After months of discussion, the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti, MIT) has clarified what the binding regulation on waiting times for loading and unloading of trucks actually looks like. In Memo No. 0013485 dated 4 November 2025 it states that drivers may in future wait a maximum of 90 minutes for processing. If this time is exceeded, the transport service provider is entitled to compensation of 100 euros per hour or part thereof.
The provisions are based on Article 6 of Legislative Decree 286/2005, which in May 2025 was amended by Decree-Law No. 73. The MIT circular now specifies how the new regulation is
to be applied. The ministry's stated aim is to create uniform and legally secure conditions for all participants in road freight transport.
FIAP responds positively
The Italian association of freight forwarders and transport operators FIAP explicitly welcomes the decision. The MIT circular fully confirms FIAP's interpretation, according to which the 90 minutes are to be regarded exclusively as waiting time and the regulation may not be contractually amended. The aim is to ensure fair economic conditions for carriers.
Impact on practice
For freight forwarders and transport companies, the new rule means that arrival and departure times must be recorded in minute detail going forward. FIAP notes that the entitlement to compensation
is only verifiable if the time of arrival is clearly recorded.
International Dimension
The new regulations expressly also apply to foreign transport companies, provided that loading or unloading takes place on Italian territory. In practice, however, the question will arise as to how freight forwarders from Germany, Poland or other EU member states can actually enforce their claims. The compensation claims will probably have to be pursued in Italy by civil-law means — usually through the shipper or the loading/unloading operation.
Who is liable
For the payment of the compensation, according to MIT, both the shipper and the loading or unloading operation are liable. Both parties are jointly liable to the
carrier. This is intended to ensure that the claim is not defeated by questions about who was responsible for the delay.
The provision applies regardless of the origin of the vehicle or the driver's nationality. Thus, every operation at Italian ramps is subject to the same deadlines and compensation obligations.
Conclusion
With Circular 0013485, the government strengthens the position of freight carriers, but at the same time also forces shippers and recipients to plan better. Crucial for freight forwarders: the 90-minute limit is binding, the compensation is 100 euros per hour — and the burden of proof lies with the carrier. Therefore, anyone driving in Italy should henceforth thoroughly document every
