New fines for overloaded trucks in Russia, which took effect on July 18, are disrupting the transportation of bulk building materials and leading to potential price increases in construction. The updated regulations impose significantly higher penalties for violations of weight and dimensional control, leading to carriers losing orders and facing financial strain.

The fines for refusing to comply with inspections or manipulating weighing procedures have risen sharply to 600,000 rubles for the vehicle owner. Additionally, the penalty for failing to stop at the request of an authorized official has increased substantially to 10,000 rubles.

Carriers, particularly those transporting materials like sand and gravel, are struggling to adapt to the new regulations. Many are staging a form of protest by adhering strictly to the rules, resulting in reduced loads and the need for multiple trips to fulfill orders.

The increased transportation costs are expected to significantly impact the construction industry. Market participants estimate that the price of concrete production could increase by almost double, affecting residential, and road construction projects.

Some carriers are resorting to risky practices to avoid the fines, such as covering license plates and dodging weight control points, until the delayed fines catch up with them. Industry representatives are calling for fair enforcement of the new rules across the board, including quarry owners and builders who rely on overloaded trucks.

The current transportation prices for bulk materials, averaging 4.5–5 rubles per cubic kilometer, are considered unsustainably low, forcing carriers to violate regulations to remain competitive. Industry experts argue that these prices, dating back to around 2010, do not reflect the increased costs of fuel, salaries, and equipment leasing.