When does the seven-day period for cabotage start?

The period starts at 00:00 on the day after unloading the international cargo. For example: when unloading on Monday at 16:00, the period starts Tuesday at 00:00.

How exactly does the cooling-off period work?

The cooling-off period of four days starts as soon as the vehicle leaves the member state where cabotage has been performed. If this period ends at the weekend, it is extended until 11:59 p.m. on Monday.

Does cabotage also apply to own transportation?

No, the cabotage rules do not apply to own transport. However, all documentation must show that it is actually own transportation.

Cabotage transport

Cabotage transport refers to domestic transport in an EU member state by a haulier from another member state. Following an international trip, a maximum of three cabotage trips may be carried out within seven days. After that, a waiting period of four days applies before cabotage is permitted again in the same country. Within the Benelux, hauliers from the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg may carry out unlimited cabotage trips among themselves, provided that they are correctly registered. Accurate documentation and compliance with regulations are important here.

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What is cabotage transportation?

Cabotage transport refers to the performance of domestic transport in an EU member state by an transporter established in another member state. An example of cabotage: a Dutch transport company that, after making a delivery in Paris, then performs a domestic trip between Lyon and Marseille.

Cabotage regulations were adjusted in February 2022 by the Mobility Package. These adjustments aim to ensure fair competition and regulate the transportation market.

The main rules for cabotage transportation

Basic Conditions

Strict conditions apply to conducting cabotage trips:

A valid Euro Permit is mandatory
Transport must take place within EU borders
The regulations apply to vehicles from 2.5 tons maximum authorized mass

Number of trips allowed

After an international trip, a carrier may perform up to three cabotage trips within seven days in the same country. This period starts at 00:00 a.m. on the day after unloading the international load.

The cooling-off period

An important part of the current regulations is the cooling-off period. After performing cabotage, a carrier must wait four days before performing new cabotage trips in the same country. This period is vehicle-specific, meaning that another vehicle from the same company may perform cabotage immediately.

The Benelux Treaty

Transportation between the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg is subject to special rules thanks to the Benelux Treaty. Carriers from these countries can carry out unlimited domestic trips on each other's territory. However, registration in the IMI system remains mandatory.

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Documentation and compliance

Required documents

In cabotage transportation, correct documentation is important. The most important documents are:

CMR waybills with all mandatory data
Proof of prior international ride
Valid permits

Practical tips for transporters

To avoid problems, our experts advise:

Keep accurate trip records
Regularly check the validity of permits
Make sure drivers can show all required documents immediately
Plan trips carefully within the allowed time frames
Stay abreast of regulations in different EU countries

Frequently asked questions about cabotage

When does the seven-day period for cabotage start?
The period starts at 00:00 on the day after unloading the international cargo. For example: when unloading on Monday at 16:00, the period starts Tuesday at 00:00.
How exactly does the cooling-off period work?
The cooling-off period of four days starts as soon as the vehicle leaves the member state where cabotage has been performed. If this period ends at the weekend, it is extended until 11:59 p.m. on Monday.
Does cabotage also apply to own transportation?
No, the cabotage rules do not apply to own transport. However, all documentation must show that it is actually own transportation.