The EU logistics industry is committed to making a seamless digital transition. The goal is for all parties in the transport chain to produce, process, and exchange data in a secure and reliable electronic environment. This ensures that the benefits are shared by everyone involved.
What is Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI)?
Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) refers to the digital information traditionally found in paper freight documents. Although it represents only a small part of the total supply chain information, it is crucial for the digital shift and offers significant benefits for transport companies.
The Role of Transport Companies
Transport companies play a pivotal role in this digital transformation. They link different parties in the supply chain and integrate information on goods transport. This integration brings substantial benefits to all stakeholders in the electronic transport chain and to society as a whole. Some of the advantages include:
- Better targeting of control and transport measures
- More efficient transport operations
- Reduction of the grey economy
- Combatting illegal cabotage
EU Legislation and Implementation
The EU is driving the digital transition through legislation, initially by enabling and eventually potentially mandating the use of eFTI. The first step is to make the use of electronic transport data mandatory for goods transport authorities by 2027. By this date, authorities will be required to accept electronic transport data during inspections. It is also possible that companies conducting certain types of transport may be required to operate electronically.
What This Means for Supply Chain Companies
Pioneering companies that decide to adopt electronic operations and logistics chain management from the outset will fully reap the benefits of digitalization. The market is expected to see the emergence of platform service providers for electronic freight information, similar to those in financial management (e.g., ukko.fi, procountor.fi). eFTI compatibility would be a significant selling point for such platforms. These platforms play a crucial role in supporting small-volume transport companies in their digital transition.