European Modular System (EMS)

European Modular System (EMS) is a concept of allowing combinations of existing loading units (modules) into longer and sometime heavier vehicle combinations to be used on some parts of the road network. EMS will improve road transport efficiency and reduce its environmental impact.

Background
A new approach to road transport was developed when Sweden and Finland joined the EU in the 1980’s. For environmental and competitive reasons, it was unacceptable for both Sweden and Finland to apply the EU rules on weights and dimensions, as both countries had for a long time prior to this allowed longer and heavier vehicles on their roads. In order to find a solution that would enable foreign transporters to compete on equal terms in Sweden and Finland, a compromise was reached to allow increased vehicle length and weight all over the EU on the condition that the existing standardized EU modules were used. This is the so-called European Modular System (EMS).

The EMS, also referred to as “modular concept”, is defined in Directive 96/53 EC, Article 4, § 4 (b) as follows:
“the Member State which permits transport operations to be carried out in its territory by vehicles or vehicle combinations with dimensions deviating from those laid down in Annex I also permits motor vehicles, trailers and semi trailers which comply with the dimensions laid down in Annex I to be used in such combinations as to achieve at least the loading length authorized in that Member State, so that every operator may benefit from equal condition of competition (modular concept).”

The EMS is a concept “invented” or first introduced by Directive 96/53. Neither 25,25m length nor 60t weight is mentioned in the Directive: those are national rules applying to Sweden and Finland only. Therefore each Member State remains free to allow different combinations of the existing standardized EU modules.

Benefits of EMS
The use of the modular concept in the EU results in increased efficiency of transport in general and road transport in particular. Indeed, based on standard modules, it gives high flexibility to adapt the vehicles to different situations, and offers the possibility to use long combinations when possible and shorter combinations when necessary. As it is based on existing equipment (vehicles and load units), it is easy to implement and very easy to rearrange to shorter combinations and adapt to local conditions: it means making a better use of what we already have.

The use of longer trucks has positive effects on the environment, and this was indeed one of the reasons why the EU allowed Sweden and Finland to maintain longer trucks while joining the EU in 1995. Another reason was that the introduction of the “modular concept” enabled foreign transporters to compete on equal terms. The long-date use of longer trucks has not prevented rail transport in Sweden from developing and holding the highest share of goods transport compared to the rest of the EU. In other Member States currently using the concept, the positive effects on the environment have been confirmed, and contrary to a widespread perception, official statistics show that the use of longer trucks has a neutral or positive impact on road safety.

There is no evidence that allowing longer trucks on the roads would shift loads from rail to road: goods transported by road tend more to be higher value goods, whilst rail is more suited to lower value goods. Road and rail are complementary modes with limited areas of competition. The spread of the use of the modular concept will indeed promote further development of intermodal road-rail transport as the dimensions of the truck modules are fully compatible with those of the rail freight wagons.

Further promotion of the use of the modular concept throughout Europe will have an immediate positive effect on transport efficiency and on the environment. Such promotion will also support intermodality. By using existing standardized EU modules it will support the development of other transport modes (i.e. railways), as the use of modular concept will have a positive effect on the development of intermodal road-rail transport solutions.