TWIF: New EU import rules and safer breakdowns

Are SAF and electric trucks the future of freight? Explore the week’s biggest news for hauliers, from Amazon’s green plans to EU import changes.

Welcome to This Week in Freight, your go-to source for the latest haulage and road freight news and advice in the UK.

Every Friday, we gather the week’s top stories affecting fleet managers, operators, and drivers, keeping you informed on industry trends, updates, and key developments.

📈 Are you ready for the new EU import rules?

From 31 January, EU imports to the UK will require mandatory safety and security declarations via the S&S GB system. While many businesses are prepared, those new to these regulations need to act quickly to avoid border delays, penalties, or disruptions.

✔️ Learn who’s responsible for declarations
✔️ Discover the steps to get set up
✔️ Understand how to stay compliant

Alex Pienaar, HMRC’s director of customs policy & strategy, explains what the new requirements mean for your business, and how you can prepare.

✈️ Why you should care about SAF

With a target of making Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) 10% of all jet fuel by 2030, the government is aiming to reduce emissions in aviation—a sector known for its high carbon footprint.

As SAF adoption grows, it’s creating new opportunities for hauliers to transport biofuel feedstocks, support infrastructure projects, and learn from aviation’s approach to sustainability.

Learn how in our new guide to sustainable aviation fuels.

🚧 The end of the red triangle?

Could a new safety screen replace the traditional warning triangle? Richard Edwards’s Be-Seen-Screen offers faster deployment, better visibility, and reduced risk during breakdowns.

Tested by major fleets like Next, this reflective safety banner eliminates the need to walk 45 metres along busy roads, keeping drivers safer. With endorsements from industry experts, it could be the next big thing for roadside safety.

Find out how it’s already reshaping fleet safety practices.

⚡️ Amazon goes all-in on electric HGVs

Amazon has made the UK’s largest-ever electric truck order with 140 Mercedes-Benz and 8 Volvo FM vehicles, supported by the Zero Emission HGV programme.

These trucks will deliver 300 million packages annually with zero exhaust emissions, powered by fast chargers that reach 80% in just over an hour.

It even got a nod from Future of Roads minister Lilian Greenwood.

Explore what this means for fleet managers and the UK transport industry.

💼 This week’s freight jobs

Ready for a new challenge?

Azad Awan from HX has compiled his list of this week’s new and exciting opportunities, with roles at WR Logistics, GXO Logistics, Inc., Loom Talent and more.

👉 Check out the roles here.

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The article was published on . It was updated on 7 February 2025 to make it more relevant and comprehensive.


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