos Sangiao we adopt a proactive approach when implementing solid cyber protection measures that address both potential technical vulnerabilities and internal security practices. We implement cyber security measures and provide training to our staff.

In conclusion, cyber security in transport, in our case freight, is not a luxury. Keeping our systems secure is a vitally important factor today.

The new intelligent tachograph has been compulsory for hauliers since last August. Are you obliged to install it in your truck, and is it necessary to operate outside Spain? Read on, because in this article we tell you all about it!

Smart tachograph: who should use it?

The incorporation of the intelligent tachograph (SmartTach2) has become mandatory in the equipment of newly registered trucks over 3.5 tonnes. This new tachograph model represents a technological advance over digital tachographs in the freight transport sector.

Both companies and the self-employed that carry out national or international transport services, and more specifically to the United Kingdom or European countries such as Norway and Switzerland, must have this new technological implementation.

Although this update may lead to some confusion, it should not cause any complications for hauliers, as the challenge lies with the manufacturers of this type of vehicle.

However, hauliers should remember the mandatory tachograph update, bearing in mind that the European Commission indicates that the first-generation smart tachographs installed in vehicles operating on international routes will have to be replaced by 19 August 2025.

New features of the intelligent tachograph

This new version of the digital tachograph has many advantages compared to the first-generation digital tachograph, which has been in use until now. The functional improvements are:

• A higher accuracy in data recording, as it uses a global positioning system (GPS) through which the location of the truck is recorded. In this way, it allows a more accurate calculation of the driver's driving and rest hours.
• It is a clear improvement in terms of safety, detecting and warning of dangerous or risky situations, such as speeding.
• It is easier to use than the first-generation digital tachograph, as its screen is not only touch-sensitive, but its menus are also more intuitive and easier to use.

Penalties and recommendations

Infringements in relation to tachographs can lead to significant financial penalties. We therefore advise you to comply with the new smart tachograph regulations in the transport sector and to take the following measures into account:

• Driver training is a major factor in ensuring the correct use of the new tachograph.
• Upgrade first generation digital tachographs to new ones in trucks operating international routes.
• Install the intelligent tachograph in all newly registered vehicles with a load exceeding 3.5 tonnes.

Thanks to this obligation, we have a new opportunity to improve the efficiency and safety of our fleet of trucks and, therefore, of our freight transport services on both national and international routes.

As transporters of food liquids, including the transport of olive oil, we are up to date with the characteristics necessary for its correct conservation and transport, as well as the regulations and legislation required for the olive oil to reach its destination in an optimum state.

Olive oil is one of the most important products in the Spanish agri-food sector, as Spain is the world's leading producer and exporter of olives and olive oil. Currently, in order to reach the different places where this product is distributed, the most commonly used means of transport is by land, through the use of food tanks that guarantee that the olive oil retains all its qualities and, in short, its essence.

The transport of olive oil by road

As is well known, Spanish olive oil is of great prestige worldwide, one of the reasons why it is important to take into account certain essential factors that guarantee that the oil retains its essence.

On one hand, we have to know the market we are targeting, as each country has specific legislation regarding the import of agri-food products, as well as tariffs and specific regulations for olive oil.

On the other hand, it is essential to know the conditions of this raw material in order to maintain its quality and not lose any of its properties during transport.

At Ríos Sangiao we have extensive experience in the transport of olive oil by road. We offer a careful service with the distribution of the raw material transported to our customers, while at the same time opting for a more ecological and less costly transport than by air.

We must emphasise that our isothermal tanker trucks offer the maximum guarantee of safety and conservation of the olive oil, as their cylindrical shape does not allow the oil to be shaken by the movement of the truck itself. Furthermore, they comply with a large number of health and quality controls, as well as strict compliance with the required legislation and the ATP regulations in force, all with the sole purpose of ensuring that the food liquid arrives in optimum conditions.

Likewise, we continue our commitment to our food liquid collection service, guaranteeing perfect traceability, quality and conservation of olive oil and other food liquids. That is why our tankers are equipped with the latest technology on the market, ensuring that traceability is guaranteed.

Why should olive oil be transported in tanks?

As we have mentioned before, the transport sector in this route case is highly demanding in terms of quality, because we must know very well the raw material that we are going to transport, which ensures a good treatment of olive oil.

Another important point to consider is the increase in the price of raw materials and the impact that this has had on consumption. This is why the choice of olive oil transport by tanker trucks not only becomes a safe option within the sector, but it is also an option that is more accessible than air transport and faster than sea transport.

If you are interested in knowing more about the collection, storage and transport service of the agri-food sector, please do not hesitate to contact us to resolve any doubts.

In Ríos Sangiao we are specialised on food liquid transport in a national and an international level, we continue to evolve technically equipping our vehicles with the ultimate technology to amplify and improve our services.

Currently, we remain committed to our food liquid collection service, guaranteeing the perfect traceability, quality and conservation on the product collected in every livestock farming. To do that, we have on dispose trucks equipped with the ultimate technology on the market, so the traceability is guaranteed. Also, we have the correct measurement of the collected litres through drip sampling, which is on the daily job of the driver, and at the same time is certified as food handler and sample taker.

Evolution and advantages of the traceability of food liquids

With the collection service, traceability and transport we guarantee to our clients the opportunity of having a precise tracking of the transported raw material. Achieving that each farmer has a revision of the specifical quality that the milk has.

We make the verification of this quality analysing the fat and protein of the milk in this case. These parameters are collected with laboratory equipment of the company where we take an exact and precise sample of every livestock farming, to analyse the fat and protein that is been transported in an external homologated laboratory.

In our company we respect in every moment the traceability of the food chain, following the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), to guarantee the security, also the hygiene and temperature of the milk and other raw materials.

Focused on satisfying the needs of our clients

Since our foundation in 1994, in Oroso (A Coruña), we are clear about our values and goals. We are committed to complying with the highest specific quality standards, as well as following the required regulations and legislation. For this reason, we have certifications such as ISO 9001, which determines the requirements of a correct Quality Management System, with international recognition. In addition, we also have GMP certification, which ensures hygiene in the food chain based on a series of previously established requirements.

Likewise, and within our main objectives, we ensure the delivery of raw materials to all the places where our customers arrive. For this reason, we not only cover the entire national territory, but we also reach the United Kingdom and countries within the European Union such as Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal.

It is this efficiency and commitment to quality in our deliveries that have earned us the trust of important customers in the dairy sector and the food industry.

If you are interested in finding out more about our collection, storage and transport service for the dairy sector or other food liquids, please do not hesitate to contact us to resolve any queries you may have.

At Rios Sangiao we are progressively evolving towards innovation and updating the sector with our recent presence and participation in national and international congresses and trade fairs.

In recent times, we have been actively committed to digitalisation to boost the quality of our processes and services through, for example, internal management applications. In addition, we have been incorporating high-performance electric vehicles into our activities.

Analysis of current and future trends in the food industry

The Anuga 2023 trade fair in Cologne (Germany), held between 7 and 11 October, was a unique opportunity to learn about the main innovations in the food industry and establish contacts with potential future customers.

Anuga is the world's most prestigious international trade fair for the agri-food sector. Around 140,000 trade visitors from more than 100 countries attended this year's Anuga, one of the most important events for the sector, which this time focused on sustainability.

Sustainable growth is a key issue for our company, which works daily for the responsible and efficient use of available resources. Optimising supply chains and applying electromobility in the daily operations of Rios Sangiao is fundamental, with the realisation of routes to adapt these electric vehicles to their regular activity.

In addition, the German trade fair is a meeting that particularly promotes dialogue and cooperation between companies in the industry and organisations.

Developments in the goods transport sector

Attendance at the ninth edition of the National Tanker Congress, which was held in Madrid on 17 and 18 October, allowed us to exchange views on the latest developments in the tank transport sector.

The congress, organised by the Spanish Association of Tank Transport (CETM Cisternas), brought together many professionals from the sector who witnessed a complete exhibition of transport vehicles, tanks and companies providing different services.

At Ríos Sangiao we have isothermal tanks suitable for the transport and conservation of any liquid food product. This work must comply with a series of specific health and quality controls, as well as following the required regulations and legislation.

Thus, the National Tanker Congress served to put several issues on the table, such as the improvement of the Transport Chain Law, the implementation of the 44 tonnes in the sector, the extension of the network of dangerous goods routes, the exemption of traffic restrictions on food products, the establishment of rest areas or the implementation of aid to make the profession more attractive.

If you are interested in finding out more about the freight transport sector, do not hesitate to contact us to resolve any related queries.

The logistics sector is one of the most digitised sectors today, with advances in technology allowing the automation and optimisation of processes and improving the security of each operation.

In addition, the growing improvement in corporate responsibility in many companies has led to an increase in awareness of issues such as sustainability.

In this post we explain in general terms what are the current trends in the logistics sector and those that will stand out in the coming years. Read on!

Digitisation of tasks

The digitisation of logistics procedures is becoming more and more common in the day-to-day work of companies, with the main objective of reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

The use of tools such as software or hardware or internal management systems such as our ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning) are just some of the many possibilities that digitalisation offers companies. A current trend that will continue to be a trend in the future.

Robotisation and artificial intelligence

The implementation of robotic technology will also continue to be a key trend. Autonomous robots are an important aid in reducing delivery times or improving the efficiency of the supply chain.

Thus, RPA (Robotic Process Automation) technology, which is the robotic automation of processes, is used for tasks such as copying and pasting data, creating files, etc. It also helps in more efficient tracking and tracing. It also helps to track goods and delivery and pick-up service more efficiently.

In addition, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming the order of the day, especially for improving process planning, increasing productivity, calculating transport routes and forecasting market trends with reliable data.

Similarly, software robots can help predict market supply and demand based on sales data or market indicators that can be analysed.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing enables a new way of organising the supply chain in companies. In logistics, having access to warehouse management software (WMS) in the cloud improves the security of information management because data is stored using this cloud computing technology, generating backup copies automatically.

Drones

Drones are everywhere, and the logistics sector is no exception. The delivery of orders by drones allows, mainly, to reduce costs, speed up shipments and reduce the pollution generated by road transport.

And they can also be very useful in warehouses: drone inventory is an application that allows drones to scan the barcodes of products in order to communicate the units that are stored to the logistics software. This helps to locate possible mismatches in the inventory.

Use of electric vehicles

The current and future trend is for more companies to incorporate the use of electric vehicles into their activity, taking into account that fuel costs are lower than those of other vehicles, and efficiency is greater.

In addition to the use of electric vehicles, there are other alternatives to improve the sustainability of the company's activity.

Sustainable warehouses

Warehouse management needs to be designed with the aim of causing as little environmental impact as possible, which is why sustainable warehouses exist. In this sense, it is possible to reduce the carbon footprint of logistics processes, as well as to recycle and reduce waste in the warehouse.

It is clear that these current trends in the logistics sector are going to be key in the development of the market, and that is why it is essential to know them in depth and apply them in the daily activity of companies. Digitalisation and sustainability are the present and the future!

The National Road Transport Inspection Plan for 2023 has been presented to national transport associations and approved on November 21, 2022.

This plan has been elaborated by the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (MITMA) with the Civil Guard Traffic Group, the National Road Transport Committee (CNTC), the Autonomous Communities and other bodies competent in road transport.

Goals of the Transport Inspection Plan

The general subdirector of the Land Transport Inspection of the Ministry of Transport states that the main objectives of this plan are to ensure the rights of transporters and compliance with the rules. The Transport Inspection Plan has as a finality to ensure a minimum rentability of the work and that the subcontracting is used in a fair way. Also, it takes part of the advance to the economic sustainability of freight transport.

It has a special emphasis on the morosity control, transport prices, the prohibition to load and unload and the control of mailbox companies.

News of the Transport Inspection Plan

With the goal to guarantee that the prices of the transport cover the costs, the inspection services will analyse the CMRs and other contractual documents, so they can check if all of the details are correct and that the price is justified.

The Transport Inspection Plan incises on the control of the transport prices, looking for respecting the maximum agreed prices.

The fight against morosity in freight transport has a heavy weight in this plan, since it has a negative repercussion on the competitivity and rentability. The news in this field looks for a fair competitivity and rentability.

To fight against the fraud in contracting workers, the control of dislocation of companies on the UE has increased.

It is fomented the use of the complaint mail, between a series of online inspection and control tools. This way makes it easy for every user, simple and anonymous to post a violation against the rules. You can access this mail from the web of the Ministry of Transport.

Controls and sanctions of the Transport Inspection Plan

The Transport Inspection Plan endures the controls and the sanctions.

They will be done estate inspections and autonomic inspections. Even more on this type of controls:

• In loading and unloading, to comply with Royal Decree Law 3/2022 of 1 March and Royal Decree Law 14/2022 of September 2022. These establish that drivers must not participate in the loading and unloading of goods. These controls will be carried out in person by Transport inspectors.
• In large loading companies and logistics centres. Both in Spain and in other EU countries.
• In mailbox companies, which together with delocalised companies often exercise unfair competition. Following the actions set out in the Strategic Plan of the Labour and Social Security Inspectorate.
• In the hiring of workers. The Transport Inspectorate and the Labour and Social Security Inspectorate are working together to prevent fraud in the hiring of workers. Likewise, the aim is to eradicate the fact that the self-employed in the sector sometimes have to work at a loss.
• On driving and rest times. Tachographs are analysed to check that drivers' rest periods are respected and that overtime is not being worked.
• At the busiest points, so that controls are more effective. Ports, industrial estates, logistics centres, bus and train stations, large loaders, etc.

If anomalies are detected during these inspections, the penalties can be up to 4,000 euros, depending on the penalty.

The Road Transport Inspection Plan is related to and complements some points of the Transport Chain Act. This was approved by the National Committee a few months ago.

Combating late payments, monitoring unfair competition, controlling fraudulent contracts and ensuring compliance with driving and rest times are the key points of this plan. It serves to support and complete some of the measures that had been approved in previous legislation and to improve the situation of hauliers.

Sustainable mobility and care for the environment are (fortunately) two issues that are at the forefront of our society. The carbon footprint has gone from being an unknown term to creating a huge awareness and in this aspect, transport has a lot of weight.

Vehicles, the way we travel and the roads themselves are undergoing many changes to reduce their impact. When we talk about ‘roads of the future’ we are referring to a series of technological implementations to improve their efficiency.

What changes and innovations do today's roads need? When will these roads of the future be real? In this post we analyse the main trends in sustainable mobility that are starting to be implemented or are expected to be implemented soon.

The current context of sustainable mobility

Road safety has increased considerably over the last decades thanks to improvements in road layout. To make the next breakthroughs we must rely on the potential of technology. Improvements in automation and connectivity, through digitalisation, will enable us to make the transition to the roads of the future.

Smart roads with interconnected vehicles

When we talk about smart roads, we are referring to the use of 5G, artificial intelligence and big data to connect roads with vehicles. Until now, roads were only a physical infrastructure, but with these implementations they become information highways.

Streetlights, traffic signs and other elements will also be able to be equipped with artificial intelligence and provide information to users or warn them of infractions. In addition, we will be able to know in advance about eventualities on the road, traffic situations or structural damage and alternatives to avoid them.

Photosensitive paints, which light up at night and help to reduce accidents, are an example that has already been in use for years. Dynamic paints would be a further step in this field. Their function is to warn of temperature and weather conditions by changing colour or generating symbols on the pavement.

Intelligent roads are safer, not only notifying of risks but, in case of an accident, they could automatically call for assistance. This would reduce waiting times.

Maintenance and self-repairing pavements

The maintenance of pavements involves considerable annual investments and any area in poor condition increases the possibility of an accident. Prevention and repair are very important in this aspect.

Sensors based on the internet of things and big data systems are beginning to be used to prevent and know in detail the state of infrastructures.

In addition, new types of asphalt are being studied with the capacity to heal thanks to the incorporation of rejuvenating agents.

Pavement recycling

On the other hand, technological developments are being applied to reuse deteriorated materials in the manufacture of new mixes. So the environmental impact is less, as the materials are not created from scratch and less waste is generated.

Use of graphene

Graphene is much stronger than steel and lighter than aluminium. It is being considered for use in sections of road to increase its lifespan and make it smoother and safer to drive on. The UK will start testing this material on its roads and, depending on the results, more countries could join the list.

Sustainable energy supplies

Electric vehicles, hydrogen, biofuels and sustainable fuels are becoming increasingly important and will move from being complementary to mainstream sources.

These energy sources reduce emissions, help decarbonise the transport sector and contribute to sustainable mobility.

Network of electric charging stations

There are more and more electric charging stations and the prospect for the next few years is to have an extensive network of ultra-fast charging points. So that drivers have sufficient charging zones on their routes and do not need more than 5 to 10 minutes to provide sufficient vehicle autonomy.

Electromagnetic induction technology

It consists of a system under the asphalt that generates strong electromagnetic fields, so that the road itself would be producing energy for the vehicles.

South Korea, Sweden, Germany and the UK are already testing different systems so that roads can charge electric vehicles on specific stretches of road.

Sustainable mobility and the roads of the future have been in the process of being implemented for years to become part of our present. Their benefits go far beyond safety and environmental care, they have positive repercussions on our quality of life in general.

In this post we have focused on roads and medium and long distances. But short distances also play a very important role in sustainable mobility. In this aspect, cities are limiting the use of private vehicles, especially if they have non-renewable energy sources. On the other hand, the use of public transport is being promoted and more areas are being made available for the use of bicycles and scooters.

As cow milk transporters, we are more than familiarized with its characteristics and conservation. We are also conscient of the popularization of vegetable drinks in the last years and that they tend to compare a lot with cow milk.

In this post we will focus on the differences and commonalities between the two beverages. From aspects such as how they are obtained and preserved to the nutritional values of each.

How are cow milk and vegetable drinks obtained?

We don’t have many doubts about how cow milk is obtained. The mammary glandules of the cows transform the nutrients in milk and it gets stored on the udders. In the milking Parlors, milk is extracted from the cows twice a day, at regular times, and will be placed in a refrigerated tank until it is transported in food tankers for further treatment before being distributed for sale.

Throughout this process, we must not forget the importance of maintaining the cold chain to guarantee an optimum level of conservation.

The amount of milk a cow can produce per day depends on factors such as age, breed, health, etc. But in general terms, the average is around 20 litres per day.

On the other hand, lactose-free milk, an alternative for people with lactose intolerance, is obtained from normal milk by breaking the lactose bond. This can be done by passing it through a carrier with the enzyme immobilised or by adding lactase.

Vegetable drinks, on the other hand, are obtained in a completely different way. They are made by mixing water with nuts, cereals or seeds. Depending on the ingredients and the desired result, the process may vary, but they are usually hydrated with water for a while to release their nutrients or boiled for a few hours. The next step is to grind them and then filter and sweeten them.

Main types of plant-based drinks

Plant-based milks are characterised by their wide variety. Let's see how many types of plant-based drinks you know and have tried:

• Oat drink: one of the most classic and easy to make.
• Almond drink: it is characterised by its sweet touch and can sometimes contain more sugar than recommended. Hazelnut drink is an alternative with similar properties.
• Soya beverage: is popular for its versatility and protein content. It is the closest vegetable drink to cow's milk.
• Rice drink: has a neutral taste and less nutrients than the other variants.
• Canaryseed drink: is more exotic and is considered a superfood.
• Quinoa drink: is refreshing and nutritious, but tends to be more expensive than the others.

The list goes on, you can make a vegetable drink from almost any nut, cereal or seed - variety is the spice of life!

Comparison of nutritional values

When it comes to the nutritional values of cow's milk and plant-based drinks, there is a tendency to think that plant-based drinks have a much poorer nutritional value.

What we should do in this area is to check the ingredients and composition of each drink. Depending on how it has been obtained and the additives it has, it may have a greater or lesser amount of calories and sugars, as well as proteins and vitamins.

Many vegetable drinks have high levels of sugar. We must pay attention to all the ingredients that are added in the preparation. Organic brands follow more natural processes, with less added ingredients and their nutritional values are usually better.

Cow's milk tends to stand out especially for nutrients such as calcium. In this case, we should also check the ingredients and the nutritional table. In addition, it should be borne in mind that semi-skimmed and skimmed milks have fewer calories and fat than whole milks, but also lose other nutrients in the process. Semi-skimmed milk is the most recommended of the three because it achieves a better balance.

On the other hand, while all cow's milk is gluten-free, some vegetable drinks may be gluten-free, depending on their ingredients. In the case of coeliac disease, gluten-free vegetable drinks should be checked.

Preservation of cow's milk and vegetable drinks

Taking into account the way each drink is obtained; we can understand that cow's milk is more delicate and it is especially important to take care of the cold chain. It should be kept refrigerated at all times, especially until it is pasteurised.

Vegetable drinks should also be kept refrigerated until the moment of consumption, since at room temperature their microorganisms are activated.

Regarding the time of consumption once opened, it is recommended not to exceed 3 days for cow's milk and vegetable drinks. After this period, they begin to oxidise and progressively lose their properties.

After making this comparison between cow's milk and vegetable drinks, we can only emphasise that we are talking about completely different concepts. Their method of production, composition and nutritional values are different. As is their taste. In addition, vegetable milks are a very interesting option for vegetarians, vegans or lactose intolerances.

The Ministry's text with the precepts of the Transport Chain Act has been approved by the National Committee. This law establishes that most transport contracts, as long as they meet a series of conditions, will have to be written.

The aim is to have more control over these journeys, to ensure that the price covers the minimum costs and to apply penalties if this is not the case. In addition, it also regulates break bulk operations.

What the Transport Chain Act consists of

The main objective behind the Transport Chain Act is to provide greater protection in the transport chain. This law aims to advance the sustainability of road freight transport and guarantee ‘a minimum profitability of work and a fair use of subcontracting’.

This Royal Decree amends the Transport Contract Law, the Land Transport Organisation Law and the Royal Decree on measures for the sustainability of transport. Therefore, rather than a new law, it is considered a modification and updating of the laws that were already in force.

In the field of transport contracts, the Law on the Transport Chain establishes that:

• All contracts exceeding 150 euros must be formalised in writing. Higher amounts had previously been proposed, but in the end a lower figure and one that affects more consignments was established.
• It is compulsory to indicate the transport price on the consignment note.
• Penalties will be imposed if the contract is not made in writing, if prices are not indicated or if these prices are lower than the actual prices.

This law is intended to have a particular impact on single shipment contracts. These are often not standardised and their conditions are more precarious for carriers.

Within the split loading operations between the distribution centre and the point of sale. This law regulates when the driver can perform loading and/or unloading. These actions must be paid and charged in all situations. It was planned to review this aspect in a Regulation to be published on 2 September, but it has been included here to speed it up.

The consignment note

The consignment note to be completed for all shipments over 150 euros can be physical or electronic and must contain a series of data:

• Identification of the shipper and sender.
• Identification of the carrier making the delivery.
• Place and date of receipt of the goods.
• Place and date of expected delivery.
• Identification of the consignee.
• Nature of the goods and mass.
• Price of the transport and all associated costs. This also includes loading and unloading operations.

The carrier itself is responsible for determining the amount of the costs related to the transport of the goods. In the event of a dispute, he has to prove these amounts to the shipper. Another alternative is to take as a reference the Cost Observatory of the Ministry of Transport, where the estimated amounts are updated quarterly.

When does the Transport Chain Act start to be implemented?

The Transport Chain Act was passed on Monday 1 August.

Moreover, a deadline of 6 months from the entry into force has been set to review subcontracting in freight transport and other nuclear issues.

Infringements for non-compliance with the Transport Chain Act

Infringements of the Transport Chain Act can be serious or very serious.

Serious infringements are considered to be:

• Not having all the details of the consignment note. The penalty is between 401 and 600 euros.
• Not formalising the consignment note or the contract when it is compulsory. In this case, the penalty is between 801 and 1,000 euros.
• Failure to indicate the price of the transport. The amount of the penalty is between 601 and 800 euros.
• If the previous infringement is complied with and, in addition, data is missing from the consignment note, a penalty of between 401 and 600 euros is added.

The following are considered very serious infringements: in single-shipment contracts, paying the carrier in cash a price lower than its costs, when there is an inequality between the shipper and the carrier. The penalty for these infringements’ ranges from 2,001 to 4,000 euros.

Related direct aid

In parallel to the Law on the Transport Chain, Royal Decree-Law 6/2022 of 29 March includes a series of aid measures. This is aid to alleviate the negative effects of the energy crisis, with a total of 450 million euros.

The distribution is according to the number and type of vehicle:

• 1,250 euros for lorries (heavy goods).
• 500 for vans (light goods).

How the Transport Act affects us

The Transport Chain Act affects all small consignments of over 150 euros, which until now have not been adequately controlled. It is a measure that will give more protection to carriers of this kind of deliveries.

Although Rios Sangiao does not affect our shipments, we consider all advances that help to regulate the rights of carriers to be positive. This law, together with other new developments such as the IMI platform for posted drivers, helps hauliers to benefit from greater transparency and better delimitation of their tasks.