Germany's Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) conducted several nationwide control operations in May 2026, uncovering hundreds of violations within the road transport sector. The inspections, carried out on May 4, May 20-21, and May 25, specifically targeted compliance with cabotage regulations, adherence to weekly rest periods for drivers, and the technical condition of vehicles.
These controls highlight the ongoing commitment by German authorities to ensure fair competition and road safety within the logistics industry. Regular checks are a standard procedure to enforce existing transport laws and identify non-compliant operators.
For freight forwarders and logistics managers, these findings underscore the importance of strict adherence to German and EU road transport regulations, especially concerning cabotage and driver working hours. Non-compliance can lead to significant fines, operational delays, and reputational damage. Forwarders should ensure their contracted carriers and internal fleets are fully compliant with all technical and operational standards to avoid disruptions. The focus on cabotage also signals that foreign operators must be particularly vigilant about the legality of their domestic movements within Germany.
BALM is expected to continue these types of comprehensive inspections, maintaining pressure on the road transport industry to uphold regulatory standards.