Swedish Transport Agency finds protection rules benefit local hauliers

A report from the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) indicates that protection rules introduced in February 2022 for combined transport are functioning as intended. The regulations limit how foreign-established transport companies can perform combined transport services—where goods are moved using multiple modes, such as road, rail, and ferry—within Sweden.

According to investigator Mattias Andersson, the rules have led to several positive effects, including an improved competitive situation for Swedish hauliers and a reduction in price dumping. The agency also noted that the rules have made it easier to monitor regulatory compliance and have resulted in a decrease in unauthorized cabotage transport.

While the agency noted that it is difficult to demonstrate clear effects through statistics alone regarding the Swedish freight transport market, the qualitative findings from interviews with industry representatives, authorities, and unions support the current framework. Consequently, the Transport Agency sees no immediate need to change the regulations, though the situation will continue to be monitored in accordance with EU requirements for five-year reviews.