How to start a transport company in Poland in 8 steps
To start a transport company in Poland, you need to register a business, obtain a transport licence, choose a form of taxation and prove your financial standing. Your obligations depend on the type of transport you run: someone delivering goods by van within Poland has different duties from an international haulier operating trucks.
According to the report “Road Transport in Poland 2024/2025” published by TLP (Transport and Logistics Poland), around 102,000 transport companies operate in Poland, plus another 25,000 businesses providing transport support services. Competition in the industry is therefore fierce.
Below we walk you through the official formalities, the technical requirements and how to start working with companies that hand out transport orders, such as Antrans BiS.
What is a transport company?
A transport company carries passengers or goods within the country or abroad. In Poland, the basic PKD code (Polish Classification of Activities) is 49.41.Z (road freight transport). This kind of business requires permits, especially for international transport and for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. We explain in more detail what a transport company does and how to choose a carrier in a separate guide.
How do you start a transport company in Poland?
You need to complete several formalities, from registering the business to obtaining permits. Here are 8 steps after which you can legally start carrying goods.
Step 1: Register your business
Register a sole proprietorship (JDG) in CEIDG, the Polish business register. Enter your details, choose PKD code 49.41.Z (road freight transport) and obtain a tax identification number (NIP). Register for VAT if you expect sales above 240,000 PLN within the year. This VAT exemption threshold has applied since 1 January 2026 (previously 200,000 PLN).
Step 2: Obtain a certificate of professional competence (CPC)
The CPC certificate confirms that you are qualified to manage a road haulage company. You receive it after passing an exam at the Motor Transport Institute (Instytut Transportu Samochodowego). The fee is 800 PLN. The certificate must be held by the owner or by the person who manages the company.
Step 3: Get a transport licence
A transport licence is required for the carriage of goods for hire or reward. The exception is domestic transport with vehicles up to 3.5 t, which does not need one. For domestic transport with vehicles over 3.5 t, an authorisation to pursue the occupation of road transport operator is enough (often called a domestic licence). For international transport you also need a Community licence. With your application you submit the CPC certificate, a criminal record certificate and documents for the vehicle, the operating centre and your financial standing.
Step 4: Prove your financial standing
Financial standing shows that the company is solvent and can cover its operating costs. The minimum is €9,000 for the first vehicle and €5,000 for each additional one. For vans with a GVW of 2.5 to 3.5 t used in international transport, it is €1,800 for the first vehicle and €900 for each additional one. You can prove it with cash, a bank guarantee or insurance.
Step 5: Set up an operating centre
The operating centre is the place where your vehicles are parked and serviced. It should meet certain technical and organisational requirements, for example provide parking space and staff facilities. You also need a document confirming your right to use the site.
Step 6: Get suitable vehicles
Vehicles must meet technical standards and be registered to the company. You can buy, lease or rent them. A vehicle over 3.5 tonnes must have a calibrated tachograph (approx. 2,500 PLN). From 1 July 2026, a tachograph is also mandatory in vehicles of 2.5 to 3.5 t used for the international carriage of goods.
Step 7: Take out insurance
Insurance protects the company and its clients against financial losses. Motor third-party liability insurance (OC) is compulsory. Carrier’s liability insurance (OCP) is formally voluntary, but practically every client requires it. On top of that come own-damage cover (AC) and goods-in-transit insurance. Costs depend on the fleet and the scope of cover. We explain what carrier’s liability insurance (OCP) covers and whether it is compulsory in a separate article.
Step 8: Complete the remaining formalities
Finally, register with ZUS (the Polish Social Insurance Institution), choose your form of taxation and obtain a criminal record certificate. Also prepare financial documents if they are required, for example a financial statement for GITD (the Polish Road Transport Inspectorate) to support your licence application.
How do you start a transport company with vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes?
Domestic transport with vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes GVW requires neither an authorisation nor a licence; a registered business is enough. International transport is a different story. Since 21 May 2022, a carrier transporting goods abroad with vehicles of 2.5 to 3.5 t GVW must hold an authorisation to pursue the occupation of road transport operator and a Community licence, and from 1 July 2026 also a tachograph in the vehicle. Whatever the route, you must keep records of driver working time and comply with road traffic regulations.
How do you start a transport company with vehicles over 3.5 tonnes?
You need a transport licence (for domestic work an authorisation to pursue the occupation of road transport operator, for international work also a Community licence), a certificate of professional competence, an operating centre, financial standing and at least one vehicle. On top of that come a registered business, insurance and a criminal record certificate.
1. Formal requirements
Carrying goods with vehicles over 3.5 tonnes requires a transport licence issued by the Chief Inspectorate of Road Transport (GITD). At least one person managing the company must hold a certificate of professional competence. You can prove financial standing with, for example, insurance or a financial statement.
The owner and the transport manager need a criminal record certificate: they must not have convictions for fiscal or road traffic offences. The company must also have an operating centre, i.e. a place where the vehicles are parked and from which the business is run, and at least one vehicle over 3.5 tonnes. It can be owned, leased or used on another basis confirmed by a contract.
2. Stages of setting up the company
First you register the company in CEIDG (sole trader) or in KRS, the National Court Register (company), and choose a PKD code, for example 49.41.Z (road freight transport). If you will work with clients from other EU countries, you also need EU VAT registration (VAT-UE). Then you submit a licence application to GITD with attachments: the certificate, vehicle and operating centre documents, and proof of financial standing.
Insurance comes last. Motor third-party liability insurance (OC) is compulsory. Carrier’s liability insurance (OCP) is formally voluntary, but practically every client requires it. On top of that come own-damage cover (AC) and goods-in-transit insurance.
3. Costs
Start-up costs depend on the scale of the business and can range from several tens of thousands to several hundred thousand PLN. Budget for, among other things, buying or leasing vehicles, insurance, renting or building an operating centre, staff costs, and administrative and licence fees.
How do you start a transport company as a sole trader?
Register your business in CEIDG and obtain a certificate of professional competence, a transport licence (if your type of transport requires one, see above), financial standing and insurance.
When registering, choose a PKD code (for example 49.41.Z) and a form of taxation (for example the 19% flat tax). Secure access to an operating centre. Register for VAT at the latest when your annual sales exceed 240,000 PLN. The business name must include the owner’s first name and surname, and you do not need any share capital to start.
What is the best form of taxation for a transport company?
It depends on your costs and revenue. With high costs, the general rules pay off, while small companies with low costs are better off with the lump-sum tax at 5.5% or 8.5%.
The general rules (tax scale of 12% and 32%) let you deduct costs and work well when expenses are high. The flat tax (19%) is simple but rules out most tax reliefs. The lump-sum tax on revenue (5.5% or 8.5%) pays off when costs are low and simplifies bookkeeping, especially for smaller carriers. It is best to discuss the choice with a tax adviser.
Does a transport company have to register for VAT?
VAT registration is mandatory once annual sales exceed 240,000 PLN. This threshold has applied since 1 January 2026 (until the end of 2025 it was 200,000 PLN). In addition:
- if you carry goods for companies from other EU countries, you must register for EU VAT (VAT-UE) before your first such service, even if you use the VAT exemption,
- if your clients want VAT invoices, registering before you reach the threshold is simply a condition of working with them.
How much are ZUS contributions for a transport company?
In 2026, full social security contributions for a business owner amount to 1,926.76 PLN per month (including voluntary sickness insurance). During the preferential period, i.e. the first 24 months, they are 456.18 PLN, and under the Mały ZUS Plus scheme contributions depend on income. On top of that comes the health insurance contribution, whose amount depends on the form of taxation.
Which PKD code should a transport company use?
The main PKD code is 49.41.Z (road freight transport). Supplementary codes include, for example, 52.21.Z (service activities supporting transport) and 53.20.Z (courier activities).
How do you get authorisation as a road transport operator?
You must pass the exam for the certificate of professional competence (CPC), have an operating centre and prove financial standing: at least €9,000 for the first vehicle and €5,000 for each additional one. The application is submitted to GITD.
What is a Community licence for a transport company?
A Community licence entitles you to carry out international road haulage within the European Union. It requires a certificate of professional competence (CPC), an operating centre and financial standing. GITD issues it for up to 5 years (fee 4,000 PLN) or up to 10 years (8,000 PLN). There is also a fee for a certified copy for each vehicle.
Which legal form should you choose for a transport company?
The most popular choice is a sole proprietorship (JDG). It costs little, but you are liable for the company’s debts with all your personal assets. A limited liability company (sp. z o.o.) protects your private assets better but is more expensive to run. A civil-law partnership makes sense when several people set up the company together.
How do you market a transport company?
Start with a website presenting your services and references, plus a Google Business Profile. Use freight exchanges (e.g. Trans.eu), run Google Ads campaigns, look after local SEO and build relationships with freight brokers.
Is running a transport company profitable?
Profitability depends on the scale of the business, fuel costs and the loads you can secure. According to Trans.info data, net margins range from 5 to 15%. The biggest challenges are seasonality and competition.
How much does it cost to start a transport company?
Setting up a transport company in Poland costs from around 50,000 PLN for a small domestic business to several hundred thousand PLN for international transport with vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
On top of that, add among other things a Community licence (4,000 PLN for 5 years plus certified copies for the vehicles), the certificate of professional competence (800 PLN), insurance (OC, AC, OCP), tachographs (approx. 2,500 PLN per vehicle), leasing or buying vehicles, and the cost of an operating centre.
How do you get funding for a transport company?
Choose a programme (for example a district labour office, a local action group (LGD) or EU funds), prepare an application and submit it to the institution that awards the money.
A district labour office in Poland can grant you from 25,000 to 49,000 PLN. EU programmes, NFOŚiGW (the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management) and PFR (the Polish Development Fund) finance, among other things, fleet modernisation, infrastructure and equipment purchases. First decide what you need the money for, then pick a funding source and prepare the documents carefully. A decision can take anywhere from a few weeks to as long as 9 months.
Start your transport company and take on orders from Antrans BiS
Antrans BiS, based in Olkusz, Poland, provides carriers with regular orders on international routes and works with them on clear terms.
The company offers:
- payment for every kilometre driven,
- 30-day payment terms,
- trips in rotations of at least 2 weeks,
- the option to rent a semi-trailer,
- round-the-clock support from experienced freight forwarders.
Contact: Miłosz, +48 666 666 863, wspolpraca@antransbis.pl
Go to the Antrans BiS carrier zone
Managing Director | Antrans BiS, Olkusz
Sebastian Szklarczyk has led the development of Antrans BiS, a transport company operating throughout Europe, for more than 15 years. He started as Head of the Freight Forwarding Department, gaining practical experience in organising international transport and managing a vehicle fleet on European routes.
As Managing Director, he is responsible for the strategic management of a company handling more than 21,000 transport operations a year on its main routes: Poland-Italy, Poland-Germany, Poland-Austria, Spain, the Benelux countries and Scandinavia. Under his leadership, Antrans BiS has expanded its fleet to 220 vehicles, including its own and partners’ vehicles, and achieved an on-time delivery rate of 98%.
Specialisms: international FTL transport throughout Europe, automotive and FMCG logistics, optimisation of European routes, road traffic regulations and driving bans in the EU, and transport documentation (CMR, VAT-UE, INTRASTAT).
On the Antrans BiS blog, he shares practical knowledge about international freight forwarding, transport regulations and the business aspects of running a transport, freight forwarding and logistics company in different European countries.
