TransFollow is encouraging logistics providers, carriers, freight forwarders, and shippers to accelerate their digitalisation efforts ahead of the European Union’s Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation coming into full effect in July 2027.
From 9 July 2027, authorities across EU Member States will be required to accept freight transport information in electronic format when it is shared through certified eFTI-compliant platforms.
While the regulation does not make digital freight documentation mandatory, it removes one of the key obstacles that has historically slowed digital adoption by ensuring electronic information can be used during regulatory checks and inspections.
“The organisations that begin preparing now will be best positioned to benefit from improved visibility, efficiency and collaboration across increasingly complex supply chains,” said Hans Lip, Chief Operating Officer, TransFollow.
“With eFTI requiring authorities to accept electronic freight information, the regulation creates the conditions for businesses to accelerate their digital transformation, reduce administrative burdens and operate more competitively in a connected logistics ecosystem.”
The regulation forms part of the European Commission’s wider strategy to fast-track freight transport digitalisation across all transport modes, including road, rail, inland waterways and air freight.
According to the European Commission, the transition to digital freight information could generate annual savings of around EUR 1 billion for the EU transport and logistics sector through reduced administrative and operational costs.
Progress is already being made across Europe, with countries continuing to adopt electronic consignment notes (eCMRs) and recent regulatory developments, including Spain’s introduction of mandatory digital freight documentation, helping to build momentum.
“The growing adoption of eCMR we observe is extremely encouraging and demonstrates the increasing appetite for digital freight documentation,” added Lip.
“As digital adoption accelerates across Europe, businesses should be thinking not only about digitising documents, but also about how they exchange and share information across their supply chains.
“Companies that invest in interoperable digital platforms today will be better positioned to collaborate with partners, streamline cross-border operations and take advantage of the efficiencies that digital freight information can deliver.”
With over a decade of experience in freight digitalisation, TransFollow enables the secure creation and exchange of electronic transport data through an interoperable platform. Its involvement in IRU’s eCMR interoperability expert group underscores its commitment to emerging standards.
As eFTI rolls out, TransFollow supports seamless data sharing between stakeholders and authorities, including in on-the-road checks and inspections, fully aligned with eCMR and eFTI requirements, while ensuring that data always remains under the control of its users.