The TSL industry, covering transport, shipping and logistics, is consistently listed as one of the fastest-growing sectors of the Polish economy, currently accounting for as much as 10% of Poland’s GDP. Poland is among the leaders of the European road transport market, and Polish transport companies handle a significant share of freight operations across the EU. It is therefore no surprise that more and more people are considering starting a business in the TSL sector. How can you become a road carrier and generate profit from providing transport services?

A transport company step by step: where to start?

Start with a precise business plan. Setting up a transport company requires proper preparation. The first step is to identify demand for transport services in a given market. It is worth taking a closer look not only at potential clients, but also at competitors. The goal is to identify the features that will distinguish your company from other businesses with a similar operating profile.

To understand how to become a carrier, you should also define in advance the type of transport services you plan to provide. This affects not only the formal requirements that must be met to obtain the necessary permits and licences, but also the costs. These costs should be carefully analysed in order to estimate the company’s expected profitability and plan the allocation of initial funds, including vehicle purchase, marketing and other start-up expenses.

How to start a transport company? Vehicle purchase

Providing transport services is not possible without a suitable vehicle, such as a tractor unit with a semi-trailer. Purchasing the right vehicle is therefore essential. If you do not have sufficient funds for this investment, it is worth considering a bank loan or leasing. Many carriers also use trailer rental options offered, among others, by Express Heroes. This solution makes it possible to handle a wider range of transport orders. For example, renting a refrigerated Frigo trailer enables the transport of goods that require temperature-controlled conditions.

When looking for an answer to the question of how to open a transport company, you should take into account not only the purchase of the right vehicle, but also its equipment and compliance with all technical requirements.

How to open a transport company? Required documents

Buying vehicles is not enough. It is also necessary to complete all formal requirements, such as registering a business in the Central Register and Information on Economic Activity. The application can be submitted online using the CEIDG-1 form or during a visit to the relevant office. At this stage, you must indicate the appropriate PKD codes, such as 49.41.Z for road freight transport, choose the form of taxation and define the accounting method.

A step-by-step process for starting a transport company also includes obtaining a certificate of professional competence. To achieve this, you must complete the required training and pass the exam. Another required document is a certificate of no criminal record. You also cannot become a carrier without a licence to perform national and international road transport of people or goods. Obtaining this licence involves a fee, the amount of which depends on the scope and validity period of the document. It is important to know that the licence can only be granted if financial standing for starting the business is documented.

How to set up a transport company step by step? Insurance and additional permits

What else should you remember when planning to start a transport company? Due to the fact that the TSL industry involves significant risk, a mandatory element of operating in this sector is purchasing road carrier liability insurance. This insurance protects the carrier against financial losses in the event of unexpected incidents on the route.

To make the process easier, it is worth using additional services provided by Express Heroes in cooperation with trusted partners. Purchasing carrier liability insurance, cargo insurance or vehicle insurance through a freight forwarding company can save a significant amount of time. It is also worth knowing that clients often require the insurance policy to be presented before signing a contract with a carrier.

To complete all formalities related to setting up a transport company, you must also remember about additional permits resulting from the specific nature of the transport orders you plan to carry out. These may apply, among others, to the transport of waste, ADR dangerous goods or waste paper.

Transport company: how to start getting transport orders?

Efficient operation of a transport company requires good organisation in route planning, driver working time control, cost settlement and transport documentation management. Many carriers decide to cooperate with a freight forwarding company to make these tasks easier. For example, starting cooperation with Express Heroes gives carriers access to the support of an experienced freight forwarder, advanced route planning software and easy contact with an accountant.

However, the most important benefit of gaining a partner in the form of a freight forwarding company is avoiding difficulties in acquiring transport orders. Express Heroes provides carriers with a guaranteed minimum monthly mileage of 11,000 km. This means financial stability and time savings, as carriers do not have to search for transport orders on their own or handle all related formalities independently.

Do you already know how to become a carrier and set up a transport company in Poland? To achieve this goal, you need proper preparation, knowledge of applicable regulations and the required permits and licences. Although there are many formal requirements connected with starting a business, carrying out transport orders through your own transport company can bring real satisfaction and become a stable source of income. Good luck!