The installation of wind turbines, for example, relies on large-capacity and heavy transports. These special journeys are also vital for agriculture and showmen. Yet, avoidable bureaucratic hurdles and deficits in transport infrastructure and digitalization cause significant disruptions.
In an effort to improve large-capacity and heavy transports, 31 associations and organizations within the German economy and transport sector, including the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have formed the Large-Capacity and Heavy Transport Initiative (VI GST).
They collectively highlight that individual large-scale project processes require extensive planning and preparation time. While the deterioration of transport infrastructure complicates finding transport routes, application and approval procedures for large-capacity and heavy transports are becoming increasingly lengthy.
"Processing times at authorities currently take weeks to months," criticize the associations in a joint press release. "Fixed project workflows are thereby thrown into chaos, causing delays and increased costs."
State of Affairs "No Longer Acceptable"
Since such transports are crucial for executing infrastructure projects for both the private sector and public authorities, national strategies such as the energy transition are at risk, warns VI GST. For businesses and the transport sector, "the current state is no longer acceptable." The initiative urges lawmakers "not to unnecessarily hinder large-capacity and heavy transports and to utilize existing opportunities for bureaucratic simplification to enable urgent relief."
The core demands at a glance
Essentially, the focus is on:
- creating suitable regulations for oversized and heavy transports,
- accelerating and optimizing application and approval procedures,
- introducing a geoinformation system for oversized and heavy transports,
- ensuring fees remain standardized and calculable,
- maintaining, expanding, and utilizing transport infrastructure more effectively,
- counteracting the shortage of skilled workers,
- raising the consultation threshold for transports up to 44 tonnes total mass,
- utilizing the strengths of transport modes in the best possible way, and
- leveraging synergies promptly with the involvement of the economy.
The complete position paper with details is available on the website of the Federal Association for Heavy Transport and Crane Operations (only available in German).
- Relevant in topic:
- Mobilität
- Key areas:
-
- Verkehr
- Infrastruktur
Released 21.06.2023
Modified 12.02.2026
Contact
Dr. Patrick Thiele
Head of National Transport Policy, Transport Industry
Petra Blum
Spokesperson