Cabotage Transport: What is Cabotage Transport in the EU?

What is cabotage carriage - definition

Cabotage is the commercial transportation of cargo by a carrier registered in one country into the territory of another country. Cabotage allows transport companies from EU or EFTA member states to perform road transport on the territory of another member state, provided that certain legal requirements are met.

The definition of cabotage is regulated by a European Parliament and Council regulation, which precisely defines the rules and restrictions on this type of transport. Cabotage is a key concept in road transport, which allows optimizing the use of the transport fleet and reducing empty mileage between countries.

Cabotage rules in the European Union

Cabotage transport may be started only after the execution of the International transport with experience of unloading goods delivered from another country. According to the regulations, cabotage deliveries should be made in the same vehicle used to make the previous one international transport.

Key rules for performing cabotage transport:

1. Time limitation - Cabotage carriage must be carried out up to 7 days after completion of unloading goods transported as part of the transport international
2. Vehicle - Deliveries must be made with the same vehicle used to implement the international transport
3. Registration - the carrier must have a vehicle registered in one of the EU or EFTA member states
4. License - it is necessary valid transport license according to the law of the country of registration

The regulation aims to ensure fair competition between carriers from different member states while allowing efficient use of transport vehicles.

Cabotage regulations - Mobility Package

Cabotage regulations have been significantly modified as part of the Mobility Package adopted by the EU. These new regulations introduce stricter rules for performing cabotage, aimed at eliminating unfair competitive practices.

Major changes in the Mobility Package:

1. Frequency limitation - Carrier can only perform cabotage after international transport
2. Working time control - Rigid compliance with drivers' working and rest times
3. Remuneration of drivers - The obligation to pay wages in accordance with the minimum rates of the country where cabotage is performed
4. Monitoring - increase control over compliance

Requirements for carriers performing cabotage

In order to carry out cabotage transport, a transport carrier must meet a number of formal and operational requirements:

Formal Requirements:

• Transport license - valid license to perform road transport
• Vehicle registration - The vehicle must be registered in an EU or EFTA member state
• Insurance - adequate carrier liability insurance
• Permits - in some cases additional national permits

Operational requirements:

• International transport - prior execution of international transport with unloading
• Documentation - international bill of lading CMR confirming previous transport
• Deadline - Compliance with the 7-day deadline from unloading
• The same vehicle - Use of the same vehicle as in international transport

Types of cabotage

In road transport, there are two main types of cabotage:

Cabotage great

Large cabotage involves carrying out cabotage operations for a longer period of time in a given country, with the possibility of multiple transport operations. This type of cabotage was more common before the current regulations.

Small cabotage

Small cabotage is a limited form of cabotage, allowing only one cabotage operation within 7 days of completing an international transport. This is the current form of cabotage in the EU.

Inspections and enforcement

The Chief Road Transport Inspector in each member country is responsible for controlling compliance with cabotage regulations. Carriers must be prepared for inspections, which may include:

• Verification of transport documents (CMR)
• Verification of times driver's work
• Inspection of vehicle compliance with the requirements
• Checking the timing of cabotage

Benefits and challenges of cabotage transport

Benefits for carriers:

1. Reduce empty runs - possibility of loading on the way back
2. Cost optimization - Better use of the vehicle and driver
3. Increase competitiveness - access to additional transport markets
4. Operational flexibility - ability to respond to local demand

Challenges and constraints:

1. Complicated regulations - The need for knowledge of regulations in different countries
2. Time constraints - rigid timeframe of 7 days
3. Increased inspections - Risk of penalties for non-compliance
4. Price competition - Pressure on margins in the cabotage segment

Cabotage in practice - procedures

The process of performing cabotage transport requires careful planning and documentation:

1. Route planning - Taking into account the possibility of cabotage already at the stage of planning international transport
2. Documentation of the main transport - preparation of the international CMR consignment note
3. Unloading - Carry out full or partial unloading of goods delivered from another country
4. Cabotage loading - loading of new goods within 7 days of unloading
5. Domestic transport - execution of cabotage transport in accordance with local law
6. Documentation - proper documentation of cabotage carriage

The future of cabotage in the EU

Cabotage regulations in European Union countries are the subject of ongoing discussions and potential changes. The Mobility Package has introduced significant restrictions, but the debate on the future of cabotage continues.

Trends and Prospects:

• Digitization of control - introduction of electronic monitoring systems
• Harmonization of regulations - A drive to unify regulation across the EU
• Sustainability - emphasis on the ecological aspects of transport
• Fair competition - further efforts to level the playing field

Cabotage carriage - summary

Road transport cabotage is an important part of the European transport system, enabling carriers to optimize fleet utilization and reduce empty mileage. However, performing cabotage requires deep knowledge of regulations, careful planning and strict adherence to regulations.

Carriers wishing to carry out cabotage must meet all formal requirements, have the appropriate licenses and permits, and be prepared for inspections by national authorities. In the context of the Mobility Package, cabotage rules have become stricter, requiring transport companies to be even more precise in planning and executing this type of operation.

Definition of carriage cabotage and related regulations are likely to evolve as the EU transport market develops. It is crucial for carriers to keep abreast of regulatory changes and adapt their operations to current legal requirements.

Carrying out cabotage can bring significant economic benefits, but it requires a professional approach, knowledge of transportation law and proper organization of logistic processes. In today's competitive transportation environment, cabotage can be an important addition to the freight business, provided that all applicable regulations are followed.

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Slawa Trans offers professional transportation services international and consulting on cabotage transport. Our experienced team will help with route planning and ensure compliance with EU cabotage regulations.