The inspection focused mainly on transporters of loose (raw) materials such as sand, soil and gravel, the so-called tipper transport.
The ILT regularly checks for overloading of trucks at various locations in the Netherlands. The ILT recently inspected 3 locations in the Limburg region. The inspection focused mainly on transporters of loose (raw) materials such as sand, soil and gravel, the so-called tipper transport. To prevent unfair competition and damage to roads or bridges and to improve road safety, it is important that trucks are not overloaded.
Most trucks well loaded
Just like in 2021, the ILT recently held 2 inspection days. Sander Bijkerk, inspector at the ILT: “The fact that 70 of the 85 trucks checked this year were correctly loaded is an indication that transport companies see the importance of this. The same goes for the drivers; of course, a check costs them time. But they also know that trucks that are too heavy are harmful to the road surface and the competitive environment within the sector.”
Violations
The inspectors found 8 violations, six of which related to overloading. One truck weighed 80.850 kilos instead of the maximum allowed 50.000 kilos. The truck was therefore 61% too heavily loaded. This truck was immediately stopped and was only allowed to continue driving after the excess load (30.850 kilos) had been transferred to an empty truck. An official report has been drawn up for this violation. In another case, the truck was found to be 31% too heavily loaded on the drive axle; a report has also been drawn up for this. Only after the transport company had brought in another tractor and the load was coupled to this tractor, the load could go on to the recipient.
The other violations were 2 drivers driving without a valid and expired Code 95. Both were not allowed to drive any further; their employers sent another driver to carry the cargo on. The tachograph in one truck was also found to be broken. This must be repaired within 7 days, otherwise the transport company will still receive a report.
Industry benefits from compliance
The checks are part of the Smart and Safe Road Freight Transport programme. In order to encourage better compliance with the rules, the ILT also regularly holds discussions with transport companies and clients. Bijkerk: “Checks, warnings and enforcement actions do not always lead to a change in behaviour. We notice that the importance of loading correctly becomes clearer as soon as we discuss this with the sector. If all parties take their responsibility, they will also contribute to a level playing field in the transport sector. Several clients have now signed a declaration of intent, stating that they adhere to the legally permitted standards for loading.”
Pre-data analysis
Prior to the inspection days, the ILT analyzed last year's results and the weighbridge data from various companies in Limburg. “Thanks to this analysis – actually a form of digital inspection – we were able to perform more targeted checks on site. We leave companies that operate in a socially responsible manner and therefore load their vehicles in the correct way. But for companies that regularly overload their trucks, we paid extra attention during the inspection days," says Sander Bijkerk inspector at the ILT .
