European Car Transport Compliant with EU Regulations

Efficiency and Compliance with Rules for European Car Transport

If you are looking for a European car transport service that combines regulatory compliance, traceability, and safety, ETL is your reference point. With over 40 years of experience in the transport sector and a consolidated network of certified European carriers, we offer customized solutions for dealerships, individuals, and companies.

We handle all operational and documentary management, complying with European regulations on safety, emissions, driving times, and international transport. Our service is reliable, transparent, and traceable at every stage of the journey.

Collaborations with External Carriers Compliant with European Regulations

Europe Transport and Logistics (ETL) does not own its own fleet, but relies exclusively on selected external carriers, compliant with stringent quality, safety, and sustainability requirements. Each operator is chosen based on regulatory compliance with community directives.

Here is a Visual Summary of the Regulations Governing Car Transport in Europe and Italy with Carriers:

Emissions and Environmental Compliance – Euro 6 Standard

The vehicles used by our partners must comply with the Euro 6 standard, in force since September 1, 2015, for new registrations, drastically limiting NOₓ emissions, particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons (HC), and CO₂ according to the limits set by Regulation (EU) 692/2008.
For heavy vehicles, the Euro VI regulation (Regulation EC 595/2009) imposes similar requirements, including approvals and durability of emission control devices.

Driving and rest times – Reg. EC 561/2006

Car transporters strictly adhere to the driving and rest periods provided by Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006:

• maximum daily driving of 9 hours (10 hours only twice a week)
• mandatory break of at least 45 minutes every 4.5 hours
• maximum weekly driving of 56 hours, and 90 hours over two consecutive weeks
• regular weekly rest of at least 45 hours, with the possibility of reduced rest to 24 hours, provided it is compensated within 3 weeks

Digital Tachograph and Time Recording

The use of the digital tachograph is mandatory, which records driving times, rest, and onboard activities; the data must be stored according to national and community regulations (e.g., download every few months)

Approval and Technical Compliance

All vehicles must be EC approved, with procedures ensuring compliance with technical specifications and safety, according to Regulation (EU) 2018/858)

Network of Certified Partners and Monitoring

All carriers selected by ETL operate with modern technologies:

• certified anchoring on carriers
• 24/7 GPS monitoring on every trip
• qualified drivers informed about community regulations.

Where We Reach: Complete Coverage in Europe

Thanks to our logistics network, we are able to offer the European car transport service to:

• Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands
• Spain, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland
• Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and other Eastern European countries

We handle all necessary customs documentation for entry into Switzerland or other non-EU countries, including the management of environmental taxes and special permits.

What Vehicles Can We Transport?

The car transport carriers used by our partners in Europe are suitable for transporting:

• New and used cars
• Rental cars
• SUVs and crossovers
• Light commercial vehicles
• Non-running vehicles (with winch, on request)

We can transport up to 10 vehicles per load, optimizing costs and reducing environmental impact through combined shipments.

How much Does it Cost to Transport Cars in Europe?

The cost of European car transport is not fixed, but is calculated based on various logistical, technical, and regulatory parameters, including:

• Route distance:
  The greater the distance to cover, the higher the costs of fuel, tolls, and operational management of the trip. International routes may also cross multiple countries with different rules (e.g., Austria or Switzerland impose specific transit taxes).
• Type of vehicle:
  The price varies if transporting a small car, an SUV, a light commercial vehicle, or a rental car, which often has specific handling and delivery constraints. The size and weight also affect the loading method on carriers.
• Condition of the vehicle (running or non-running):
  Non-running vehicles require the use of carriers equipped with a winch, specialized personnel, and longer loading/unloading times, resulting in increased costs.
• Additional services requested:
  These include home delivery, urgent transport, or assistance in preparing documents for foreign shipment. These services affect the final estimate.
• Regulations and customs duties:
  In some non-EU countries, such as Switzerland, environmental taxes (such as LSVA) or customs duties are applied and must be calculated on a case-by-case basis. In these cases, a correct customs classification of the vehicle is necessary, which ETL manages on behalf of the client.

Clear and Transparent Estimates

ETL offers free personalized estimates, built according to the real needs of the client. Our rates include:

• All Risk insurance coverage
• Support in international document management
• Real-time GPS monitoring
• Assistance before, during, and after the shipment

Thanks to our network of certified carriers compliant with European regulations, we can offer competitive rates without compromising on quality and safety.

How European and Italian Car Transport Works with ETL

Our European and Italian car transport service follows a structured process compliant with European regulations, to ensure safe, traceable, and hassle-free shipments.

It all starts with a detailed assessment of the vehicle to be transported, the departure and destination location, as well as the local and community regulations to be respected. If it involves international routes, we carefully analyze any specific restrictions or obligations – such as environmental taxes in Switzerland or transit limits in Austria for heavy vehicles not compliant with Euro 6 regulations.

Once the route is defined, we select the most suitable carrier among those we collaborate with: only certified operators, equipped with modern carriers, compliant with European directives on emissions, dimensions, and safety.

During transport, each vehicle is loaded and secured according to regulations, with active 24/7 GPS monitoring and real-time updates. The service concludes with timely delivery and the issuance of the required documentation, along with our always-available post-sale support.

Our step-by-step European and Italian car transport process

Discover at a glance how the ETL service works for national and international car transport:

To discover all the steps in detail, visit the dedicated page: How car transport works with ETL

Conclusion

European car transport requires attention, compliance with rules, and a reliable logistics network. ETL offers you all this, with the advantage of having a single point of contact and a tailored, compliant, and traceable service.

Request a Personalized Estimate Now

Contact us! One of our consultants will guide you through every stage, from documentation to vehicle pickup.

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