Old trucks and without aid: the crisis of the small transporters in the South behind the blockades
Four out of ten transport companies are excluded from fuel tax benefits, highlighting the crisis faced by truckers in Southern Italy. Many operators drive older vehicles that do not qualify for tax credits, which are limited to Euro 5 and Euro 6 trucks. The government has introduced measures to support small operators, including the ability to freeze leasing payments. The number of active transport companies has significantly decreased, with a notable decline in single-vehicle firms. The average age of commercial vehicles in Italy is high, with many being over ten years old, contributing to operational challenges.