Loading/unloading waiting times and MIT regulation

Milan, 27 January 2026 — The recent circular issued by the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) on waiting times for loading and unloading goods introduces clear rules for the logistics, road transport and maritime freight sectors, with direct effects on the efficiency of industrial supply chains.

The regulation clearly distinguishes between waiting times and actual loading and unloading operations, establishes a 90-minute grace period, and provides for automatic compensation of €100 for each hour, or part thereof, of delay. This strengthens carrier protection and enhances transparency in relationships between shippers, freight forwarders, logistics operators and terminal operators.

According to Sogedim, a freight forwarder with over forty years of experience in transport and integrated logistics, the measure can become a driver of operational efficiency if supported by structured planning of loading and unloading time slots.

“Regulatory clarity is essential to reduce unproductive time and improve punctuality and service quality,” comments Valentin Dima, Sogedim SpA. “Proper time management makes it possible to optimize resources and improve delivery reliability.”

In the food & beverage sector, the regulation takes on strategic importance for temperature-controlled transport, where time is a critical factor directly linked to product quality.

“For fresh and frozen goods, time is a quality parameter,” explains Tommaso Torri, Chief Commercial Officer – Food & Beverage at Sogedim. “Reducing waiting times means safeguarding the cold chain, extending shelf life and maintaining high service levels.”

The regulation also has significant implications in the port environment and in sea–land transport flows, where operational punctuality directly affects business continuity and the regularity of logistics flows.

“Clear regulation of waiting times improves planning at terminal level and enhances operational control throughout the supply chain, improving overall working conditions and reliability,” emphasizes Simone Morelli, Chief Operating Officer – Overseas at Sogedim.

By reducing inefficiencies linked to unproductive waiting times, the regulation supports more effective import-export flow planning, increases supply chain efficiency and helps make port traffic more attractive compared to major European logistics hubs.

Through dedicated organizational and digital solutions for managing operational time windows, Sogedim views the MIT regulation as an opportunity to build transparent and competitive logistics services in support of industrial companies.

With a widespread territorial presence and a high value-added logistics offering that combines road transport, food & beverage logistics, sea and air freight, and intermodal solutions, Sogedim confirms its role as a strategic partner for manufacturing and industrial companies facing new regulatory, operational and market challenges.

Sogedim SpA is an independent transport and logistics group active internationally, headquartered in the province of Milan. Over the years, it has evolved by offering increasingly comprehensive and diversified transport solutions, along with new strategically located branches across Lombardy, Piedmont, Emilia, and Tuscany.
The Group, which currently employs over 500 people and serves more than 10,000 customers, is increasingly recognized across European and global transport and logistics markets.
With over 220,000 sqm of warehouses and facilities located in central and northern Italy, the freight forwarder provides companies with efficient, precise, and competitive services.