Freight Transport

Freight transport means moving goods by road, either on your own account or for others. In France, carrying goods for others requires authorization from the DREAL, the French state's regional directorate, and registration in the register of road transport companies (registre des transporteurs), as Service Public Entreprendre explains (in French). The 3.5-tonne threshold separates light from heavy transport, which come with different obligations.

It is the backbone of the supply chain, from urban deliveries to long-distance hauls. For a fleet manager, everything hinges on two questions: who are the vehicles driving for, and how much do they weigh?

Own account or for others: what is the difference?

Strictly speaking, road freight transport is carried out for others, for hire or reward. Carrying your own goods is excluded from this activity (Service Public Entreprendre). A construction company delivering to its own sites is therefore operating on its own account.

Own-account transport does not require a transport license. Above 3.5 tonnes, however, the social rules on driving and rest times still apply, barring an exemption (Regulation (EC) No 561/2006). Our road transport regulations entry sets out the full framework.

What are the conditions for carrying goods for others?

Four conditions apply, according to Service Public Entreprendre: establishment in France, good repute (honorabilité), financial standing (capacité financière) and professional competence (capacité professionnelle). The company then applies to the DREAL in its region, which sends it the transport license and the certificate of registration in the register.

Professional competence is obtained by exam, by diploma or through experience. It takes 2 years' experience managing a light transport company, and 5 years for heavy transport. The exam is held once a year, in October.

Light or heavy transport: what changes?

The table compares the main obligations by gross vehicle weight rating (PTAC, poids total autorisé en charge). The financial standing amounts apply to mainland France.

Obligation	Light transport (PTAC under 3.5 t)	Heavy transport (PTAC over 3.5 t)
Financial standing, first vehicle	€1,800	€9,000
Financial standing, each additional vehicle	€900	€5,000
Experience for professional competence	2 years minimum	5 years minimum
Driving and rest times (Regulation 561/2006)	No for domestic transport; yes above 2.5 t for international transport or cabotage since July 1, 2026	Yes
Tachograph	Depends on the case	Mandatory
Periodic roadworthiness test	Before the 4th anniversary, then every 2 years	Once a year

Sources: Service Public Entreprendre for financial standing, experience and the tachograph. Regulation (EU) 2020/1054 sets the 2.5 t threshold. The roadworthiness test rules come from Service Public for vans and from Service Public Entreprendre for heavy goods vehicles (both in French).

External sureties or guarantees can cover up to 50% of the required financial standing (Service Public Entreprendre). The amounts are lower in France's overseas departments.

What are the fleet manager's obligations?

Day to day, fleet managers make sure driving times and rest periods are respected. They have each tachograph inspected at least every two years (Article 23 of Regulation 165/2014). They keep the records for at least one year (Article 33).

They track each vehicle's roadworthiness test due dates. Employers in for-hire road transport can check driver's licenses on the Vérif Permis portal (Service Public Entreprendre). Finally, fleet managers prepare their teams for roadside checks.

How does telematics help run transport operations?

Telematics provides the position of vehicles and the history of their trips. It helps plan routes and react to the unexpected. Geofencing sends an alert when a vehicle leaves an authorized zone, which limits the risk of theft.

Fuel consumption and mileage data feed cost tracking and maintenance planning. They help reduce operating costs without adding to data entry.

How Dadycar helps

Dadycar, a French fleet management software, offers a Fleet + Telematics plan at 16 euros excluding VAT per vehicle per month (see pricing). It shows real-time position and trip history, without a box on compatible connected vehicles and with an optional tracker for the others. Geofencing and configurable alerts flag unauthorized movements.

Anomaly detection and tracking of fuel cards and consumption help spot inconsistencies. Maintenance plans, inspections and due-date reminders cover servicing and the roadworthiness test. Data is hosted in France, with OVHcloud.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a license to deliver your own goods?

No. Carrying your own goods is excluded from the activity of carrying goods for others (Service Public Entreprendre). Above 3.5 tonnes, the driving and rest time rules apply, barring an exemption (Regulation 561/2006).

How much financial standing does a light goods carrier need?

In mainland France, allow €1,800 for the first vehicle under 3.5 tonnes (Service Public Entreprendre). Each additional vehicle requires €900. External sureties can cover no more than half of it.

Is a tachograph mandatory on a van?

It is on heavy goods vehicles and on some vans (Service Public Entreprendre). It equips vehicles subject to Regulation 561/2006 (Article 3 of Regulation 165/2014). Since July 1, 2026, this includes vehicles over 2.5 tonnes in international transport and cabotage (Regulation 2020/1054).