VDI

VDI 2700 8.1 Standard

Mandatory for car transport trailers equipped with Lohr-type floors operating in Germany

In September 2024, a new standard of the Association of German Engineers (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure) – VDI 2700 8.1 – came into force in Germany. It requires that car transport trailers with Lohr-type floors meet specific requirements, particularly regarding the securing of loads in vehicles with a permissible gross weight of up to 4,500 kg, dedicated to car transport. The new VDI standards define requirements for car transporters in terms of securing and safety of transported loads, including the condition of platform and ramp sheets, sealing, hydraulic systems, completeness of securing devices, and compliance with strap and chock standards. These requirements aim to improve road safety and prevent the detachment of the vehicle being transported on the trailer, for example during sudden braking or an accident. The VDI 2700 8.1 standard is currently relevant for transport operations within Germany.

Martz has obtained VDI 2700 8.1 certificates for its products, which confirms its commitment to maintaining the highest safety and quality standards in trailer manufacturing. As part of the procedure for obtaining the VDI 2700 8.1 compliance certificate, strength tests of the vehicles are conducted in accordance with Directive 2014/47/EU of the European Parliament and Council on load securing. Currently, all Martz-branded car transport trailers comply with the new requirements of the VDI 2700 8.1 standard, as confirmed by compliance certificates issued after tests carried out by the Motor Transport Institute. Obtaining these certificates means that our currently produced car transport trailers meet the highest standards for load securing and transport safety. When purchasing a new Martz trailer, you do not need to worry about compliance with the VDI 2700 8.1 standard, as it comes with a VDI Certificate valid for one year from the date of purchase and covering one vehicle (identified by VIN).

Failure to confirm compliance with the VDI 2700 8.1 standard makes it impossible to transport vehicles within Germany, as it is now required that the carrier holds a certificate. During a roadside inspection, the police may prohibit the further travel of the vehicle-trailer set if the car transport trailer does not have confirmed compliance with the VDI 2700 8.1 standard and may fine the driver. To meet the expectations of users of our trailers, we inform you that the compliance certificates we have obtained apply to sheet metal that we have been manufacturing since 2020, therefore we can issue a certificate confirming compliance with the VDI 2700 8.1 standard for all Martz car transport trailers produced after January 1, 2020.

To obtain a VDI 2700 8.1 certificate for a Martz trailer produced after January 1, 2020, or to extend the validity of a previously obtained VDI certificate, it is necessary to schedule a special VDI inspection, during which the following will be checked at the service of our Authorized Dealer Point:

• the condition of the Lohr-type sheet metal on the trailer,
• the condition of the bolted and riveted connections of the Lohr sheet,
• the number of wheel blockers in accordance with the VDI standard (bearing a hologram),
• the quantity and wear condition of transport straps in accordance with the VDI standard.

If any damage or deficiencies are found that prevent the issuance of the VDI certificate, the necessary repairs can be carried out or the required equipment (wheel blockers and transport straps) can be purchased at the service of our Authorized Dealer Point. The VDI certificate will be issued immediately after a positive result of the inspection performed at our Authorized Dealer Service Point, in accordance with the applicable VDI service pricing. With this procedure, you will obtain a certificate valid for one year, applicable to one vehicle (by VIN), and your trailer will be properly marked for compliance with the requirements of the VDI 2700 8.1 standard.

The list of Authorized Dealer Service Points where the VDI inspection can be carried out and a certificate of compliance with the VDI 2700 8.1 standard can be obtained is available here.

If you have any questions, please contact your selected Authorized Dealer Service Point or send an inquiry directly to us at: [email protected].