As the UK Government sets its sights on economic growth and rebuilding its relationship with the European Union, one critical logistics issue threatens to derail progress: the 90/180 Schengen travel restriction and its impending enforcement through the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), due to launch in October 2025.
At Meachers Global Logistics, we are proud to be part of an industry that moves 81% of the UK’s freight, rising to 98% for food and agricultural goods. Our drivers are the lifeblood of UK-EU trade, ensuring that goods flow efficiently across borders. But the 90/180 rule, which limits non-EU nationals to 90 days of stay within any 180-day period in the Schengen Zone, poses a serious threat to our operations and the wider logistics sector.
Understanding the 90/180 Rule and EES
The 90/180 rule is not new, but its enforcement has been inconsistent since Brexit. That is about to change. The EU’s new Entry/Exit System will automate the tracking of time spent in the Schengen Zone, making enforcement of the rule unavoidable. For UK logistics and coach companies, this means:
– Severe operational constraints: Drivers who exceed the 90-day limit will be barred from re-entry, disrupting delivery schedules and client commitments.
– Workforce reductions: According to the Road Haulage Association, 80% of operators expect a downturn in business, with 54% anticipating layoffs, 63% of which would affect drivers who regularly operate in the EU.
– Loss of competitive edge: The UK boasts some of the most experienced and capable logistics providers in Europe. Without a solution, these companies risk being sidelined.
The Economic Stakes
The logistics industry is not just a support service, it is a cornerstone of the UK economy. Every sector, from retail to manufacturing, relies on the timely and efficient movement of goods. The Government’s ambition to drive economic growth cannot be realised without a thriving logistics sector.
The introduction of the EES, while understandable from a border security perspective, risks creating a bottleneck for UK-EU trade. The 90/180 rule, when strictly enforced, will limit the availability of UK drivers who are essential for transporting goods across Europe. This is not just a business inconvenience, it is a threat to supply chain resilience, food security, and the UK’s export potential.
Why Dual Registration Isn’t Enough
The previous Government introduced Dual Registration to support specialist events hauliers, allowing them to operate under both UK and EU licenses. While this was a welcome step, it does not address the broader issue faced by general freight and coach operators. The vast majority of UK logistics companies do not qualify for Dual Registration and are left exposed to the full impact of the 90/180 rule.
A Practical Solution: Professional Drivers’ Exemption
What’s needed is a targeted, practical solution: a professional drivers’ exemption from the 90/180 rule for those transporting goods or passengers between the UK and EU on return journeys. This exemption would:
– Protect jobs in a vital sector of the UK economy
– Ensure continuity in the supply chain for both imports and exports.
– Support the Government’s growth agenda by enabling frictionless trade.
– Maintain the UK’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.
– Such an exemption would not undermine the integrity of the Schengen Zone. It would simply recognise the unique role that professional drivers play in facilitating international trade and the mutual benefits of keeping goods moving efficiently between the UK and EU.
A Call to Action
We urge policymakers to recognise the strategic importance of the UK logistics industry and to act swiftly. The 90/180 rule, if left unaddressed, will not only hinder trade but also jeopardise thousands of livelihoods.
At Meachers Global Logistics, we are committed to working with Government, industry bodies, and our European partners to find a workable solution. We call on MPs and Ministers to raise this issue in Parliament and advocate for a professional drivers’ exemption that reflects the realities of post-Brexit trade.
The road ahead is challenging, but with the right support and sensible policy adjustments, we can keep the wheels of trade turning.
By Darren Vale, Transport Manager, Meachers Global Logistics
