{"id":9273,"date":"2026-06-04T10:23:53","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T08:23:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antransbis.pl\/transport\/transport-company-how-to-choose\/"},"modified":"2026-06-04T10:23:53","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T08:23:53","slug":"transport-company-how-to-choose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antransbis.pl\/en\/transport\/transport-company-how-to-choose\/","title":{"rendered":"Transport company: what it does, types and how to choose a carrier"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A transport company is a business that carries goods by road for hire on domestic and international routes. In Poland it is classified in the Polish Classification of Activities (PKD) under code 49.41.Z (freight transport by road). It is also called a road haulier or haulage company, and its activity is governed by the Polish Road Transport Act of 6 September 2001<\/a> and the EU Regulation (EC) No 1071\/2009<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below we explain how a transport company differs from a freight forwarder and a logistics provider, what types there are, what drives the price per kilometre and how to vet a carrier before you hand over your cargo. At the end you will find the key figures for anyone who wants to set up such a company in Poland. Figures as of October 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does a transport company do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A transport company carries loads for other businesses using its own or leased vehicles.<\/strong> The basis is the contract of carriage: the carrier undertakes to deliver the goods from the place of loading to the destination for an agreed fee and is liable for the cargo while it is on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In practice this covers a very wide range of jobs. Pallets of food go to retail chains, building materials to construction sites, machinery between plants and parts to factories on a just-in-time basis. Some carriers stick to a single niche, such as refrigerated transport, ADR dangerous goods or oversize loads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transport company vs freight forwarder vs logistics provider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These three terms often get mixed up, yet for the shipper the difference is a practical one: it comes down to who physically moves the goods and who is liable for what. A carrier performs the transport with its own vehicles. A freight forwarder organises the transport, selects carriers and handles the paperwork, and does not need to own a single truck. A logistics provider adds warehousing, co-packing and distribution on top. Many businesses combine two or three of these roles, which is why you will come across the term transport and forwarding company. We cover this in more detail in our article on what freight forwarding is<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Role<\/th>Own fleet<\/th>What it does<\/th>What it is liable for<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Transport company (carrier)<\/td>yes<\/td>performs the transport<\/td>the cargo during carriage<\/td><\/tr>
Freight forwarder<\/td>not required<\/td>organises the transport, selects the carrier, handles the paperwork<\/td>careful selection of the carrier and proper organisation<\/td><\/tr>
Logistics provider<\/td>usually yes, plus a warehouse<\/td>transport, warehousing, order picking, distribution<\/td>the entire chain of services set out in the contract<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What types of transport companies are there?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The road haulage market is easiest to map using four criteria: range, fleet, order model and type of cargo. A single carrier usually falls into several groups at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By range: domestic or international haulage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A domestic transport company operates only within Poland, so it faces simpler formalities and a lower entry threshold. An international transport<\/a> company moves goods across borders, most often to Western Europe, and needs a Community licence. International haulage usually pays higher rates, but it also means higher costs for fuel, tolls and the wages of drivers who spend weeks away from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By fleet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A small company runs vans with a gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tonnes. Within Poland it does not need a licence for this, and the vehicles are cheaper to run. Medium-sized and large carriers operate trucks and articulated HGVs with a payload of up to 24 tonnes, which give the lowest cost per tonne when fully loaded. Some companies run a specialised fleet: refrigerated trailers<\/a>, tippers, low-loader trailers<\/a> or tankers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By order model: FTL or LTL<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the FTL (full truckload) model the client hires the whole vehicle exclusively and pays for all of the space, even if it does not fill it. In the LTL (less-than-truckload) model the carrier combines loads from several clients in one vehicle, and each pays for the space it takes up. FTL is faster, while LTL is cheaper for small consignments. Sample prices for both models can be found in our article on domestic transport prices per kilometre<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By type of cargo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Loads that require special equipment or qualifications form a separate market segment. Dangerous goods travel under the ADR agreement, with a trained driver and a marked vehicle, as in chemical transport or the transport of oils and liquids. Food and medicines often need temperature control, while machinery and steel structures need vehicles for oversize transport<\/a>. Carriers in these niches charge higher rates because their equipment is more expensive and they have extra obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much does a transport company charge per km?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The rate per kilometre depends mainly on the distance, the direction and whether the carrier has a return load.<\/strong> Other factors include the type of vehicle and trailer, the deadline (express costs more), the season, road tolls along the route and additional requirements such as ADR. Short runs are often charged at a minimum rate for the whole trip rather than per kilometre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We publish current price ranges in separate overviews, because fuel prices and tolls change every month: domestic transport in Poland, price per km in 2026<\/a> and HGV transport, price per km in 2026<\/a>. You can get an exact price for a specific route with a free transport quote<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to choose and vet a transport company<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Check the carrier’s licences and insurance first, then the terms of the order, and only then the price.<\/strong> An offer well below the market rate often means the cargo is not insured or the company is in financial trouble, and the consequences of any damage then fall on the shipper. Where to look for carriers in the first place is covered in our guide how to find a transport company<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Licences in the KREPTD register<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can check the authorisation to pursue the occupation of road haulage operator and the Community licence in the public search tool of the Polish National Electronic Register of Road Transport Undertakings (KREPTD)<\/a>, run by GITD (the Polish Road Transport Inspectorate). It shows the status and validity of the licence and the number of certified copies, i.e. the number of vehicles the company may use for international work. A carrier that runs vans of up to 3.5 tonnes only within Poland will not appear in the register, because it does not need an authorisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OCP carrier’s liability insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ask for the carrier’s carrier’s liability insurance (OCP)<\/a> policy and check the sum insured and the exclusions. The sum should cover the value of your goods, and the territorial scope should include every country the load will pass through. For comparison: we require the carriers we subcontract to hold OCP cover of at least 100,000 EUR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transport order, CMR and payment terms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Agree in writing on the route, dates, rate, waiting time charges, vehicle requirements and payment term. In international transport the contract is evidenced by the CMR consignment note, and in domestic transport by a national consignment note. What must match in these documents is explained in our article on transport documents in road haulage<\/a>. An honest carrier quotes the price upfront, including all surcharges, instead of adding them only on the invoice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience and the right fleet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ask how often the company runs on your lane and with what type of cargo. One vehicle suits pallets for a retail chain, another long loads and yet another temperature-controlled goods. A good carrier will advise on the vehicle and plan the route with a return load, which genuinely lowers the cost of the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The largest transport companies in Poland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the 2026 ranking of TSL (transport, forwarding and logistics) companies published by the Polish daily Dziennik Gazeta Prawna (31st edition), the highest revenues from transport, forwarding and logistics activities were reported by DHL Group (6.685 billion PLN), Raben Group (4.932 billion PLN) and the DPD Polska group (4.826 billion PLN). The ranking only covers companies that submitted their data, so it is not a complete list of the market. Source: Forsal.pl, TSL industry leaders<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Road freight transport alone is a market worth over 100 billion PLN a year in Poland. According to a report by the Polish bank PKO BP, described by Super Biznes<\/a>, transport volumes in 2025 were 8% lower than a year earlier, and for 2026 the bank expects a slight improvement in carriers’ profits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting a transport company in Poland in 2026: key figures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With a van of up to 3.5 tonnes you can operate within Poland as soon as your business is registered. Heavier vehicles and international transport require an authorisation, a licence and proof of financial standing.<\/strong> The business has to meet four conditions under Regulation (EC) No 1071\/2009<\/a>: an effective establishment in the EU with an operating centre, good repute, financial standing and a certificate of professional competence held by the transport manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Item<\/th>Amount in 2026<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Authorisation to pursue the occupation of road haulage operator (GITD)<\/td>1,000 PLN<\/td><\/tr>
Community licence valid for up to 5 years<\/td>4,000 PLN + 440 PLN per certified copy<\/td><\/tr>
Community licence valid for 5 to 10 years<\/td>8,000 PLN + 880 PLN per certified copy<\/td><\/tr>
Financial standing, vehicles over 3.5 t<\/td>9,000 EUR for the first vehicle and 5,000 EUR for each additional one<\/td><\/tr>
Financial standing, vehicles of 2.5 to 3.5 t in international transport<\/td>1,800 EUR for the first vehicle and 900 EUR for each additional one<\/td><\/tr>
Exam and certificate of professional competence<\/td>800 PLN<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fee sources: GITD, LR1 application<\/a> and trans.info on licences for vans<\/a>. Financial standing can be demonstrated with an insurance policy or a bank guarantee, without tying up cash. The biggest expense is still the vehicle: a new tractor unit with a semi-trailer costs from 300,000 to 500,000 PLN, which is why most carriers lease it, with monthly instalments of 3,000 to 7,000 PLN. We describe the whole formal process in our guide how to start a transport company<\/a> and in the article on the transport licence<\/a>, and the activity codes in the article on PKD codes for a transport company<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vans of 2.5 - 3.5 t abroad: licence and tachograph from 1 July 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since 21 May 2022 the Mobility Package has covered international transport with vehicles over 2.5 tonnes GVW, so such a carrier needs an authorisation and a Community licence. From 1 July 2026 vehicles in this class used in international transport for hire or reward and in cabotage must be fitted with a second-generation smart tachograph. In Poland the fine for not having one is 12,000 PLN (trans.info<\/a>). Exemptions and deadlines are covered in our article on tachographs in vans from 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is a transport company profitable?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A carrier’s margin is thin, because most of the revenue goes on fuel, the driver, leasing, tolls and insurance. At a rate of 6 PLN net per kilometre and 10,000 km a month, one truck generates around 60,000 PLN in revenue, but only a few thousand PLN of that is left as profit. You will find the full calculation in our analysis of rates for 25-tonne transport<\/a>, and the owner’s earnings in the article on earnings in a transport company<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antrans BiS: a transport company from Olkusz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Antrans BiS has been in business since 1993. We have 220 vehicles (our own and partners’), carry out over 21,000 transports a year, and 98% of deliveries arrive on time. We specialise in international FTL transport to Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, the Benelux countries and Scandinavia. In Olkusz we have a 5,000 m\u00b2 warehouse where we consolidate loads. Our freight forwarders are available 24\/7 and speak Polish, English, German and Italian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"DAF
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If you are looking for a carrier, request a free transport quote<\/a>. If you are a carrier yourself and are looking for regular loads with payment within 30 days, visit our carrier zone<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Useful articles:<\/strong> Transport licence in Poland in 2026<\/a> | Transport company PKD code 49.41.Z<\/a> | Earnings in a transport company<\/a> | Domestic haulage in Poland: price per km<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Transport companies: frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is the difference between a transport company and a freight forwarder?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A transport company carries goods with its own vehicles, while a freight forwarder organises the transport and finds a carrier for it.<\/strong> The carrier has the fleet and the drivers; the forwarder handles logistics, documents and costs. You will usually pay less with a carrier, but a forwarder takes the whole organisation off your hands, especially when you ship to many destinations at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you always need a licence to start a transport company?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No, domestic transport with a vehicle of up to 3.5 tonnes GVW does not require a licence.<\/strong> A registered business with PKD code 49.41.Z is enough. The authorisation to pursue the occupation of road haulage operator is mandatory for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes within Poland, and the Community licence for international transport with a vehicle over 2.5 tonnes. This threshold was lowered from 3.5 to 2.5 tonnes in May 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much does it cost to start a transport company with one truck?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With one tractor unit you need to budget between 60,000 and 150,000 PLN to get started, depending on whether the vehicle is bought or leased.<\/strong> On top of the lease instalment (3,000 to 7,000 PLN a month) come the fees for permits: 1,000 PLN for the authorisation, 800 PLN for the exam and certificate of professional competence and, for international transport, 4,000 PLN for the Community licence and 440 PLN for a certified copy per vehicle. A company based on a van of up to 3.5 tonnes operating within Poland needs much less capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which type of transport company is the most profitable?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The highest earners are usually companies running international transport to Western Europe and those carrying loads that require special equipment.<\/strong> Refrigerated transport, ADR dangerous goods and oversize<\/a> loads command rates tens of per cent higher than standard pallets. Profitability also grows with the size of the fleet and with a move from the spot market to contracts, which bring stable rates and steady vehicle utilisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can you check whether a transport company is reliable?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Check its licences in the KREPTD register run by GITD and ask for an OCP policy with a sum insured that covers the value of the goods.<\/strong> Ask about its experience on your lane and with your type of cargo, and request a price that includes all surcharges. A rate well below the market is a warning sign, as it often means missing insurance or financial trouble at the carrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does a transport company need to be registered in BDO?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Only if it transports other parties’ waste.<\/strong> A waste transporter must be entered in the BDO register (the Polish waste database) under Article 50(1)(5)(b) of the Polish Waste Act. A company that transports only waste it has produced itself is exempt from this obligation (Article 51(2)(4)). Details are in our article on BDO registration for waste carriers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Polish Road Transport Act<\/a>, Regulation (EC) No 1071\/2009<\/a>, GITD: application for an authorisation and licence (LR1)<\/a>, WITD Bydgoszcz (regional road transport inspectorate): KREPTD register<\/a>, Polish Waste Act (Journal of Laws, Dz.U. 2023, item 1587)<\/a>. Market data: Forsal.pl and Super Biznes, links above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Antrans
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\n Customer reviews<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Setting up your own transport company or looking for a reliable carrier for a job and not sure where to start? Find out what exactly a transport company does, what types there are, how much it costs to set one up in Poland (from 60,000 PLN with one vehicle) and which four conditions you must meet to carry goods legally. You will also learn how much a carrier really earns and how to spot a company that will not let you down on the very first run.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":9261,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9273","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-transport"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/antransbis.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9273","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/antransbis.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/antransbis.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antransbis.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antransbis.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9273"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/antransbis.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9273\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antransbis.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/antransbis.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9273"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antransbis.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9273"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antransbis.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9273"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}