On Monday, ETF took part in a Belgian roadside inspection dedicated to cargo securing and exceptional vehicle cargo. The latter refers to trucks transporting loads that exceed standard weight or dimensions and often involves obtaining necessary exemptions and permits. The inspection took place in Bertem, at a truck stop near the highway. It was carried out together with Kurt Garrez, 1st Chief Inspector of the Federal Highway Police, along with other enforcers. During the visit, representatives from the Belgian trade unions ACV and BTB, as well as the ETF secretariat, were able to observe when the enforcers checked whether companies and drivers were properly securing their vehicle loads.
What we witnessed was worrying. A significant number of trucks on the Belgian roads still transport unsecured or poorly secured cargo, posing serious dangers to both drivers and other road users. Many vehicles were found to be overloaded or missing essential securing equipment, such as load bars, cargo bars, or load locks.
Based on studies by various agencies, it is estimated that 25% of the Belgian accidents involving trucks on highways are related (directly/indirectly) to load securing. In Belgium, fines for cargo-securing infringements range from 75 to 1,000 euros, with only the most serious cases reaching 2,000 euros. However, these amounts are far too low to deter all parties involved in the transportation chain from cutting corners. As a result, the problem persists on a large scale.
From Monday’s inspection, ETF and the Belgian enforcement authorities strongly agree on three key points:
As discussions continue on the European Commission’s proposed roadworthiness package, ETF is calling for these issues to be urgently addressed. Crucially, the responsibility for securing cargo doesn’t rest solely on the driver. While drivers are responsible for checking that the cargo is properly secured before starting the journey, and they need to do on-road monitoring, the bulk of responsibilities is with the clients and operators.
ETF is therefore demanding clearer legislation that defines responsibilities across the entire logistics chain, outlining who is accountable, under what conditions, and with what obligations. Only then can Europe ensure safer roads, fairer working conditions, and properly enforced standards.