Double-manning is more popular among new drivers who, when accompanied by more experienced colleagues, may improve their skills and get to know all road-related habits and rules. To present double-manning in more detail, we decided to describe all rules applicable to transport of goods by a multi-man crew.

Rules related to double-manning

The basic rule concerns a rest period. Namely, a diver can start their work in the company of a co-driver after having their weekly or daily rest. It applies to both drivers in a cab. In short – drivers may depart after a break. Another rule says that drivers must complete their route in 30 hours and have a daily rest period of at least 9 consecutive hours within that period.

There is one condition – carriage must be qualified as performed by a multi-man crew as per the Regulation no. 561/2006. Thus, multi-manning means the situation where during each period of driving between any two consecutive rest periods – weekly or daily there are two drivers in a truck cab to do the driving. The fact of being in a cab is of essence here.

The first hour is very important as it is the time for gathering the crew. For the first hour the presence of a co-driver in a cab is optional but for the remainder of the period it is compulsory.

Passenger-driver – what is their situation?

When setting out, the second driver becomes, in a manner of speaking, a passenger. They must be able to drive and the time they spend sitting by a driver is called a duty. What is important is that during that time they cannot perform professional duties but they must be ready to drive a vehicle. Once the first driver completes their driving period, the second driver takes over and drives for 4.5 hours after which time the whole crew have a break.

Co-driver leaves a vehicle, tachograph’s status.

As stated above – the only exception is the first hour of carriage. For the remainder of the period it is compulsory for both drivers to be in a cab. In the case the second driver leaves a vehicle too soon, the whole transport is treated as performed by one driver as it does not comply with the requirements of a relevant regulation.

Each change of drivers or their current work-related status must be recorded by a tachograph. A tachograph has two separate slots. The card of a person acting as a driver should be placed in the first slot. A tachograph allows to select a “work” option for the first driver. The card of the co-driver is placed in the second slot and in such a case it is important to select a “duty” option for that driver. This way, information recoded on the cards will reflect the actual situation in a cab.

It is important that when one person drives a vehicle, another one is ready to drive. When changing, drivers must remember to switch their cards as only slot number 1 records a vehicle’s movement.

So far it was possible for a driver to sleep in a cab but today it is prohibited in many EU countries. Drivers will face high fines in, among others, France, Belgium and Germany. What are the fines? Why was sleeping in a cab suddenly prohibited?

What fines do drivers and carriers face?

France introduced the highest fine for sleeping in a vehicle cab. For failure to comply, both a driver and carrier could be sentenced to a year’s imprisonment and a fine of €30,000. Considering the offence and penalties applied in other countries, the penalty is exorbitant. In Belgium, for the same offence, a driver will be given a fine of up to €1800.

The situation is similar in Germany and the Netherlands. In the first country, both a carrier and driver will be subject to a penalty. A fine imposed on a driver amounts to €60 for each hour of illegal parking while a carrier, for the same offence, will be imposed with a fine of €180 for one hour of parking, thus in the case of a 45-hour rest period the total fine imposed on a driver will be €2700 and on a carrier – €8100. The fines are not as high as in France, however, they may affect the budget.

The Netherlands introduced the ban on sleeping in a truck cab some time ago. A fine for the offence amounts to €1300 but the law has not been enforced. With the introduction of the EU’s restrictions everything may change because the Netherlands might be treated as a place to have a rest in.

The above countries were followed by Austria which introduced a ban on sleeping in a cab during a 45-hour rest period, however, the offence-related penalties were not yet specified. Everything might change with time because Austria borders directly with Germany. The said ban does not apply in Poland so drivers may have their weekly rest in a truck cab, as long as it is properly adapted.

Hotel instead of a cab

In countries where the ban applies, the employer is obliged to provide drivers with a possibility to have their weekly rest in a convenient place of accommodation, in decent sanitary conditions. It means that the break may take place in the company’s offices, hotel or other place meeting the above conditions. It is important that the accommodation is organized beforehand as looking for a place to rest at the last minute is not an option.

The same provisions apply to the use of a roadside parking. From now on they may be used only for daily rest periods. Drivers may leave their trucks on a guarded parking.

It is expected that the above ban will be introduced in many more countries. The provision was first introduced in the countries whose ministers signed the Alliance de Routier.

Germany, Norway, Austria… Where else has the act on minimum wages for drivers of foreign companies already come into force?

More and more European countries decide to introduce minimum wages for drivers carrying out cabotage carriages within their territories. Each such decision raises concerns among Polish carriers who fear excessively high costs and losing foreign counterparties. It is thus worth taking a closer look of the trend.

Germany

Germany was the first country to introduce the minimum wage for drivers working within its territory. At the beginning, the regulation, which came into force on 1 January 2015, pertained to cabotage and carriages starting or ending in Germany, as well as transit carriages which ceased to fall within the scope of the regulation just a month later. A minimum rate on the other side of the Odra River currently amounts to EUR 8.84 gross for one hour of work.

Norway

Germany was soon followed by Norwegians who introduced the minimum wage for drivers six months later. It applies to all drivers working within Norway and driving vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons and amounts to NOK 158.32 (approx. PLN 74) per hour. The employer should also remember to provide drivers with daily allowance in the amount of NOK 307.

Austria

The Austrian Act against Wage and Social Dumping which has been in force for a few years now applies also to drivers employed by foreign companies offering cabotage services within this country. It is worth reminding that starting this year, the minimum wage in Austria increased by 2.7% and currently the employees of Polish companies receive EUR 8.49.

France

France introduced the minimum wage for drivers at the beginning of July 2016. Loi Macron, which is the name of the act adopted by the French government, imposes an obligation on foreign employers to pay drivers EUR 9.67 for each worked hour.

Italy

Just a month after France, a similar act was adopted by Italy. A minimum rate for one month (five days a week, eight hours a day) of a driver’s work amounts to EUR 9.76-10.3. Non-observance of the provision by Italian companies may be subject to a penalty of even EUR 6,000 for each employee.

Hungary

So far, the last European country to introduce the minimum wage for drivers of foreign companies working within its territory is Hungary. Here, however, a minimum rate is similar to the one applicable in Poland and amounts to, depending on the level of education, HUF 639-742 (approx. PLN 10) per hour.

 

Today, rubber anti-slip mats are commonly used in transport. Certainly, this is not without reason.

A significant difficulty when transporting palleted goods is often the immobilization of cargo. The problem may be partially solved by using transport belts but they may not be enough to secure pallets against shifting. The method proves to be much more effective when we use both transport belts and anti-slip mats, which, while increasing the friction between the floor and the pallet, reduce the risk of damaging cargo. What should you know about them? Which types of anti-slip mats are most often used by transport companies? What are other costs associated with their use?

Transport anti-slip mats

Such mats, sometimes called pads, are made of special rubber granules. The material, in connection with appropriate texture, significantly increases pallets’ adhesiveness. Therefore, a carrier may use fewer transport belts, which is of particular importance in transport of cargoes susceptible to damage. The method is also very effective because it increases the friction coefficient between the pallet and the metal floor from 0.2 to even 0.6.

The most common sizes

The popularity of the solution is to a large extent dependent on the fact that transport anti-slip mats are available in different sizes, thus making it easy to choose the best one for a given cargo. Individual mat types differ in the form of distribution (they may be sold from rolls, in the form of tape or ready-cut pieces) and thickness. The most popular mats are 15-30-centimeters wide, but, depending on our needs, we may also purchase mats with the width of more than 100 cm. Thickness of mats ranges between 3 and 8 millimeters and the thicker the mat, the bigger the maximum load.

Anti-slip mats – prices

The cost of transport mats clearly depends on their size and thickness. The average price for one square meter of a 3-milimeter mat is PLN 30-40. One meter of a 6-milimeter mat costs approx. PLN 70. The thickest, 8-milimeter mats cost PLN 85-95 per a square meter and ready-cut pieces, which may be laid under one pallet skid, can be purchased for a little more than PLN 4 per piece.

 

Overloading of a vehicle is subject to high financial penalties. We checked the penalty tariffs applicable in different European countries.

Provisions on exceeding the total permissible weight or maximum axle load in individual European countries are very diverse. They differ in penalty amounts and measurement error tolerance. And although overloading of a vehicle is often the result of errors made upon loading, the responsibility in such cases usually lies with a carrier for they must prove that the vehicle was not overloaded due to their fault, which sometimes may be quite a challenge. Meanwhile, the penalties in some countries are really high.

Under the control of ITD, BAG, IVW…

In Poland, the permissible weight of vehicles on public roads is checked by the Road Transport Inspectorate (ITD). In other European countries, the job is done by bodies, which are more or less its counterparts, such as BAG – Bundesamt für Güterverkehr in Germany. On Austrian roads, drivers may be inspected by the employees of the Federal Transport Office or Department of the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology, whereas in the Netherlands, such inspections are performed by Inspectie Verkeer en Waterstaat (IVW).

Tolerance limits

Each of the above units applies different norms concerning tolerance in exceeding the total permissible weight or maximum axle load. German and Austrian provisions do not provide for such limits, however, exceeding the total permissible weight in these countries by not more than 2% usually ends with a caution. The Netherlands is much more tolerant in the area with limits being 10% in the case of total permissible weight and 5% when measuring the load on one axle.

Penalties

In the case such values are exceeded, both carrier and driver will have to pay a financial penalty. In case the overload does not exceed 5%, a driver and a vehicle’s owner will pay EUR 10 in Austria, whereas for the overload exceeding over 30% the highest penalty amounts to EUR 235. The penalty tariff applicable in Germany is much more stringent. Here, even the slight overload is subject to a penalty of EUR 35 imposed on a carrier and in the case of overloads exceeding 35% the penalty may amount to EUR 425. Drivers on the other side of the Odra River will pay a little less – for them the fines range from EUR 30 to 380.

Transport belts help to keep the transported cargo in place. They are necessary not only in trucks but also in every vehicle transporting large cargoes. In order to use them correctly you should get familiar with their characteristics.

Types of transport belts

A belt and the attached tensioner bear a special label whose color indicates the properties of a given product. It is worth remembering that the labels are a clear indicator of a material from which a belt was made. The belt’s color is of no relevance.

Colors of labels attached to transport belts.

Which parameters of a transport belt are the most significant?

To protect a transport belt against damaging the safe working load should not be exceeded. This is one of many parameters that can be found on a label attached to a given belt. Which parameters should we pay attention to?

Storage of transport belts

Transport belts are usually stored in semi-trailers. However, in semi-trailers they may be exposed to sand, which, after penetrating belt fibers, cuts them. As a result, belts become soft and swollen. Freezing and defrosting may also have a negative effect on transport belts. Water freezes inside the belt, stretching it and damaging its structure.

To ensure the correct use of a transport belt it is important to observe the information provided on the attached label and store it in a proper manner. The belt should not be exposed to soiling or cold weather because difficult conditions may impact its durability.

31 January 2017 is a very important date for the European transport. On this day, transport ministers of such countries as France, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway and Sweden signed an agreement pertaining directly to joint undertakings and a common road transport market. The goal of the alliance is to guarantee better social conditions and more effective controls. What does the agreement mean for our country?

Agreement’s objectives

At the beginning, the agreement lists the purposes for which the document has been drafted and signed. The first one presumes development of measures adapting and amending the EU law, including social law with the purpose of enforcing legal provisions.

The second part proposes improvements in the functioning of the law enforcement apparatus. Specially designed activities will be implemented to minimize attempted fraud or unfair practices. Everything will be based on the exchange of experiences and close cooperation between the states covered by the agreement.

The last part pertains directly to transport between the EU countries. It assumes determining a common position by countries that launched the alliance, regarding social dumping and promoting unfair competition. The signatories to the agreement plan liberalization of transport, with focus on cabotage, re-organization of norms governing drivers’ working time and periods of rest, introduction of more effective coordination and control mechanisms or provision of substantial support for drivers in countries with deficiency of workers.

Additionally, politicians want to improve safety of vehicles used in transport and run the policy of mutual assistance and understanding between drivers carrying out transport tasks.

Measures taken within the agreement

The first measure assumes the implementation of resources allowing a driver to find a balance between work and private life. It concerns drivers working on weekends – time free from work. The officials plan to impose sanctions once such practices occur or promote new rules that would enable drivers to spend their time off work at home.

Some countries have already introduced such practices. Hence, a driver can choose whether they would like to spend their time off at home or in the parking lot. The promotion of the practice in question aims at reducing the number of drivers sleeping in vehicles during longer, week’s breaks.

Moreover, the provisions will also apply to light commercial vehicles, the simplification of use of electronic waybills or changes in control systems and exchange of mutual professional practices. The above measures aim at strengthening ties between entrepreneurs and unifying the knowledge of individual services controlling drivers.

Introduction of the alliance – what does it mean for Poland?

The ministers signing the agreement speak, so to say, on behalf of all EU member states without taking into account such conditions as, e.g., distance between a driver’s place of residence and a route he travels. It means that the provisions were adapted to Germany or France. Drivers from such countries are the closest to their homes and can plan their trip in such a way to make it home for a break. In the case of Poland it is not viable because some routes pass through Spain or Great Britain, thus making it impossible for drivers to go home for the weekend. It means that they are doomed to suffer sanctions from the very launch of the alliance.

National specialists who point to the fact that the community’s assumptions were violated are skeptical about the whole agreement. A few strong countries cannot decide about mutual laws that hit other member states. This constitutes direct discrimination, which may lead to the permanent exclusion of single member states from the common, EU policy.

Today, a pet in a truck cab is nothing peculiar. We must have heard in the media of a driver who regularly or occasionally takes their dog or cat on a journey across Europe. First of all, it should be mentioned that the practice in question is legal, however, one must always observe certain legal regulations and use their common sense since such a fellow traveler entails a number of obligations.

What conditions must be met when travelling with our four-legged friend?

Due to our national fondness of dogs, this type of a pet can be most often seen in a cab. Depending on a place of destination, our friend must have relevant documents and be adequately prepared. Such preparations look different before travelling abroad and travelling within the country.

First, our pet needs a passport. We may travel to European countries using our ID but a dog must have a passport. It is issued by an independent veterinarian. Additionally, our companion must have a transponder, more popularly known as a microchip. If a dog traveled abroad in the past, before 2011, it might have been marked with a tattoo. The option is still viable, however, the marking must be visible and we must hold a document which confirms that a tattoo was made and provides a date on which it happened.

A dog must be vaccinated against rabies but not right before a trip. The first vaccination becomes valid only after 21 days and each consecutive one, after 24 hours. Therefore, our trip must be planned or a pet prepared in advance.

How is a pet in a truck perceived in other countries?

There is no ban on transporting a dog in a cab in the EU countries. Nevertheless, when planning our route we must keep in mind that a given state could have introduced its own laws and recommendations concerning the transport of animals. It is also worth checking which type of animals is covered by a given law because if we decide to travel with a non-regulated pet– it will be outside the law.

The same applies if we want to travel outside the EU. Each country introduces its own regulations, hence it is necessary to get familiar with them much earlier and put them into practice.

Animal transport

There are no legal provisions pertaining to non-commercial transport of animals, therefore we must seek all information in laws related to cargo. One of the regulations states explicitly that transported cargo must not in any way impede driving and must be properly secured. How should we read that? A dog may not disturb the driver and must be fastened in an appropriate way.

In the case the police stops us and claims that the laws were violated, we may receive a ticket amounting to 20 – 500 PLN depending on a police officer. If, for any reason, the case is brought to court we are faced with a fine of 3000 PLN, or even a reprimand. In the case we violate the law our pet may be sent back to our country, placed in quarantine or put down.

General conditions

When making a decision about taking a pet on a journey, we must remember that this is a living animal and provide it with appropriate travel conditions. Therefore, we must make sure that there is water, a bowl and food prepared for our fellow traveler in a cab.

Also, we must be prepared for such severe conditions as freezing cold or heat. A pet should not be left in a hot car on a hot day as it might lead to its death. The same applies during freezing weather conditions, especially in the case of small animals.

When planning a trip with a companion, the drivers commonly decide to take along a dog. It is usually caused by loneliness on the road. We must remember to prepare ourselves for such a journey. Despite the pressure of everyday tasks and a large number of documents, the most important thing is to accustom a dog to traveling and staying in a confined space so that it feels at ease when we decide to take it on the road.

Every driver using the roads of a given country is obliged to incur road charges. The charges may be covered in the form of a vignette, purchased and affixed to a vehicle’s windscreen or paid for at a motorway gate. Individual countries may apply different road charges, depending on the adopted legislation. What charges do we face in 2017?

Country-specific road charges levied in 2017

German

At the end of 2016 German authorities made a unanimous decision on the introduction of motorway tolls in Germany not earlier than in autumn, which is directly associated with Bundestag elections. Additionally, the country will implement other legislative changes details of which were not revealed by a person publishing the information. The anticipated cost of a ten-day vignette ranges from 5 to 15 EUR and a two-month one from 16 to 22 EUR.

Belgium

On 1 April 2016 Belgium introduced the system of electronic toll collection “Viapass”. Nevertheless, the use of country motorways is entirely free of charge with the exception of a tunnel between Liefkenshoek and Antwerp. The charges for using the tunnel by drivers of vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons are collected with the use of Viapass.

The things are a little more complicated in Austria where all vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons are subject to road charges. The tolls are charged using a „Go-Box” device, which must be affixed on a vehicle’s windscreen. The amount of the charge depends on the number of axles and the number of kilometers covered. For a vehicle with EURO VI emission class and 3 axles we will pay a daytime fee amounting to 0.24 EUR for each kilometer. In the case of 4 and more axles the charge will amount 0.37 EUR for each kilometer. The prices grow as the number of axles rises and the emission class declines.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the use of public roads is free of charge except for two tunnels: Kil and Westerschelde. The tolls for these sections are charged in the form of the Eurovignette. In the first tunnel, the charges depend on the height of a vehicle with charges being 1.45 EUR for vehicles up to 2.3 m and 3.8 EUR for higher vehicles. In the second tunnel, for a vehicle longer than 12 m and higher than 3 m the basic rate totals 25 EUR.

France

France introduced some significant changes this year. On 16 January 2017 the law enters into force according to which each driver entering Paris must hold a vignette. The charge will depend on a vehicle’s class as well as the EURO emission class. Additionally, in the case the level of pollutant emission exceeds the alert value, owners of vehicles may expect some preferential treatment, depending on a vehicle’s class. Starting 1 July 2017, vehicles with the EURO III emission class will be banned from entering Paris. From now on, entering and driving around the capital of France will be subject to a fee of 4.18 EUR. Currently, the cheapest motorway section in France is the one between Montauban and Toulouse, which is subject to a charge of 10.4 EUR. The most expensive motorway connects Nice and Paris and costs 239.4 EUR. The difference in prices amounts to 229 EUR.

Poland

Poland applies the viaToll system. The most expensive motorway in our country is still A2, the use of which is now subject to a fee of 218 PLN for the entire route length. The toll applicable on the A4 motorway amounts to 53 PLN for the entire motorway section, whereas on the A1 motorway, drivers of the 4th category have to pay 0.38 PLN per one kilometer. The whole section of the motorway is thus subject to a fee of ca. 125 PLN. The motorway tolls may be paid by cash in all toll collection areas and by card in selected points.

Charges increased – undeniable fact

In 2017 the road charges applicable in Poland and other European countries increased. It may be directly associated with the focus on environmental protection. Vehicles with older emission systems are not only subject to higher charges but may be also banned from entering individual cities or motorway sections in Europe.

Starting this year, Austria adopted the amendment to the Act on Combating Wage and Social Dumping. What does it mean for Polish carriers?

The minimum wage for drivers performing cabotage in Austria has been effective in the country for years. Two years ago the provisions of the act were tightened up and the act imposed a number of obligations on carriers which, when not fulfilled, are subject to high penalties. Another change, introduced on 1 January this year, increased the minimum wage by 2.7%. The modification of provisions provides a great opportunity to recall what the companies conducting cabotage activities in Austria should see to and what penalties may result from oversights.

Minimum wage in Austria

The minimum wage in Austria is specified in the Act on Combating Wage and Social Dumping. From 1 January this year it amounts to 8.49 EUR for delegated employees and 10.50 EUR for seconded employees.  How is an employee assigned to the above groups? The former employees work under the supervision of the Polish employer incurring a full risk associated with their work. The second group of employees is put at the disposal of a company operating in Austria, they are subject to its instructions and use the means provided by such a company.

Which documents do you need to prepare?

The observance of the provisions is safeguarded by the Coordination Center for illegal employment of workers operating by the Ministry of Finance. At the latest one week before the cabotage, the completed A1 form must be sent to the Center via e-mail. In case of an inspection, a driver should present a copy of the form together with a proof of insurance and received remuneration – for example a written contract of employment or a bank transfer confirmation.

What penalties do the companies face?

For failure to comply with the above obligations, the Coordination Center may impose high penalties on our company. The absence of documents is subject to a penalty of 500-1000 EUR, whereas a failure to report an employee to a penalty totaling as much as 10,000 EUR. Too low remuneration may lead to a penalty of 1000-20,000 EUR if it concerns not more than three employees and in the case of a bigger group of employees – even 50,000 EUR. Nevertheless, we should keep in mind that the above penalties are imposed only on those companies in which the repeated infringement of the provisions was discovered.

Duties of a truck drivers is driving trucks. During this activity, a driver transports goods both in the country and abroad. One might think that this is the only obligation of a driver but in fact it is not. Their obligations also include preparation for transport as well as preparation and submission of post-carriage documentation and reporting of performed activities. Moreover, drivers are responsible for loading and unloading of goods. How is the issue regulated by law? Which challenges does the latter pose for drivers?

Driver during loading

During loading, a driver is obliged to accept cargo in a place and time indicated by a loader. He or she must be present at loading. If it is not possible, the CMR (International Waybill) should be annotated appropriately. Moreover, a driver should make themselves familiar with a type and properties of cargo and supervise the loading to ensure safe carriage and prevent the goods from moving during transport.

Driver during unloading

The basic obligation of a driver is to keep an appointment with a consignee in a specified place and time. Place and date are always provided on a waybill. A driver must be present during all unloading activities. If possible, they should make themselves familiar with a number of loading units that were handed over. It is very important for a driver to obtain a confirmation of receipt.

How does it work in practice?

Drivers work according to deadlines. Sometimes, they appear in the place of loading or unloading late due to heavy traffic or traffic jams. Then, they face a choice: they can wait for their turn or load/unload the goods on their own. It sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Most drivers decide to complete the task on their own and observe the time limit. In such situations a driver, as a person doing the unloading, is fully accountable for the goods. If the activities require the use of forklifts, a driver must hold a necessary license. If the activities associated with unloading and loading of goods are included in a contract concluded between a driver and their employer, the activities in question constitute his or her duties. If not – a driver should not perform the above tasks because in the case of any accident he or she retains all liability.

If an employer forces their employees to perform loading and unloading without providing necessary training and remuneration, they violate the law.

What does the law say?

Certain companies include unaided loading and unloading in the scope of drivers’ duties, which is fully legal. However, such additional duties should be properly remunerated.

The Polish and European law does not forbid a driver to perform loading/unloading. Pursuant to Directive 2002/15/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council the working time of a driver includes the time devoted to all road transport activities. Such activities comprise: driving, loading and unloading, cleaning and technical maintenance and every other activity intended to ensure the safety of the vehicle and its cargo.

Article 6 of the Act of 16 April 2004 on Working Time of Drivers states that loading and unloading are included in the working time of a driver. They must be registered as “other works” of a driver. Upon loading and unloading a driver must observe OHS regulations concerning maximum permissible weights of shifted objects, loads and materials. The permissible weight of a load shifted on a hard flat surface using a hand pallet truck cannot exceed 450 kg per one employee together with the weight of the pallet truck (chapter  6 § 21.1 Regulation on health and safety related to manual transport works). In the case a driver must use an engine-powered or an electric truck, he or she should hold a necessary license.

To avoid unpleasant disappointments and surprises, when starting to work as a driver you should make yourself familiar with your future obligations. Besides the very transport of goods, a driver might be responsible for their loading and unloading but these activities should be properly remunerated.

First forwarders appeared in Europe in the 16th century and managed horse-drawn transport. Later, as maritime trade developed, they expanded their activities and started to organize and supervise transport. However, the strongest development of a forwarder’s position took place in the 19th century when rail gained much recognition. Together with further progress and development of transport methods, the will of forwarders evolved and their scope of duties extended. What their work is like today and what functions do the land transport forwarders perform?

Freight forwarding

To explain in detail the role of a forwarder we need to start with a short definition of a term “freight forwarding”. It is an economic activity consisting in the organization of carriage of goods at the commission of legal entities or natural persons. Such activities take place with the use of properly selected means of transport and transport infrastructure. Freight forwarding is closely related to a number of additional activities necessary due to the nature of transport orders. Thus, freight forwarding is the management of the whole transport logistics.

There are many companies operating on Polish and foreign markets that provide forwarding services and have their own fleet, warehouse facilities and handling terminals.

In Europe, ca. 50-60% of loads are transported by road vehicles. In Poland, the number of loads transported by road vehicles amounts to as many as 83%. Consequently, freight forwarding usually deals with domestic and international road transport. Enterprises engaged in freight forwarding and road transport activities normally serve more than one route. However, they specialize in individual areas, e.g., Scandinavian, Western European or Asian countries or conduct their activities only within Poland.

Who is a forwarder?

In simple words, today a forwarder is the organizer of the whole transport process. As a result of significant changes that occurred on forwarding services market over the last few years, both the role and functions of a forwarder have been evolving and expanding. Domestic and international road transport processes are becoming more advanced and complex. A growing number of new coordination systems and legal requirements drive a forwarder to continual self-improvement and active development of their expertise.

Who can be a forwarder?

A road transport forwarder may be anyone who has basic knowledge in the area. Such a person does not need experience, however, they should be willing to undergo several months of training and be aware that necessary skills and efficiency in the field come after a year or so of practice. Knowledge of foreign languages such as English or German constitutes an important asset of a person applying for the position of a forwarder. If a company transports goods to Eastern Europe, then command of Russian will certainly be an advantage. A forwarder must have well-developed spatial imagination, perceptiveness, quick orientation, associating abilities and multitasking skills. Surely, such traits as accuracy, self-control and high sense of responsibility for entrusted tasks will be necessary in their everyday work. He or she may be called a road transport manager so the organizational skills and ability to make quick decisions are also very important.

A person starting to work as a forwarder must be prepared to work with many people, often under time pressure. Such work requires building long-term relations with clients and dealing with lots of stress. Sometimes, a forwarder must be available 24 hours a day. Nevertheless, although a forwarder must work at full capacity, the job brings a considerable amount of positive emotions. Timely completion of tasks and successful fulfillment of road transport orders give a lot of satisfaction and encourage them to meet new challenges.

Forwarder’s functions

Duties of road transport forwarders include advisory and documentation functions. This means that before concluding and during drawing up of a contract for a service provision, a forwarder cooperates with an ordering party and prepares necessary contracts and documents. Additionally, a forwarder’s tasks comprise the organization of road carriage if it becomes necessary to outsource such a service. Whereas, if an enterprise has its own carriers, a forwarder performs activities associated with transport of loads in a direct manner. They are not a driver of a commercial vehicle but they organize and supervise the whole process. A forwarder fulfilling a given order must also settle the costs of all transactions.

It must be noted that a forwarder is not a direct carrier. He or she is the organizer of a carriage process, therefore they act as an intermediary between an ordering party (a natural person or a business entity) and carriers responsible for carrying goods. Demand for forwarders’ services has been steadily growing. This is mainly due to the fact that most European territories were integrated into one economic “organism” and due to dynamic development of economy. The economic globalization sets and will continue to set new requirements for forwarders. In order to become a forwarder, it is not required to have long-term experience. All one needs to start working as a forwarder are eagerness and readiness to learn and take up new challenges.

Import from Germany to Poland – products imported from the West

Poland is still in its growth phase. We develop dynamically, which means that the living conditions of our fellow citizens are constantly improving. The increasing standard of living among Poles raises demand for better-quality products, often imported from our western neighbors. Here are 5 types of products imported to Poland from Germany.

Heavy machinery

Our domestic industry relies, to a rather large extent, on machinery imported from Germany. It concerns mainly construction and agricultural machinery as well as all kinds of other mechanical engineering products. We import not only finished, whole machines but also large quantities of components constituting their equipment. It is the German market that provides us with a significant quantity of technological products available for sale.

Cars and the whole automotive industry

There is no denying that as a country we are not self-sufficient is this area. This does not mean that we do not manufacture any cars or components in Poland. There are a few plants of international corporations in our country, which manufacture selected models from their offers. However, the majority of cars and car parts are delivered to Poland from Germany. This is mainly due to the fact that German automotive industry is in a much better condition and Germany is home to most of corporations that import automotive products to Poland.

Metal and metallurgical products

Poland imports also all kinds of finished metal and metallurgical products. Import of finished parts of devices and structures from Germany results from their quality and competitive prices. Despite the quite well-developed metallurgical industry in Poland, it is strongly affected by conditions influencing its development. For example, electricity prices in Germany are almost 50% lower than in Poland. It translates into the final product price and production profitability.

Chemical products

Every year, Poland imports huge quantities of chemical products used not only in basic economic activities but also in other areas. There are two reasons behind this situation. The first one is unavailability of these products on the Polish market. Therefore, in order for a given product to exist on our market, we must import it. The second one is a better quality of products intended for the German market than of the same products intended for the Polish market.

Food products, textiles and plastics

The most often imported food products are German sweets and children products but it is also necessary to mention animal products. German plastics and textiles are very popular among Poles due to their quality and durability.

Current situation and prognosis for 2017

In 2016, Poland imported products mainly from the above-described groups. Currently, import of products from Germany constitutes nearly 30% of the total value of products imported to Poland. This number steadily increases because the standard of living in Poland improves year by year. And this translates into growing demand for better and better products. A list of items willingly imported to our country is naturally much longer and will certainly extend with time. It is without a doubt that in the upcoming 2017 we will import even more. This is mainly due to growing demand of our fellow citizens and higher salaries. In many cases it will be caused by the cost of production of a given product on domestic market or its unavailability. With today’s condition of Polish infrastructure and constantly developing companies providing transport services, import is a much more attractive solution than domestic production.

The most important issue with regard to road transport is safety. Legal provisions oblige drivers to comply with norms governing, among others, a working time, thus reducing the risk of dangerous road collisions and accidents. What is the penalty for non-compliance with these norms? Which devices are used to register drivers’ working time?

Polish and EU provisions

Drivers’ working time is regulated by both Polish and EU legal provisions. Enterprises engaged in transport of people and goods as well as drivers are obliged to comply with norms contained in the Act on Road Transport and Working Time of Drivers of 5 April 2013 as well as the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006.

Such norms apply to vehicles whose permissible weight exceeds 3.5 ton. Carriers and drivers are obliged to use devices (tachographs) measuring working and driving times, periods of rest, mileage and other important parameters. Non-compliance with these norms is subject to serious penalties for both the carrier and the driver.

Carrier’s liability

What is the liability for violating norms associated with drivers’ working time? Carriers may be penalized for, among others, infringement of provisions applicable to a driving time, mandatory breaks and rest (2000 PLN); infringement of provisions on the use of devices registering speed, driving time and periods of rest as well as drivers’ activity (2000 PLN); for the use of an unauthorized registration device (5000 PLN); for absence of a required drivers’ working time schedule (2000 PLN).

Exceeding a working time and a failure to keep records of a working time or provide a driver with the possibility to take a break may also be subject to penalties. According to a valid penalty tariff, a fine for exceeding a weekly working time by up to 2 hours amounts to 100 PLN; 300 PLN for exceeding a working time by 2-10 hours and 500 PLN for exceeding a weekly working time by more than 10 hours. For gross infringements, a transport company risks losing the license.

Valid penalty tariff – penalties for drivers

However, not only carriers face penalties – the tariff provides for penalties applying to drivers. A fine for exceeding a daily driving time by up to one hour and by each subsequent commenced hour amounts to 100 PLN. Drivers may be also subject to a 100 PLN fine for reducing a daily rest period by more than 15 minutes and up to one hour and by each subsequent commenced hour. A device used to measure drivers’ working time is a tachograph, i.e. specialized device registering a driver’s activity behind the wheel, driving time, working time, breaks and periods of rest.

According to a penalty tariff, failure to use a tachograph by a driver is subject to a fine of 2000 PLN similarly to an unauthorized interference with the work of a tachograph, which results in the change of device’s readings.

Work of a professional truck driver engaged in international transport is not easy. It concerns mainly those drivers who perform the so called cross-trades, i.e. they drive without going back to the base. Drivers performing cross-trades usually work in 3/1, 4/1 or 6/2 cycles.

What do these cycles mean?

In a 3/1 system a driver works for three weeks, which are followed by a week-long rest period. In a 4/1 system a driver works for four weeks and has a week-long break. A 6/2 system means six weeks of driving and two weeks’ rest period. It is very uncommon for drivers to work in an 8/2 system.

Sometimes, a rest period between trips is called a leave but it cannot be treated formally as a standard holiday leave to which a driver is entitled regardless of the number of days a year spent on breaks from driving. Moreover, commuting home and back, if the employer’s registered office is located abroad, may take additional two or three days.

Persons working in transport companies, especially those located outside Poland, must also bear in mind that after a break they will be instructed by their employer to make a trip using a different vehicle. This constitutes an additional stress factor as it requires an ability to adapt to a new vehicle. The necessity to test an unfamiliar vehicle beforehand is also troublesome.

A different problem associated with a shift work system is separation from one’s family. Work on long routes tests trust within a family and strength of ties between its members. This work system is easier for those persons who have not yet started a family, are introverts or do not want to start a family at all.

Who should work in cycles?

3/1, 4/1 or 6/2 systems are particularly attractive for drivers performing carriages on very long routes. The drivers spend the whole time in a vehicle which becomes their second home. Those who decided to work in the above systems may expect a very good salary, unreachable for drivers working in domestic transport or going back to the base every weekend. 3/1 and longer systems are best for drivers with many years of experience – they are not recommended for beginners. An experienced, flexible and organized driver will be more willingly employed to perform long trips, whereas an inexperienced driver will require an additional training. The solution is good for those who do not like routine and dreary fixed hours work. Each day brings new challenges and solutions.

Work on long routes gives drivers the possibility to explore the world, although they may not always have time to see everything they want and they may not be able to reach every place in a vehicle.

The work of a truck driver is harder than it seems. Others look at a driver and think that he or she sits behind the wheel, does not do anything exhausting and constantly changes his or her surroundings so, all in all, their work is interesting. However, hardly anyone takes into consideration the dangers arising from such a distinctive lifestyle. What influence does this job have on the condition of a human body? It has to be acknowledged that the profession has many consequences, not necessarily the pleasant ones. So what should a truck driver’s Decalogue include? Here are 10 rules that should be taken to heart.

  1. Movement and fresh air equal health

In a job like this, the lack of movement may be a problem. How can a driver solve it? They should look for opportunities to be active. Of course, it is not really possible when driving but during breaks the case is very different. There are more and more outdoor gyms on parking lots, where drivers can do some exercise. They can also take their bikes and explore the surroundings during stops. Let’s not forget to supply a large dose of fresh air while driving, thus overcoming sleepiness during a dull trip.

  1. Healthy spine

Being forced to sit, we should do everything to minimize a negative impact of sitting on our spines. Let’s make sure that we sit properly. Stores offer special back supporters improving the position of our bodies. It is also important to properly adjust a driving wheel and a seat in order not to expose a spine to various, painful degenerative changes, which may happen to us sooner than we think.

  1. Regular health checks

It is advisable to visit a doctor on a regular basis. We should not wait for first alarming symptoms but check our health systematically. In the end, any indisposition behind the wheel may end badly not only for us but also for other road users.

  1. Healthy menu

Another key question is what we provide our bodies with. Therefore, the next three points concern the issue of nutrition. Firstly, we should avoid fast food. This is probably not so easy on the road, with all the gas stations and roadside bars, which tempt us with unhealthy things. However, it is possible to eat a healthy salad or a soup instead of yet another hot-dog en route. With time it will be certainly easier to say no to unhealthy food products. Eating while driving is surely tempting but we can always choose healthier snacks, such as nuts or dried fruit in place of harmful chips.

  1. Water – a source of life

It is important to take care of proper hydration. Insufficient fluid intake may intensify fatigue or have bad influence on a urinary system. Besides, improper hydration equals weaker concentration, which may be very dangerous on the road. We should remember that water is the best beverage.

  1. Getting rid of stimulants

The next rule is to avoid such stimulants as alcohol or cigarettes. Their negative influence on our bodies is rather obvious.

  1. Sleep is good for everything

It is very important to sleep well. Lack of sleep may lead to fatigue, loss of concentration and, in the worst case scenario, falling asleep behind the wheel. We should remember about it!

  1. And what about stress?

Work of a driver is often stressful. A driver should learn how to cope with it. A vehicle provides great conditions for listening to music that we like and that relieves tension. We should also learn some simple breathing exercises, which are very helpful in such cases.

  1. Contact with other people is good for loneliness

Working alone may lead to depression and bad mood. We should try to talk to and keep in touch with, say, other drivers. A short conversation will help us chase away bad and melancholic mood.

  1. Days off are a nice break from work

And finally, we should remember to spend as little time as possible in a vehicle during the much-awaited weekend and be active. Let’s go for a run or a bike trip. It is also good to spend some time outdoors and relax a little.

Each professional driver should be familiar with these rules. For they are necessary to maintain good health and condition. Certainly, everyone wishes to enjoy great health, which is helpful not only at work but also outside of it. To enjoy life as long as possible.

Road freight transport is a significant sector of the economy, without which other sectors would come to a standstill. This kind of transport is currently used to carry virtually anything, starting from raw materials to highly processed commodities. As a rule, the route goes from the place of loading to the destination point and back, making the so called round (bilateral transport). However, this solution is not optimal, effective or economical. The solution, which is much more interesting and which gains more and more popularity are the so called cross-trades performed within the Western European countries.

What are cross-trades?

Cross-trades are a kind of transport operations, taking place usually within the European Union and assuming that the driver does not go to the base between trips. Undertaking transport orders within other EU countries limits the number of trips to the country of origin. Moreover, freights in Western Europe are better-paid than the ones made within the country. Particularly profitable trips are the ones made from industrialized regions of Germany to the highly developed markets of Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as to France, Austria, Denmark and then back to Germany. Owing to that, following the unloading of goods from Poland in Germany and loading of other goods intended for farther markers, the effective route of a vehicle is extended. Cargos transported using cross-trades are better paid than transfers from Poland to the West, thus generating greater profits for carriers. Some clients pay for flights to the place of loading and guarantee full truckload transport thanks to which neither drivers not owners of carriage companies have to look for additional goods to carry.

Conveniently and timely

Distances between the points of loading and unloading differ but, as a rule, they are rather small, thus making it possible for an experienced driver to perform many carriages within a short time. Certainly, there also exists demand for long routes, especially since a longer stay in Western Europe will give forwarders a chance to find cargo that can be transported to Poland on the way back and at the same time limit the number of empty runs.

Cross-trade transports are supervised by a client and its forwarders and they are usually settled within three business days following the delivery of a set of documents.

Organized cross-trades are the most beneficial for experienced drivers working according to 3/1, 4/1 or 6/2 shift patterns. Long working periods help generate high income from performed carriages, whereas the shift system makes drivers flexible and enables fast response to the needs of clients.

Carriers willing to cooperate must hold a license for international carriage and vehicles with semitrailers with load capacity of up to 24 tons and optimal length of 13.6 meters. Drivers performing cross-trades work in systems assuming a several-weeks’ long stay on route, i.e. 3/1, 4/1 or 6/2.

 

If you are wondering how to minimize the number of empty runs made by vehicles belonging to your company make sure they perform the so called rounds or cabotage carriages. What characterizes these types of transport?

Rounds – i.e. round trips

Rounds are a transport system within which drivers are sent from one country to another. After reaching the destination point they unload goods and drive to the point of loading of different goods. With the new load in a truck, they make the return trip. Rounds last no longer than five days.

Considering the fact that according to the European standards established in 2006 a driver can work the maximum of 9 hours per day (whereas this time may be extended by an additional hour twice a week), in most cases, the system allows for making a transport to a neighboring country (for example to Germany) and returning home within less than 5-6 days. By all means, assuming that a driver is not stuck in traffic or does not face any unforeseen situations such as damage to a vehicle.

Why the period of 5-6 days is so important? For a simple reason. As per the above-mentioned standards, after working for 6 consecutive days, a driver is entitled to a week’s rest. Naturally, it is desirable for a transport to reach the point of destination within such a period.

Cabotage – i.e. optimization of carriages

An alternative way to optimize carriages is cabotage transport. It assumes that after delivering goods to the destination point in a different country, a driver receives information about the next route, this time within the same country (different than the country of departure). And the carriage within a country other than the one where a vehicle was registered is called cabotage.

According to the EU provisions (Regulation No. 1072/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council), in order to perform cabotage operations in the case of vehicles whose total weight (including a load) exceeds 3.5 tons, a Community license is required. Additionally, if a driver is not a citizen of the EU Member State they must hold a driver attestation.

According to the provisions, cabotage operations may be launched only following complete unloading of goods transported from abroad, whereas within the same destination country a driver may perform up to three cabotage operations. Importantly – according to the provisions, each loading for whom a separate waybill was issued is considered to be a separate carriage.

What is important is not only a number of cabotage operations but the time period needed for their completion. The last cabotage must be completed at the latest on the seventh calendar day (not a day-night cycle) from unloading of goods transported from a different country.

A case is slightly different if a foreign load was unloaded in an A country, and cabotage operations are to take place within a B country, which is reached by a vehicle without any load. In such a case only one transport of such type is allowed and it must start within three days following the arrival in a B country and end at the latest on the seventh day following the unloading in an A country. However, it still allows for optimization of transport comparing to the situation when a vehicle waits for a return load and does not generate any profits for carriage of goods in the said period.

 

Minimum wage is a fact – it has been in force for long in many countries, including Poland. But granting the right to minimum remuneration to mobile employees working in the territory of Germany has raised concerns within the transport sector.

Is MiLOG just the beginning?

State interference consisting in determination of minimum remuneration for work has its supporters as well as opponents. Those who are in favor of the solution’s implementation emphasize that it protects employees against exploitation on the part of employers. The opponents claim that the state should not interfere with a contract signed by persons interested in establishing the employment relationship.

A dispute over minimum remuneration or, more precisely, the fact whether there is any point to it at all, has recently arisen because of Germany. Pursuant to the Minimum Wage Act (MiLoG), starting from 1 January 2015, the right to minimum remuneration was granted to, among others, persons working in the territory thereof.

Are the entrepreneurs the first ones to lose?

Entering into force of MiLoG Act was widely discussed by specialists from the Polish transport sector. Why? Because Germany has been the main trading partner of Poland for many years, which is confirmed by the figures – only from January till November 2015, exports of goods to Germany amounted to PLN 186.6 billion (EUR 44.69 billion).

Experts specialized in the transport market indicated that the implemented solutions will affect the competitiveness of Polish companies. They also pointed to ambiguous provisions allowing for high financial penalties. Today, over a year after the introduction of the Minimum Wage Act in Germany it may be concluded that Polish carriers are performing well and the predictions assuming bankruptcy of many companies turned out to be misguided.

Not only Germany

Germans were the first ones to grant the right to minimum remuneration to professional drivers working for companies seated in Eastern Europe. Other European countries followed their example. Since 1 July 2015 similar solutions have been applied in Norway. Enterprises specialized in international transport and bus owners are among those who need to remember about correct calculation and payment of minimum rate for the time spent passing through the territory of the country.

Recently, there has been a lot of talk concerning the introduction of an obligation to pay minimum remuneration to drivers transporting passengers or goods through France. Despite many doubts, the relevant provisions concerning the matter have been in force since 1 July 2016. The implemented solutions lead to the conclusion that within the next years other Western European countries will decide to introduce similar solutions.

Competitiveness of a company depends on various factors. Besides the prices or goods, what matters are the costs borne by a company. And lately, such costs increased for companies operating in the transport sector. Why?

Remuneration received by an employee should correspond to the effort they put in their work. That is the theory but the practice often indicates otherwise. As far as the Polish transport companies are concerned, as recently as a dozen or so months ago they could limit the costs generated by offering their drivers a uniform rate for transport of goods across Europe. Today the solution is impossible due to MiLoG and Loi Macron acts. When did they come into force? What do the employers need to keep in mind?

MiLoG in Germany

MiLoG is the German Minimum Wage Act. As per the act’s provisions, professional drivers employed by Polish companies are entitled to receive minimum wage when transporting goods across Germany. The provisions have been applicable for over a year as they came into force on 1 January 2015. How much will a professional driver earn?

A minimum rate for one hour of work of a professional driver crossing Germany when headed to, e.g., the Netherlands, amounts to EUR 8.5. Owners of transport companies who fail to abide by the obligation may be subject to financial penalties. Such penalties are imposed by the employees of the German Customs Office as it is the customs office that bears responsibility for verifying whether professional drivers employed by the Eastern European companies are appropriately remunerated.

Another question besides the minimum remuneration is the fulfillment of specific formal requirements. Companies intending to assign their employee with a task of transporting goods to, e.g., Belgium, are obliged to notify the German Customs Office thereof. Time plays crucial role here as the obligation must be met at the latest prior to entering the territory of Germany.

Loi Macron in France

France decided to introduce solutions similar to the provisions applicable in Germany. The Minimum Wage Act called Loi Macron came into force on 1 July 2016. Based on the provisions thereof, owners of transport companies must remember that they are obliged to pay their drivers at least the minimum remuneration currently applicable in France. However, it concerns solely carriages made across borders and cabotage – excluding transit.

A minimum rate for one hour of work in France amounts to EUR 9.61. Additionally, employees are entitled to receive a seniority bonus. – The employer must remember not only about remuneration but also about completing a number of formalities, i.e., registering a driver at least once every six months and designating a representative in France – a contact person for services in charge of controls. The employer is also responsible for drafting and archiving French-language documentation.

Top-down minimum wage for drivers?

So far, the minimum wage has been introduced not only in Germany and France – Norway also recognized such necessity. The provisions, based on which an employee is entitled to receive NOK 158.32 per hour (plus allowance), came into force on 1 July 2015.

Besides the countries defending the interests of their companies, it is worth mentioning the idea of Italians. Representatives of the country started to speak openly about the need to introduce the minimum wage for all drivers employed within the EU Member States. Such solution would allow the Western European transport sector to compete effectively with cheaper carriers from Eastern Europe. Today, the idea is supported by France and the Netherlands. Will it be implemented? The question is soon to be answered.

When looking for a carrier we usually pay attention to the price and while it is of significance it should not be a priority. Which other aspects it is worth looking at?

The market is full of companies specialized in carriage of goods because due to optimization of costs of business activities, such services are willingly and often used by entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, where there is supply there is strong competition. In order to acquire a client, transport companies often compete in prices. However, if you are looking for a business partner who will transport your goods, the price should not be of key importance. Why? What should you pay attention to when looking at offers of companies operating on the market?

Roadworthy and safe vehicle is a must

Would you get into a car if you were not sure it is roadworthy? Certainly not. And what about your goods? Do you think that products, often worth hundreds of thousands of zlotys, can be transported by vehicles of questionable technical condition? The cheapest carriers on the market are not always able to take proper care of their fleet. It should not be of surprise if you take account of the fact that by offering low prices they lack funds for ongoing repairs of minor failures. Vehicles offered by such carriers may often be short of equipment intended for securing cargo. As a result, the cargo may be damaged during transport.

Transporting goods in a defective vehicle will in the best case scenario eventuate in a delayed delivery and if there are additional goods loaded onto the vehicle while en route, the risk of accident will also increase.

Experienced and reliable driver for… a penny?

As an entrepreneur you must have noticed that the motivation of employees decreases if they do not receive satisfactory remuneration. Do you think that an experienced driver will agree to work for a minimum rate offered in the sector? Cheap carriers usually employ drivers without experience, i.e., beginners who do not feel confident on the road. A qualified employee would not agree to a low rate because they not only know their abilities but also how to, e.g., drive a vehicle in order to reduce fuel consumption.

If you are tired you find it difficult to focus on a task, don’t you? The same applies to drivers. Cheap carriers often do not keep track of a driver’s working time. Resetting tachographs is a common practice that leads to accidents, tickets, delays and trouble for a client who is exposed to unnecessary stress.

Insurance providing protection

Maybe, due to your business activities, you were obliged to buy insurance. If not, you are certainly aware of the fact that offers of insurance companies may differ in details which affect the scope of protection. A cheap carrier looks for savings; therefore, he purchases the cheapest policy. It may include many exclusions, e.g., the protection might not cover damages resulting from robbery.

Moreover, a cheap carrier cannot afford to protect themselves against, among others, currency fluctuation which may result in shortage of funds for current spend. Then, drivers may have problems with purchasing, e.g., fuel while en route and clients once again have to worry about meeting a delivery date or start with explaining what caused a delay.

When time matters…

You have only several hours or days to deliver your goods to a client? A cheap carrier will not guarantee you will meet a deadline. Why? There are a few reasons. To reduce costs, their employee will decide to take local roads. Furthermore, an inexperienced driver will not drive at the maximum speed allowed for fear of causing an accident or to save fuel. A cheap carrier will also not agree to provisions obliging them to pay compensation in case of a delay.

Cheap but only for a while

Each person starting their business activities fights for clients. The same mechanism applies to the transport sector. Carriers compete mainly in prices but this solution works only for a while. To take proper care of their fleet and employ good drivers, a carrier must make investments. Otherwise, sooner or later they will have to declare bankruptcy.

Do you want to be sure that the carrier of your choice will transport your goods to a specified address? Choose a reliable company and do not let the price be the only determinant of your decision – check what the carrier offers for the specified price. Insufficient coverage of the third party insurance or inexperienced drivers may encourage you to thoroughly reconsider your choice.

The responsibility for securing transported goods so that they do not pose a threat to other road users lies with a consignor. Which security measures are commonly applied today?

Before a loaded vehicle starts its journey, it is necessary to properly secure cargo. This will determine whether the cargo poses a threat to other road users while on route and whether it reaches the location specified by the client undamaged. If you use the services of carriers, you should know that the possibility of direct or indirect (in case it is commissioned to an external entity) proper securing of goods depends on a vehicle’s equipment. By disregarding legislation in the matter you may significantly limit the carrier’s liability. As a result, you will be the only one to lose.

If you wish to transport your goods as per the applicable legislation, you must pay attention to the equipment of trucks constituting the carrier’s fleet. Here is the information on security measures most commonly used by consignors.

Transport belts – for proper securing of cargo

Transported cargo may be secured in a number of ways. Transport belts are extremely popular because they can be used for goods of all dimensions and weights. Stores offer many different types of belts and the products differ in, among others, method of lashing (e.g. one-piece and two-piece belts). A reliable carrier will offer a wide selection of transport belts to ensure proper securing of cargo.

Anti-slip mats and wooden floor – perfect for heavy cargo

Heavy cargo is usually secured with transport belts. However, such a security measure is not always enough – sometimes goods may move inside a vehicle during transport. What then? A good solution are anti-slip mats. They are made of special materials, thus preventing cargo from moving. Anti-slip mats are available in different sizes; therefore, they may be used regardless of size of the transported cargo.

Alternatively, you may purchase, e.g., a wooden floor. It may be coated with an anti-slip layer, thus ensuring that the cargo placed on it is properly secured against moving.

Pallets – for easier loading and unloading

Goods transported from a manufacturer to a warehouse are usually packed in cartons. Collective packagings are placed on pallets (carrying platforms), i.e., special, most often wooden structures, which can be carried on, e.g. forklifts. A type of pallets that should be mentioned here are certainly EUR-pallets commonly used in Europe and adjusted to all forklifts. Another type often used by carriers are industrial (ISO) pallets intended for transport of containers or CP pallets for chemical industry.

Gitterbox – perfect for small cargo

Cargo does not always consist of large goods – sometimes a carrier receives an order to transport the so called general cargo. Securing such cargo is not at all difficult – you just need gitterboxes. They are special (mesh or steel plate) containers for transported goods. Models of gitterboxes offered by producers vary in sizes and weights. The maximum usable height of containers available on the market is, e.g., 800 or 1130 mm. Additionally, some of them may be stacked.

Beams and angles – for securing cargo

The above products are not the only ones used to secure cargo. In order to, e.g., protect edges of cartons or pallets carriers use angles. They are produced in different sizes, and therefore it is possible to adjust them to dimensions of the cargo.

In order to lock the cargo loaded onto a truck, you may use special beams. This way, the goods will not move, e.g., inside a semi-trailer.

Does a driver wear protective and working clothing?

Drivers often participate in unloading and loading of a vehicle. Therefore, they need protective clothing. It is the responsibility of a carrier to provide it to an employee. A reliable transport company does not forget about the obligation– it provides both the protective and working clothing. The first one protects the clothing of an employee against soiling, whereas the second one is used when a driver may be exposed to substances that are harmful to health.

Is a cheap carrier always cheap?

You have never used services of a carrier and you have little experience in the sector? Quality and reliability always cost money. The principle is especially true in the transport sector.

If you own a company you must know that outsourcing generates significant savings. If you need to transport your goods only every so often then instead of employing drivers and purchasing vehicles it would be more economical to establish cooperation with a carrier. However, do not let the prices trick you – a cheap carrier does not have to be… cheap. Why?

Is price a determinant of quality?

If you run a business you must be aware of the costs you incur every month. In addition to tax, social and health contributions, you need to pay remuneration, ensure the invoices are paid for in time and provide legal software… In order to earn for all this, you must carefully calculate the prices of products and services offered. It is no different in case of carriers.

Running a transport company constitutes a great challenge. They have to remember of both, costs and seasonality. A carrier cannot expect the same number of clients every month of the year and thus, the same number of trips. In practice, the cheapest offers should arouse suspicion. You may even assume that establishing cooperation with cheap carriers will cost you much more than concluding a contract with a carrier whose price offer does not differ from market prices.

Be wise before the event…

Imagine that you got tempted by attractive prices and you sign a contract with a cheap carrier. Will a small income allow them to take proper care of vehicles? If the vehicles do not have valid inspection certificates or their owner tries to save up on a policy, you risk not having your goods delivered to the address indicated by you on time. Is your company prepared for a scenario like this? Would not losing the cargo adversely affect your competitiveness?

When using services of a cheap carrier, you also risk not having your goods delivered on time. Why? Because you cannot be sure that the carrier cares about your opinion. Therefore, they do not have to demonstrate flexibility or guarantee that the products will be delivered within a given time limit. As a result, you may lose your client.

Chose the reliable ones

A list of problems named by those who were tempted by offers of cheap carriers is very long – it is not limited to the above. There may occur additional costs, e.g., a charge for holding cargo, exchange of pallets or assisting a driver with unloading. Such issues do not take place in case of reliable carriers who value their employees and set higher prices.

If you decide to use services of reliable carriers you can only gain. Besides the guarantee that your products will be delivered to a specified address on time, you can also be sure that the costs associated with transport will not change – the best companies operating in the sector, e.g. M&W Spedition sp. z o.o. sp. k. (more at: www.mw-spedition.com/en/), do not collect charges for driving up to 30 km. Also, in case there occur any problems en route, a forwarder will quickly provide a replacement vehicle. However, this is very uncommon because reliable carriers maintain good condition of their vehicles, thus guaranteeing safety of drivers.

Answer to the question which carrier is worth establishing cooperation with is obvious, right?

Polish producers not only address the needs of the domestic market but also export their products to the EU member states. Which products are usually loaded onto carriers’ trucks?

Experts bear good news for both, manufacturers and carriers. They estimate that in the following year, interest in Polish products in, among others, Germany or the Netherlands will be growing. As a result, owners of production and transport companies may soon earn more money. Specialists use specific numbers indicating that the value of products delivered to the member states of the European Union may exceed EUR 180 billion.

Polish producers are well aware that it pays off to export products to Western European countries. The products which are the most often loaded onto trucks are, among others, car parts, electrical equipment, furniture or agri-food products (e.g., meat, juices, sweets, frozen fruit). They also include textile and chemical products.

Direction – the biggest economy in the EU

Export to Germany, the most dynamically growing EU economy, is a priority for many Polish producers, which is confirmed by figures; according to data presented by the Central Statistical Office in Poland, export to Germany in the period from January to November 2015 totaled over EUR 44 500 million and thus, increased by 11% y/y.

The above is the sum of many factors. It should be remembered that Polish products are very appealing from the German consumers’ point of view. The proximity of the German market and a significant number of transport companies in Poland that offer carriage of goods to the territory of Germany are also of importance.

Belgium – outside the top ten, but…

Certainly, Belgian entrepreneurs are not the most important economic partners for Polish companies – in 2013, the country was ranked 11th among economic partners of Polish entrepreneurs. However, we should remember that Belgium is considered one of the most significant handling points in terms of international transport.

The products most frequently exported to Belgium by Polish producers include chemicals (17.96% of all products exported in 2013 according to data published by the Central Statistical Office) as well as mechanical and metallurgical products. The Belgian market is full of, among others, motor vehicle parts or medicines from Poland.

Export to the Netherlands in numbers

According to the Central Statistical Office there was also a growth in exports to the Netherlands. Data collected show that over the period from January to July 2015, export of products was higher by 18.5% in comparison to the same period of the preceding year. At the same time, specialists assess that as a result of trade-related problems with Russia, Polish carriers will have increasingly more orders for transport of goods to the Netherlands.

Which products are usually loaded onto trucks going to the Netherlands? Main exports are electronic and mechanical devices, which, according to estimates, constitute 1/3 of all products delivered to the country. Products that enjoy great interest among Dutch consumers are also industrial, grocery and tobacco products manufactured in Poland. It is also worth noting that the goods delivered to the Netherlands last year by many transport companies were antiques.

VAT in transport: most important information. What to take notice of and when to pay it?

You want to order carriage of goods but you are not sure if you will receive a VAT or a non-VAT invoice from a carrier? To resolve your doubts, we prepared a short guide.

A VAT or a non-VAT invoice?

Transport companies operating legally in Poland are obliged to register every order or to issue an invoice. An invoice will or will not include VAT, depending on who orders carriage and what is the place of delivery.

The basic principle assumes that a carrier must issue a VAT invoice if their customer is a natural person, i.e. a person who does not conduct business activities. In such a case the customer’s citizenship does not matter. The situation becomes more complicated if transport of goods is ordered by a company, in which case the legislator explicitly separates transport within Poland and the EU from international transport.

In order to issue an invoice correctly, carriers must refer to the provisions of the Value-Added Tax Act of 11 March 2004. If transport services are ordered by a Polish company, then, regardless of where the transport takes place (within Poland or the EU), a transport company is obliged to issue a document registering the provision of the service including VAT.

The only exception is the situation when a Polish company orders carriage of goods from Poland to a country, which is not the EU’s member state. In such a case, a carrier may issue a non-VAT invoice assuming that they will receive documents confirming customs clearance.

Polish transport companies often cooperate with foreign entities. What about invoices in such cases? Regardless of whether a foreign counterparty orders transport within Poland or the EU or outside of it, a carrier issues a non-VAT invoice.

When does a 0% VAT apply?

The question referring to invoices issued by carriers for the services performed is very broad. It is important to remember about at least a few exceptions provided for by the legislator. In case of international transport, carriers may apply a 0% VAT rate, if a route passes also through Poland and if they hold the documents indicated by the legislator (listed in article 83 clause 5 point 1 of the Act on VAT).

Other situations in which a carrier is allowed to apply a 0% VAT rate are laid down in the Regulation of the Minister of Finance of 23 December 2013 on goods and services eligible for a reduced VAT rate and terms of application of reduced rates. In accordance with the regulation, carriers may apply such reduced VAT rates, for example, if the whole carriage of goods takes place within the territory of the country (Poland) and constitutes a part of international transport services.

Transport outside the European Union and additional fees

When ordering carriage of goods you must be aware of fees you will be obliged to pay. Each country has its own duty-related policy. The EU member states apply the regulations developed especially for the EU’s customs territory.

In case of transport of goods to countries outside the EU you will have to read the applicable provisions. It might also be necessary to pay a freight rate whose amount is established by the legislator of a given country.

Today, everyone lives and works under the pressure of time. Each undertaking must be fulfilled in due time and even better before the deadline has lapsed. Truck drivers work under the same time pressure. They are responsible for delivering shipment on time, making sure that production is not put on hold and that a client is satisfied. Pressured by forwarders, clients, and loaders to collect and deliver goods faster, drivers work virtually against time.

However, not everyone is aware of the fact that a driver’s working time is regulated by relevant laws and noncompliance with them may entail serious consequences – not only financial ones. In the following paragraph, we will try to offer insight into the on-the-road life and work of drivers.

It’s all in the tachograph

The basic element that should be mentioned here is a tachograph. It is an electronic device, which registers any activity of a vehicle and a driver, including time of work, speed of the vehicle in the last 24 hours and data concerning any incidents. Possession of the device is compulsory in all EU countries because it facilitates roadside inspections and shows whether the carriage is performed properly. Tachographs are not required in the majority of those vehicles intended for carriage of goods, whose maximum permissible weight, including trailers and semitrailers, does not exceed 3.5 tonnes.

One of the most important functionalities of tachographs is that they keep track of a driver’s working time. Owing to that, a driver knows when to rest and when to finish their shift and avoid any problems and fines during inspection.

Time to hit the road

Reflex and lucidity are the most essential characteristics of a good driver. If they are tired, they cannot be 100% reliable. In order to avoid any dangerous situations on the road caused by a driver’s tiredness or distraction, the European Union introduced regulation no. 56/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006, which regulates the working time of drivers. It should be noted that such time is different depending on the fact whether the carriage is performed by one or two drivers.

In the first case, daily driving time cannot exceed 9 hours; however, it may be extended to at most 10 hours not more than twice during the week. Nevertheless, such extensions should be well-considered as a weekly working time cannot exceed 56 hours and the limit is lower with each week on the road. After a driving period of four and a half hours a driver shall take a break. It lasts 45 minutes and may be divided into two shorter breaks – of 15 and 30 minutes.

There is strength in twos

Work is slightly different if there are two drivers. The general rules are the same as in the case of a single driver. The main difference concerns an extended working shift, which in this case may last up to 30 hours, thus speeding up a delivery. According to legal provisions, a daily rest period, i.e. time during which a vehicle is stationary and both drivers rest, must last at least 9 hours.

Organization of work is also different. The first driver drives a vehicle for 4.5 hours and then they are replaced by another driver who also drives 4.5 hours before yet another change of drivers. This way each driver gets a chance to catch their breath. It is very important that drivers remember to replace their driver cards in a tachograph so that driving time is counted for a right person.

Everything is work

It must be noted that a driver’s working time is not limited solely to driving. It also comprises such duties as: waiting for goods, loading and unloading and cleaning the vehicle or even getting stuck in a traffic jam. If loading takes a lot of time, an employee will have to drive for less than 9 hours on a given day. So if you want your freight to reach the place of destination as soon as possible, make sure goods are properly packed and prepared for efficient loading and unloading. This way you will help not only a driver but also yourself.

Each day, distributors who want to deliver their goods to plants, supermarkets or construction sites use the services of freight forwarders. Such forwarding companies deliver thousands of cargos to specified addresses. Small deliveries as well as full loads reach the ordering parties only and solely due to exceptionally precise mechanisms. Forwarding companies must pay attention to the smallest details so that we can efficiently receive our orders and accept them in perfect condition. One such detail is a waybill. It would be hard to manage deliveries without this small document.

Waybill as an addition to a contract

A carriage contract contains all necessary data referring to cargo. It specifies weight, amount, information on the type of goods, measures applied to secure the cargo, etc. If the contract includes all relevant details, the ordering party can expect trouble-free fulfillment of the order.
A waybill is only an addition to the above document, yet a very substantial one. It provides information on the point of loading, unloading, weight and a contact person. If you have no experience with issuing a waybill, you can always count on the driver’s advice and do it properly with their help.

Waybill as a confirmation of a contract’s conclusion

A waybill is usually drawn up in four copies. It may seem like a lot. However, one must remember that the document constitutes a confirmation of a contract’s conclusion for each party. One copy, the so called duplicate, stays with the ordering party. The next three copies should be handed over to a driver – a set comprises an original, a shelfback and a cargo load list – these are later provided to the consignor and the consignee, and the last one stays with the driver.
Electronic waybills are gaining popularity, thus guaranteeing permanent access to the document, which can be sent electronically to a given address at any time.

Waybill and international carriage

Each shipment abroad must bear an international waybill (CMR).  It provides a customs service with grounds for appropriate inspection and enables charging a fee on a cargo’s value. However, the waybill is not enough and the consignor is still obliged to attach all documents necessary to complete customs formalities. The document must inform that transport is subject to convention on the international carriage of goods. It may also contain carriage-related regulations, e.g. ban on handling, assumed by the consignor, declared value of goods, carriage completion date, amount to be collected upon release of goods, costs, consignee’s instructions for the carrier concerning the freight’s insurance.

Changes in the waybill’s content

Amending the content of a waybill requires great caution. First, a driver should be excluded from a list of persons allowed to make such changes. In some countries it may be treated as a crime or at the very least a petty offense. This protects cargo against theft. A driver could use their right to modify a CMR waybill and introduce false information stating that particular goods were in fact missing from the very beginning. Therefore, one can say that a waybill has a sacred value in transport. Changes may be introduced only by a loader or a consignee and only if the information provided on a waybill differ from the factual state. The CMR document confirms the state of load at each stage of transport. That is why it is so important.

CMR: all in one

The CMR document is an indispensable element of national and international transport organization. It confirms that the forwarder delivered cargo according to contractual arrangements. Ordering party, consignee and driver sign the document to confirm the state of cargo. It is difficult to control the cargo without relevant signatures. In case any discrepancies arise, a driver should immediately inform a forwarder thereof. If a driver fails to provide such information, a forwarder and a client will learn about any deficiencies only when a driver delivers the document. By then, it may be impossible to remedy anything.

Each party should learn about the CMR document, what it refers to and what laws apply to it. Such a multi-functional document, handed over from one person to another, must be strictly regulated. Otherwise, the absence of any regulations would allow for easy manipulation with cargo and theft. A good forwarding company reminds the drivers to double check the CMRs.

Freight forwarders transport very different things: starting with the smallest cargo such as paper through CDs, tools and cables and ending with steel. However, what if you want to transport something unconventional, oversized or requiring special conditions? In such case you should rely on a trusted forwarder who knows how to treat the given cargo. Here are some thoughts on carriage of different types of cargo from Tomasz Job, Senior Domestic and Size-related Transport Specialist at M&W Spedition.

What types of goods do you transport most often and do they require any special adjustments during transport?

We have the biggest experience in carriage of neutral goods, such as textile articles, toys, furniture or electrical equipment. Moreover, we often transport exhibition stands, palletized construction materials and steel elements. Such cargos are not problematic and do not require special conditions and as far as transport is concerned: all you need to do is to properly secure goods on a semi-trailer or platform. If necessary, we can provide a lift or crane for unloading. I should also add that palletized goods are the easiest to load and unload.

What requirements do you have to meet during carriage?

As mentioned before, a basic requirement is to properly secure cargo in a vehicle. Security measures are adjusted to the type of cargo: these include, among others, belts, anti-slip mats, angles, cross-beams, beams or airbags. As for stone, which constitutes very difficult and problematic cargo, it is important to arrange it properly in a vehicle, not to exceed a permissible axle load and secure it with special belts or chains to prevent any movement or cutting out the curtain. Other carriage-related requirements include return or exchange of pallets, which are usually provided for in a contract. Driver’s duties comprise checking whether the pallets are suitable for the exchange, which is further confirmed by the so called pallet receipt. A driver who transports goods is obliged to remember about all documents confirming the release and acceptance of goods. Moreover, on some occasions a driver is required to wear protective clothing upon loading and unloading – hard hat, vest, shoes and protective goggles.

What was the weirdest or the quaintest cargo you transported?

The most distinctive items transported by M&W Spedition include, for example, the whole production line, paving machine, commercial vehicles, cannon and helicopter. The helicopter had to be transported from Poland to Austria: a recipient was our client who collects this kind of machinery. Less surprising was a crane transported on nine semi-trailers, however in this case the time of carriage was very important. Each vehicle had to be provided to the place of loading exactly every hour, because the crane could be unloaded only on one day – transport had to reach the destination on time and we managed to do that without any problems.

Are there any cargos you would not transport?

Yes, we do not transport radioactive, contagious or explosive materials, or generally speaking dangerous goods classified as ADR 1, 2, 6.1, 6.2, 7 and 8 – we transport all the remaining goods. This is not only the question of safety but also of suitable fleet – to transport most of these materials you need tanks, and we do not handle this kind of carriage. Moreover, we do not transport goods in refrigerated trailers and in dumpers.

Are there any legal restrictions that apply to transport of goods?

Of course, primarily the ADR, i.e., the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, which describes the conditions for transport of dangerous materials. It mentions, for example, that each company transporting such cargos should cooperate with the safety adviser. Also, special qualifications are required for transport of waste, live animals or pharmaceutical drugs due to the nature of these goods.

You would like to transport your goods and you wonder who to assign the task to? Very often, during the first encounter with the sector you may have some doubts as to what differentiates work and duties of a forwarder from those of a carrier. Before ordering transport of your goods from either one of the parties it is worthwhile to make sure what exactly they can offer us. Here is a short but detailed summary for you.

Forwarder as a supervisor

The most important aspects of a forwarder’s work are meticulousness and great precision as they are the ones planning the whole transport. A forwarder is responsible for obtaining as much information as possible and completing all necessary formalities. They organize loading and unloading of goods, execute contracts concluded with carriers and control their work. For the whole transport process to go as planned a forwarder must choose the most suitable carrier to perform the order with, preferably some reliable company they have already worked with. A forwarder is familiar with qualifications of such companies, the size and technical condition of their fleet as well as the insurance held.

To guarantee that everything goes according to plan, a forwarder provides a carrier with any and all details concerning the goods: information on loading and unloading and transport-related notes from a client. Knowledge of exact dimensions, type and value of the goods, time of notification and requirements related to security measures and fleet enable to find a vehicle suitable to the transported cargo much faster. These aspects are of key importance to a forwarder who, in case any damage occurs, may be subjected to court proceedings by the client and suffer punitive or financial consequences.

Carrier as a contractor

Carrier – as the name suggests – is mainly responsible for carriage of goods. They determine the routes for drivers and control their working time. A good carrier should make sure goods are properly secured (depending on the received instructions) throughout the whole transport process (also when parked). A carrier should also see to it that cargo reaches its destination on time, which is not easy as all complications consisting in unforeseen roadworks, fortuitous events or thieves lurking on valuable goods take place during the carriage itself.

Differences, dangers and risk: what should be given particular attention?

A forwarder is responsible for the organization of goods’ delivery from points A to B, whereas a carrier is responsible for their carriage. Nevertheless, you should pay attention to the kind of contract you are concluding – forwarding contract or carriage contract – as the contract determines a legal relationship and a party – carrier or forwarder – responsible for covering damage-related costs. Acquisition of insurance that covers losses in case a forwarder appears in a waybill as the “contracting carrier” protects against such situations.

Also, make sure to use the services of a reliable forwarder. A trusted forwarder is a guarantee that a carrier they work with is trustworthy as well. Do not risk handing over your goods to a shady company, which refuses to present its license or insurance: it usually ends with the company providing a wrong vehicle, attempting to cancel the order a few hours before loading or, in extreme cases, even stealing cargo.

Forwarder > carrier

A forwarder supervises all aspects and each stage of carriage, even after handing over the goods to a carrier. It is a forwarder who must contact the client in times of crisis – such as delays or accidents – and solve problems upon loading and unloading. Additionally, a forwarder contacts carriers and their drivers and provides subcontractors with cargo for the way back. The conclusion is very simple: even if the situation on the road depends on a carrier, the fate of the whole complex undertaking, i.e. the carriage, rests on the shoulders of a forwarder. Remember this before handing your goods over to any company.

The situation on the transport market has been characterized by cyclical changes; therefore it is difficult to make any far-reaching forecasts. Current developments clearly demonstrate that 2016 may be the year of extremes. On the one hand fuel prices decrease and on the other hand the geopolitical situation is uncertain and the transport sector has to face many challenges.

Last year we were concerned with the introduction of minimum wages for drivers (MiLOG) by the German government and possible withdrawal of numerous Polish transport companies from the Western market as well as the increase of competitiveness in the fight for transport orders on the domestic market, whereas 2016 began with a standstill of transportation between Poland and our Eastern neighbors.

To the east of the Bug River and tit for tat

For companies specialized in transport to the East, the conflict in Ukraine may lead to an involuntary change of specialization. Owing to a current situation, the only option left for transport companies is to search for an alternative, which will prevent the suspension of the movement of goods between the EU Member States and the states forming the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Also, Russia has recently put Polish drivers under stress when it stopped honoring permits to enter the Russian Federation. By the end of the third week of February the representatives of Polish and Russian governments made a temporary agreement in the matter: both countries will each receive 20 thousand permits valid until 15 April. The agreement is a good prognosis and gives hope for a return to normality as Russia undertook to change its controversial provisions by that time, which in the longer perspective may lead to a mutually beneficial long-term agreement.

What is in line for the Schengen Area?

The transport sector may soon face such difficulties as a possible break-up of the Schengen Area and Great Britain’s secession from the European Union. There is a chance that the establishment of a “small Schengen” will partially reduce the migration crisis and terrorist threat but at the same time it entails millions in losses for the transport sector. Bringing back border inspections will significantly delay the organization of transport processes. Once again, drivers will have to spend long hours in lines at border crossings.

The situation that took place last September exemplifies what may happen if detailed inspections of all vehicles crossing European borders were to be introduced. Random inspections of vehicles on the border between Germany and Austria caused seven-kilometer queues.

High EUR exchange rate to the rescue

As pointed out by experts and owners of the largest forwarding companies in Poland, lower fuel prices and the high EUR exchange rate are also of great significance. The situation will primarily benefit carriers. When cooperating with foreign companies they settle costs in PLN but receive income mainly in EUR. According to cinkciarz.pl, from the beginning of the year revenues from abroad increased by nearly 6%, whereas Polish exports may develop by as much as 10%. Apart from that, fuel prices are still decreasing; however, it is uncertain whether this trend will continue.

Current events are surely disturbing for carriers as it is difficult to predict if this year will bring only gains or losses as well. Experts unanimously state that national and international road transport will continue to prevail among other modes of transport. Nevertheless, we should not belittle the upcoming dangers but rather gradually prepare for the outcomes of political games.

Every day, virtually in every sphere of our lives, emerge new ways to facilitate our work. Things are no different for forwarding. Therefore, it is worthwhile to do some research and choose the best solutions. It is all the more important in the case of tools supporting forwarders in efficient transport organization.

Specify your needs

The software market offers a number of different programs handling each stage of transport independently. Recently, the easiest and at the same time very efficient work-facilitating tools have become mobile applications. The Tasktrans program is integrated with the Trans exchange and constitutes a part of the Trans.eu system. It enables immediate contact between a forwarder and a driver and efficient transfer of orders. The e-CMR app is an independent application, which, among others, allows for exchanging information between a consignor, consignee and driver, displays a current list of planned cargos and enables taking pictures of documents or damage and sends them automatically to a forwarder. The solution is best for those companies, which do not have or do not want to use complex software. Obviously, programs allowing for comprehensive attending of forwarding substantially improve performance. However, for some companies such significant investments may not pay off in the end, especially when they can use just as good solutions for less.

Everything under control

To keep everything under control, one should think of investing in software assisting the whole logistics process: starting from offer acceptance, through ordering transport to sales documentation for the service and possible debt recovery. Such programs – Spedtrans, Marcos, iCargo, Inelo or Pascom – can be considered management aiding systems. Capabilities of such programs cover all logistics processes. Their functionalities include not only such basic ones as issuing orders through CMR (waybill), but also controlling warehouse inventory, which, in consequence, facilitates maintaining statistics.

Lack of trust? Check it yourself!

The wider the choice, the more difficult the decision. Fortunately, most manufacturers offer a possibility to test a trial version of their software. Owing to that, everyone can check precisely, which functions of a program they need: is a free application enough or do they need to invest in an integrated forwarding and transport management aiding system?

All different, all equal

When using only one program supporting all transport processes it is important to make sure that all partners – carrier, driver, forwarder or loader – have access to the same software. Obviously, it is impossible for all companies to use the same one. However, it is possible to make a program available to a person responsible for loading or unloading by creating an additional account. When engaged in long-term cooperation, partners often come to an agreement to invest in the same program, thus facilitating communication. This solution may be obvious but it certainly is yet another factor making the transport process more efficient.

Effective supervision

In the industry such as forwarding everything has to be under control. This is why one should never cut back on software, which significantly facilitates and enables to control the management of a delivery process in a manner best suited to our needs: by means of one versatile tool or several applications. This way we can keep our peace of mind and feeling that we are able to supervise the whole business.

Acceptance of goods for transport entails great responsibility. A carrier is fully liable for the total or partial loss or theft of goods. Safe transport from points A to B requires significant attention. Freight forwarders do a lot to make sure that your order reaches its destination without any unpleasant surprises.

What precautions does the forwarder take to avoid thefts?

There are two kinds of insurance that protect us against financial liability for theft or damage of goods: the carrier’s civil liability insurance applicable in transport, which should cover damage occurring during carriage and Cargo insurance, purchased by a client or a carrier at the client‘s request. The second policy compensates for damage resulting from theft, fire, flood, avalanche, storm or scattering on road. The carrier’s civil liability insurance is usually enough for a forwarder but if it does not cover the total value of goods you should think of purchasing Cargo insurance, even if for one carriage.

The policy must be valid throughout the performance of your order. There are systems verifying the validity of the carrier’s insurance, thus ensuring that all transactions are made before their expiry. The systems also gather drivers’ data, made available to a client upon request. Additionally, a forwarder requires a driver to park only on guarded car parks and protect a vehicle with a seal when transporting customs goods and FMCG goods (e.g. electronics, alcohol, cigarettes).

How does the driver protect goods against theft?

A forwarder is obliged to know the value of goods transported by a carrier. However, it is a transport company that covers any losses resulting from theft. The cost of transport includes fees for guarded car parks, reducing the likelihood of robbery. A forwarder determines the route, provides notification, and establishes times of loading and unloading. A trained driver is familiar with cargo securing techniques involving the use of belts, anti-slip mats and angles and he or she receives information about the number and type of belts to be used in a given transport. They are able to assess the approximate duration of loading based on the type of loaded goods and their handling. Additional instructions are also provided by a forwarder so as to make sure that everything goes as planned. Owing to that, a driver is ready for any unfavorable circumstances.

Who is liable in case of theft?

A carrier bears liability for theft of goods; however, it is the forwarder who settles directly with a client. An insurer should grant compensation if the carrier did everything to protect the goods from theft. It is also worthwhile to check what exclusions the contract between the forwarder/carrier and the insurer contains. If you decide to go for the cheapest policy, ultimately it might turn out that the insurer will not cover all costs.

Which route requires detailed planning of safety precautions?

Preparation for carriage in Europe is the same for each country. However, risk of theft is highest in Italy and therefore, it is imperative to increase the level of cargo safety in that country. Additionally, Italians often attempt to extort compensation claiming that the imported goods are damaged. Drivers are specifically warned against such attempts.

As you can see, a forwarder plans the whole carriage in detail as to make sure that your goods will go from points A to B intact. It is also of particular importance to them to cooperate only with reliable carriers and qualified, professional drivers. Administration documents should also play an important role in ensuring the safety of transport.

If you are worried whether the freight will reach the point of unloading safely, here is a way to reduce the number of your concerns by at least half. Make sure the goods are properly loaded and the rest will go as planned.

Who should load the goods?

As to avoid any misunderstandings concerning the issue of who is responsible for loading it is best to refer to the Polish Transport Law, article 43 which clearly states that loading and unloading constitute the responsibility of the consignor or consignee and not forwarder or carrier. However, if you do not want to or are unable to perform these activities on your own there are two things you can do. The first solution assumes employing the loader, i.e. an entity who will release and load the goods on your behalf. The second way involves making an agreement with a forwarder and supplementing the contract with a provision in which the employed company undertakes to perform loading activities. In the case of international transport the above provision is the only legal confirmation of who is responsible for loading of goods as the CMR Convention does not regulate the activities in question.

How to arrange the goods?

If you decide to load the freight on your own remember to arrange it properly in a vehicle. The goods must remain intact and in their place regardless of any activities of the driver during the carriage. Therefore, proper arrangement of goods is very important. Remember that movement of a vehicle is not uniform. A driver repeatedly makes turns, overtakes or brakes abruptly and all this affects the cargo. To make sure that you will not sustain any damage and aggravate the situation on the road, try to arrange the goods all over the vehicle’s floor so that they cannot change their location and do not stack the goods as it is difficult to secure them. If you order transport of small packages place them in larger collective packagings, which are more stable. And above all, adjust all transported packages so that there is as little empty space between them as possible, thus preventing any movement. Loading may be easier with the use of the website doladunek.pl, which, once you know the dimensions of cargo area, allows for virtual arrangement of packages.

What should I use to secure the goods?

If you already loaded the goods, remember that they are not automatically affixed to the floor. To make sure that it safely reaches its destination, cargo should be secured. To this end, depending on the cargo, you must apply different security measures. For example, to secure small and elongated goods you should use belts and anti-slip mats, whereas for pallets the best will be beams, struts and air bags. When transporting large cargos, for example vehicles, use chains, stays and belts. When in doubt, consult your forwarder. A good company will suggest suitable security measures during establishing terms and conditions of the order. Proper loading and securing of cargo are of key importance because if the goods are damaged during transport all it takes is a suspicion of improper loading for you to sustain significant losses and not to be compensated. A driver, as far as they were not involved in loading, is only partially liable for transport. Nevertheless, if you decide to use the services of a trusted forwarder you do not need to worry as they will pay attention to any errors and make sure that your cargo reaches its destination intact.

If you decided to employ a freight forwarder you probably count on them to be professional and easily perform assigned tasks. Nevertheless, you will be much more comfortable if you pay attention to a few details that will significantly improve the whole process. Here is a short guidebook enlisting elements you should take notice of when establishing cooperation with a new forwarder.

Specify the size and weight of the freight

The first thing you should remember to do is inform a freight forwarder of the size and weight of the freight you are planning to ship. This information is very important not only for the company that organizes the delivery but also for you. For the size and weight of the package determine the cost of the service. Make sure the numbers you provide are as accurate as possible so that the forwarder can ensure suitable transport. If the data you give are too vague, it may turn out that transport of your goods is delayed because an initially provided vehicle was too small and it was necessary to bring another one, thus generating easily avoidable costs. On the other hand, if a vehicle turns out to be too large do not be surprised if your forwarder requests additional payment for an empty run. Therefore, before entering into a detailed contract, get familiar with the forwarder’s fleet and determine which vehicle will best suit your needs. Preferably communicate your doubts to the company, which, knowing the size of the cargo, will choose the best vehicle.

Read the documents received

Once you choose the right forwarder remember to carefully check its license and insurance policy. These two basic documents should be provided to you by each company. They will tell you whether the forwarder is duly permitted to transport goods in the country or abroad. Make sure to verify if the forwarder uses the services of a dependable and reliable transport company or whether it employs a random carrier found at a freight exchange. If the latter applies, you need to ensure that the insurance policy contains a provision extending insurance coverage to the actual carrier, or else, if something happens to the freight, you might not be compensated for the damage sustained.

Thoroughly check all data

Pay particular attention to the waybill, the so called CMR document. Once properly completed, a waybill serves as a confirmation of the performance of the order in line with previously made arrangements as it contains such information as the point of unloading or number of transported goods. The CMR document can be completed at the point of loading or by the driver, however it is important to thoroughly check all entered data because in case the CMR document is completed incorrectly it may turn out that the driver was handed over wrong goods or the freight is incomplete or in the wrong place and you will have to explain all this to your client. If you followed these three short instructions and a whole delivery was trouble free it means that the freight forwarder is reliable and recommendable. So, if you are planning next shipments, maybe you should consider long-term cooperation?

The transport sector, as any other sector, is well known for its strong market competition, hence it is easy to fall victim to a less competent company. To avoid risk you should learn the characteristics of such companies and the warning signals that could save you some unwanted trouble.

Here is a list of a few elements, which suggest that maybe it is time to consider changing your forwarder.

No contact

Remember that the way the enterprise treats you to a great extent reflects the way they will treat your goods. So, if you feel neglected and under the impression that you are a “necessary evil” – look for another forwarder. This attitude suggests that the company is more interested in gain than it is in its clients’ interests, therefore it will not pay due attention to your problems and doubts. The absolute minimum that should be provided by a forwarder are the information on the approximate time the goods will reach the point of unloading, significant delays and issues as well as the actual time of the goods’ arrival.

However, if you do not receive any information concerning the freight or you cannot monitor it, you expose yourself not only to financial problems but also to unpleasant misunderstandings at the point of unloading, thus risking the termination of cooperation with a given company or warehouse.

No experience

A good forwarding company is like wine – the older the better. Small companies, which only recently entered the market, entail a significant risk to the client. Their business network is very limited, thus hindering the transport of goods. It is particularly troublesome in the case of international carriage as cooperation with partner entrepreneurs or warehouses or knowledge of carriage rules applicable in a given country are necessary for the proper functioning in the sector and safety of your goods.

However, the problem may occur much sooner, if the forwarder will not be able to ensure transport services in your area, consequently exposing you to additional costs.

No references

A respected forwarder can present references from at least two long-term partners using its services. If a given company does not have such clients it means that no one was interested in establishing long-term cooperation. This may indicate that such potential clients might have, from the very beginning, encountered problems, which in effect discouraged them from further cooperation. That may be a warning signal that our freight is not safe.

No qualifications

Before choosing a forwarder, find out whether a given company holds documents confirming its competences, such as, for example, ISO, TCC or TCF certificates of professional competence, which ensure the highest quality of services. The above documents attest that the company in question is fair, whereas the absence of such certificates may suggest that the forwarder does not belong to the highest category, fails to meet deadlines and is repeatedly in arrears. Consequently, your goods are in an unknown location and useless and you must bear the costs, which occurred due to the fault of the carrier who does whatever they want.

Sometimes even the most competitive offer is not worth the risk we take once we leave our goods in unreliable hands.

If you have come to this place you are probably about to make a decision of great importance to you but mainly to the goods you are intending to ship. Do not worry if you got a headache, it is rather natural and common when choosing the best freight forwarder. To relieve your pain, we listed a few of the most significant features characterizing a good forwarder. Such an overview of a logistics company should make your choice easier.

Experience = knowledge

The transport sector covers many different fields, which, for your goods to get from point A to point B and for you to sleep well, must be managed in the best possible way. Such fields include, among others, economics, statistics, mathematics, national and often international law and, consequently, command of foreign languages. Make sure that the company you choose operates on the market long enough to boast of reliable and valuable references. The experience itself constitutes a guarantee that when a fortuitous event occurs, the company’s employees have expertise, ideas, tools or contacts to overcome the unexpected crisis.

Transparency = trust

As a potential client, you certainly wish to learn something about the business history or certificates and awards held by the company you are about to entrust your goods with. A great way to verify the company’s background is a freight exchange. Such freight exchanges as TimoCom, Teleroute or Trans.eu provide you with a great chance to check the reliability of individual freight forwarders. The exchanges involve only those companies whose financial standing and business activity are unquestionable.

Money is important. You and your freight forwarder are both well aware of this. Make sure that the company providing you with transport services is not indebted or insolvent towards its carriers. You can rely on, for example, the KRD Economic Information Bureau. Before starting cooperation with a new transport company verify its insurances, licenses and certificates, which confirm the highest quality of services rendered within the transport sector. The money you spend depends also on the time the company takes to transport your goods. Therefore, when investing in a good transport company pay proper attention to the type of equipment it uses and check whether its fleet is new and fully equipped. All this ensures the safety of your goods, whereas a reliable car serves as a guarantee of a timely delivery.

One man’s insomnia = another man’s rest

24-hour customer support will give you a good night’s rest. Knowing that in the event of emergency you can contact your freight forwarder at any time, day or night, provides you with psychological comfort. Choose a company employing the best, well-educated staff with good command of foreign languages. An investment like this will certainly pay off. The above four aspects are considered crucial when choosing a competent freight forwarder, however they are not necessarily the only determinants of your choice. At times, the devil is in the details, which may often go beyond the scope of the official information. Most doubts can be resolved by recommendations from current and former clients of the company. You must remember that a grapevine is the oldest and often the most reliable instrument available to you.