The eFTI Project: Digital Revolution in Freight Transport
European freight transport is undergoing a major transformation. One of the key pillars of this change is the eFTI (electronic Freight Transport Information) initiative, which aims to fundamentally change the way transport documentation and data are handled throughout the supply chain.
What is eFTI and why was it created?
eFTI is a European legislative framework (EU Regulation 2020/1056) aimed at replacing paper documentation with electronic data exchange between carriers, logistics companies, and public authorities.
The key difference is that, instead of submitting documents (such as waybills), companies will provide structured data via certified IT platforms.
Commencing 2027, authorities in all EU member states will be required to accept this electronic data.
What does eFTI Offer in Practice?
For transportation and logistics companies, eFTI primarily means:
- elimination of paper-based administration and digitalization of documents
- faster information sharing among participants in the supply chain
- reduction in error rates thanks to a standardized data structure
- better data availability for planning and operational management
At European level, digitalization of processes is expected to yield significant savings in administrative costs and increase the efficiency of the entire sector.
From the perspective of rail freight transport, eFTI is an important step toward improving interoperability among carriers, terminals, and infrastructure managers, particularly in cross-border transport.
The eFTI4LIVE Project: Moving from Theory to Practice
The eFTI4LIVE project builds on previous European projects eFTI4EU and eFTI4ALL, and its main objectives are:
- to support implementation of eFTI in real-world operations
- to test interoperability between systems
- to develop certified platforms and services
- to create optimal conditions for EU-wide deployment
As part of a broad consortium of partners from more than 20 countries, the project brings together carriers, IT companies, and public institutions.
Among other things, the project focuses on solution certification, data management, and planning the practical implementation of eFTI so that paperless logistics becomes the standard.
Impact on Rail Transportation and Enterprise Systems
For the rail freight transport sector, which has traditionally relied on complex document flows and cross-border communication, eFTI presents a significant opportunity:
- harmonization of data standards across Europe
- better integration with systems such as TSI TEL
- streamlining of operations at terminals and rail spurs
- greater transparency in shipments
From the perspective of IT systems (e.g., Safira), this represents a shift from working with documents to working with data—that is, toward a model where information is shared in real time and accessible to all authorized parties.
Looking Ahead
The years 2025–2027 are crucial for implementation of eFTI across the EU. The following is currently underway:
- development of technical standards and implementing acts
- building national and European IT infrastructures
- pilot projects and real-world testing
Full deployment of eFTI is scheduled for July 2027, when electronic data exchange will become the standard for both inspections and operations.
The eFTI project is not just another legislative change. It is a fundamental step toward digitalization of European transportation. For companies in the rail transport sector, this means not only the need to prepare their systems but also an opportunity to increase their competitiveness in the digital logistics environment.