In May 2025, the Italian government adopted new regulations for road transport, contained in the so-called Infrastructure Decree. They aim to improve work organization and protect carriers. The changes focus on reducing downtime for loading and unloading, and introducing stricter rules for timely payment.
Compensation for downtime in excess of 90 minutes. One of the most important novelties is the reduction of the permissible waiting time for loading and unloading. The previously applicable two-hour grace period has been reduced to 90 minutes for each operation. Exceeding this limit will result in an obligation to pay compensation to the carrier - in the amount of 100 euros for each commenced hour of delay. Importantly, both the principal (customer) and the forwarder are jointly and severally liable for the payment of compensation. This provision significantly strengthens the position of carriers, who in the past were often deprived of effective tools to assert their rights in case of delays beyond their control. The new regulations also aim to motivate companies that outsource transportation to better organize logistics processes and reduce unnecessary downtime.
Strengthening payment discipline. The decree also touches on the difficult topic of payment terms for transportation services. Provisions have been introduced to enable the Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) to take action against entities that commit systematic delays in paying their financial obligations. Repeated and widespread cases of late payment can be considered an abuse of economic dependence, resulting in the possibility of administrative fines and publication of warnings. This is an important step toward cleaning up the market and protecting smaller transport operators, who are often forced to wait a long time for payment despite timely service delivery. Watch our profile - we always try to keep an eye on what's happening important in transportation.
