UnitCargo World No. 14/2025

unitcargo
world
NEWS IMPRESSIONS INFORMATION
No. 14, November 2025
UnitCargo:
HVO100 is
Fueling the
Future of Freight
Introducing:
Sofia – Where
History Meets a
Modern Heart
Key Information
for Road Freight
Transport

EDITORIAL
Dear Readers,
In the last issue, I talked about the crisis that
has been with us for a long time now and our
five strengths. I have been in this industry for
36 years – since 1989 – and have never experienced
such a long period of global economic
crisis. The crisis has had a particular impact
on companies‘ profits and reserves.
In the early 1990s, there was the Yugoslavian
War, but this opened new doors for the logistics
industry and gave us the opportunity to
grow by making the right decisions and strategies.
In 2008, there was the financial crisis,
but this only affected our industry for a few
months. Now, we have had almost three years
of continuous stagnation.
What conclusions can we draw from this?
Every crisis is an opportunity. What opportunity
do we see? To make the company
more efficient. How can we achieve this? By
streamlining processes and focusing on our
core business with the right employees. It
is not only the crisis that is affecting our industry,
but also the increasingly noticeable
shortage of lorry drivers. Many of our freight
forwarders are planning to close their businesses
for a variety of reasons, including a
lack of lorry drivers. This has prompted us to
launch the ‘Fair Logistics’ initiative. You can
find out more about this in our next issue or,
if you are interested, in a personal conversation
with me.
I am looking forward to our upcoming goal
setting and strategy work for 2026 and to the
Christmas party with my employees, where
we will look back and prepare for the new
year for you, our dear partners.
We wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy
New Year and a successful collaboration with
UnitCargo.
with orange regards,
Davor Sertić
CEO UnitCargo
Contents
04
06
08
10
11
Transport Policy Conditions –
HGV – EU 2025/2026
Driving Clean: Why HVO100
is Fueling the Future of Freight
Sofia – Where History
Meets a Modern Heart
10 Transport and logistics facts
about Bulgaria
Idiomology
2
3

UNITCARGO BUSINESS
UNITCARGO BUSINESS
Transport Policy
Conditions –
HGV – EU 2025/2026
Driving & Rest Times 2026
From 1 July 2026, Regulation (EC) No 561/2006
also applies to vehicles >2.5 t used in
international carriage or cabotage:
full driving/rest rules become mandatory.
2026
• Digital tachographs: Mandatory from
1 July 2026 for light commercial
vehicles 2.5–3.5 t in cross‐border
operations.
• Safety: Emergency lane‐keeping
assistant becomes compulsory for
all HGVs from 2026.
• Longer semi‐trailers: Trial of extended
trailers up to 17.88 m runs until
end‐2026.
• Zero‐emission HGVs: Many countries
grant initial toll discounts (e.g., Germany
for e‐trucks).
• Air‐pollutant toll: From March 2026,
an extra component for NOx/PM
will be charged in tolls.
• Germany: Border checks
with PL/CZ/AT extended
until 15 Mar 2026.
ADR 2026
ADR 2025 version (valid 1 Jan 2025;
binding from 1 July 2025) remains in
force throughout 2026. Next full revision
(ADR 2027) applies from 1 Jan 2027.
2025
• Tyrol (Austria): Truck metering (block
clearance) continues in Nov/Dec
2025 to throttle traffic.
• Tolling: Emission‐free vehicles remain
exempt from tolls until 31 Dec 2025.
Tolls 2026
Austria
• Compromise reached with industry:
planned steep HGV‐toll hike
averted.
• Instead: Annual index‐like adjustment;
external‐cost components
for CO₂, air and noise remain.
Belgium
• Wallonia change from 1 Jan 2026
lifts nationwide rates slightly; heavier
and dirtier vehicles pay more.
Czech Republic
• Indication of another rise from 1
Jan 2026, around +2.5% (not yet
officially confirmed).
Denmark
• 2026 rates as set in law for
2025/26; HGVs <12 t not tolled
until 2027.
• Lower fees for higher CO₂ classes
(4, 5); surcharges in cities/LEZs.
Germany
• Toll exemption for zero-emission
HGV extended until 30 June 2031.
• Pay 25% of the infrastructure toll
component (–75% discount) plus
full air/noise components.
• Vehicles ≤4.25 t tzGm remain fully
exempt. No general toll rate hike
planned.
Hungary
• Tariffs expected to remain inflation‐linked;
infrastructure share likely
to rise (~3% or more for HGVs).
Italy
• No radical system change expected;
tiered per‐km tariffs continue.
• Possible stronger environmental
components and targeted surcharges
on sensitive stretches.
Luxembourg
• Eurovignette remains for ≥12 t;
new tariff structure by 2026 based
on CO₂ class and axles.
• Higher costs for poor CO₂ class/
high axle count; 2025 rises likely
carry into 2026; further moderate
CPI‐type tweaks possible (no
confirmed 2026 hike).
Netherlands
• Per‐km HGV charge starts 1 July
2026; Eurovignette requirement
ends after 30 June 2026.
• Motor vehicle tax for HGVs will be
cut significantly or to a minimum.
Poland
• Likely moderate adjustment in
2026 (inflation, maintenance, external
costs); network expansion
possible.
• Continued differentiation by emissions
class; a project considers an
extra charge up to PLN 0.42/km
for highest emitters.
Romania
• From 1 July 2026, a distance-based
toll system (TollRo) will be
introduced on all Romanian roads
for vehicles over 3.5 t. Until TollRo
is introduced, the Rovinieta will
apply, which is valid for a certain
period of time, regardless of the
number of kilometres driven.
Slovakia
• New toll calculation method since
1 July 2025. Automatic classification
of all vehicles in the highest toll
category (CO2 1). Lower category
only upon application.
Slovenia
• From 1 Nov 2025: CO₂ emissions
class (1–5) now applied in tolling;
class 5 = cleanest.
Sweden
• Winter tyres are mandatory for
heavy vehicles from 10 November
to 10 April. This applies to all vehicles
and trailers over 3.5 tonnes,
regardless of weather conditions.
Minimum tread depth of 5 mm for
all tyres on heavy vehicles and 1.6
mm for trailer tyres.
All illustrations © freepik
4
5

UNITCARGO BUSINESS
UNITCARGO BUSINESS
Driving Clean:
Why HVO100 is Fueling
the Future of Freight
© freepik
In a comprehensive study from the University of
Applied Sciences BFI Vienna, students under the
supervision of Dr. Clemens Schuhmayer explored
the role of HVO100 in the decarbonisation of European
freight transport. Their findings confirm what
many in the industry are beginning to suspect:
HVO100 – 100% Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil – isn’t
just a niche alternative, but a scalable and impactful
solution. The study opens by outlining the urgency
to reduce CO₂ emissions in transport and highlights
HVO100’s potential as a climate-friendly, immediately
available substitute for fossil diesel. With Austria’s
HVO100 consumption expected to rise from
50 to 250 million litres between 2023 and 2025, the
momentum is undeniable.
A Market on the Move
Austria is one of the early adopters of HVO100,
with usage tripling from 50 to 150 million litres between
2023 and 2024, and projections estimating
250 million litres in 2025. Companies like REWE,
DHL, and Müller Transporte are already reaping
the environmental rewards. HVO100 is also gaining
ground across Europe, especially in Italy, Spain,
and Portugal, where the infrastructure is expanding
rapidly. For UnitCargo, which operates across
a pan-European network, this evolving availability
is key to planning sustainable long-haul routes.
The Austrian Advantage –
and Its Limits
Legally approved under Austrian fuel regulations,
HVO100 can be used in any diesel engine
certified under EN 15940, and most modern
trucks from brands like MAN, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz
are compatible. Crucially, HVO100
is a ‘drop-in’ solution – meaning it can be used
without technical conversion and even alternated
with conventional diesel. This flexibility is
vital for UnitCargo’s operations across multiple
countries and changing infrastructure landscapes.
However, with HVO100 costing around 15–
20 cents more per litre than regular diesel, cost
implications remain a concern for many operators.
Real-World Impact
A standout example in the report is Havi Logistics,
which reduced annual CO₂ emissions by
450 tonnes at its Vomp site alone by switching to
HVO100. The benefits are not only environmental:
cleaner combustion leads to lower maintenance
costs, better engine performance, and improved
reliability – all factors that directly impact fleet
efficiency and total cost of ownership. In UnitCargo’s
case, switching to HVO100 would raise per-
pallet costs – but for sustainability-conscious
clients, this may be a price worth paying.
A Bridge, Not a Final Destination
While HVO100 is no silver bullet, it’s a powerful
tool for immediate decarbonisation – especially
in heavy goods transport where full electrification
remains years away. As hydrogen and electric
options continue to develop, HVO100 fills a vital
gap. Criticism over sourcing and ‘greenwashing’
is valid in some cases, but Austria’s 2021 palm oil
ban and stricter EU certification are raising standards.
The transition is far from perfect – but it‘s
necessary. And UnitCargo, with its strong sustainability
mindset, is well positioned to lead the
way.
Looking Ahead
With its low emissions, technical compatibility,
and increasing accessibility, HVO100 is not just
a fuel – it‘s a statement. For logistics companies
navigating both regulatory demands and climate
expectations, adopting HVO100 is a step
towards future-proofing operations. For UnitCargo,
it‘s not about jumping on a trend – it’s about
continuing a journey toward cleaner, smarter
transport.
6
7

SUBJECT UNITCARGO DESTINATION
UNITCARGO DESTINATION SUBJECT
Sofia –
Where History
Meets a
Modern Heart
Sergey Iltchev,
Branch Office Manager UC Bulgaria
Few European capitals can claim a
history as deep and enduring as Sofia’s.
Continuously inhabited for more than 7,000 years,
Bulgaria’s capital is a city where ancient ruins and
modern life intertwine, framed by the magnificent
backdrop of Mount Vitosha.
A City of Springs, Stones and Stories
Wander through central Sofia and you’ll walk
across time itself. The Roman remains of Serdica
– streets, fortresses, and villas – lie exposed beside
glass towers and lively cafés. One of the city’s
most striking landmarks, the Alexander Nevsky
Cathedral, stands proud with its shimmering golden
domes and richly decorated interiors, one of
the largest Orthodox churches in the Balkans.
Sofia is also blessed with over forty mineral springs,
some of them bubbling freely in the heart of the
city. Locals still gather to fill their bottles at the
Central Mineral Baths – a charming reminder that
here, nature and urban life exist in perfect balance.
Living Beneath the Mountain
Sofia’s energy feels both youthful and relaxed.
With its universities, creative start-ups and cultural
festivals, it draws students, artists and professionals
from across Bulgaria and beyond. The city’s
restaurants mirror this diversity – from hearty traditional
dishes like banitsa and shopska salata to
global cuisine and the ever-present glass of rakiya.
And just fifteen minutes from the city centre,
Mount Vitosha rises above it all. For locals like me,
it’s a sanctuary. In winter, we ski down its slopes; in
summer, we hike through its forests. It’s rare to find
a capital city that lives so closely with nature – and
that’s part of Sofia’s quiet magic.
A Capital with Soul
Beyond its ruins and cathedrals, Sofia is a city that
lives in the present. It’s a thriving economic hub of
Southeast Europe, home to international companies
yet still rich in character, history and warmth.
To me, Sofia is more than a place on the map – it’s
home. A city that lets you breathe, think and dream,
while never forgetting where it came from. For
anyone curious enough to visit, Sofia offers more
than sights – it offers a story still being written.
© stock.adobe.com/Lukas
8 9

UNITCARGO IDIOMOLOGY
High rail electrification
Bulgaria is one of
the EU leaders in
terms of the proportion
of electrified
railways.
This is a good
prerequisite for
lower-carbon freight transport.
~74.5 %
Inland waterways moved
13.4m tonnes (2023)
Bulgaria’s inland waterway
transport – dominated
by the Danube
– handled 13.4
million tonnes
in 2023, with
agri-bulk
the biggest
share.
13.4 M
No blanket Sunday/
holiday truck ban
Unlike many EU states, Bulgaria
has no nationwide weekend/
public-holiday ban for HGVs
(only local/temporary restrictions
may apply).
Greener trains on order
In April 2025, Bulgaria signed
a contract with Alstom for 35
electric multiple units, partly
financed by EU economic stimulus
funds. This is good news for
more environmentally friendly
rail freight transport.
Burgas is and remains the gateway
to the Black Sea.
The private operator BMF Port
Burgas reported record throughput
of
7.2 million
tonnes and
~130,000 TEU
(2023).
10
Transport and logistics
FACTS
about Bulgaria
Road and rail on one bridge
The New Europe Bridge
(Vidin – Calafat), opened in 2013,
carries four road lanes plus a rail
track, tightening the north-south
freight spine.
Kapitan Andreevo
= bottleneck for
lorries in the EU
At the Turkish border,
Kapitan Andreevo is regularly
cited as Europe‘s busiest border
crossing; on normal days, between
1,250 and over 2,500 lorries
pass through it.
TR
Safe & secure parking:
still patchy
The EU is expanding SSTPAs,
but Bulgaria‘s certified stock and
premium parking
spaces remain
limited. Timely
P
bookings are
recommended.
Bulgaria recognises e-CMR
By acceding to the UN e-CMR Protocol,
Bulgaria allows legally valid digital consignment
notes, which saves paper and
improves data flow.
Sofia Airport
is adding Terminal 3
By 2030, the capacity
is to be increased from
seven to 20 million
passengers per year
through the construction
of Terminal 3 and
the modernisation of
Terminal T2.
© sofia-airport, freepik
We speak 17 languages at UnitCargo and every once in a while
a phrase comes up which when translated, has us in stitches.
Team Austria’s favourite fun phrase of this edition is:
На баба ти хвърчилото
Your grandmother’s kite
In English, it is comparable to a sarcastic ,Yeah, right!’
Illustration: Stefan Strasser
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11

From Scandinavia to the Balkans!
We believe in a better logistics world.
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