Types of freight transport card
There are two types of freight transport card:Light transport card (also known as MDL)This goods transport card is used in light vehicles, that is, in all those that have a weight greater than 2,000 kg and a payload of a maximum of 3,500 kg. In order to have this type of goods transport card, the following requirements must be met:- Own a vehicle less than 5 months old from the first registration
- Be registered as registered with the Treasury and Social Security and be up to date with your payments
- Possess the professional transportation training title
- Financial solvency (minimum €9,000)
- Requirement of good repute, that is, this is a requirement of current regulations to be able to carry out public transportation activity.
- Own 3 vehicles with a payload of 60 tons that are less than 5 months old from the first registration
- Be registered as registered with the Treasury and Social Security and be up to date with your payments
- Transportation Vocational Training Degree
- Economic solvency (€19,000)
- Obligation of good repute
How to get a freight transport card?
Depending on the type of merchandise being transported and the type of transport itself, we can find different types of cards to request:- National CDM: Vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of less than 3.5 tons and that provide their services nationwide to transport goods and on behalf of others.
- National MDP: This is for vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of less than 5.5 tons and that provide their services nationwide.
- National MPC: Vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of less than 3.5 tons and that provide their services nationwide to transport goods and on their own account.
- Autonomous MDL: With this card you can carry out transportation at the regional level.
What are the requirements to obtain a freight transport card?
The requirements according to the General Directorate of Traffic to obtain the goods transport card are the following:- Spanish nationality or that of any EU Member State (verified by the NIF).
- To have personalidad juridica propia e independiente, i.e., to have a tax domicile in Spain.
- To have owned vehicles, leasing, etc.
- Comply with the tax, labor and social obligations of the legislation in force at any given time.
- Comply with the electronic signature
- Not be a holder of MPC, that is, private merchandise transport cards.
What is the procedure to obtain a goods transport card?
The procedure consists of the following steps:- Application (or modification) of the authorization of the goods transport card.
- Evaluation process.
- Remediation process
- Subsidies
- Notification of the result.
What vehicles are exempt from the goods transport card?
The exempt vehicles are indicated in article 33 of the ROTT, but we indicate them below:- Vehicles that have a maximum speed of 40 km/h in their transport
- Transfers of luggage transported by trailers that are intended for the transport of travelers.
- Transportation that is carried out in vehicles whose structure is always attached to a certain machine, such as, for example; a crane
- Transportation of medical devices or medications in emergency situations or cases of urgent help.
- Transportation of merchandise by vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of less than 2 tons.
- Transfers that are carried out in practical classes of the Certificate of Professional Aptitude for drivers, also known as CAP.
Frequently Asked Questions about Freight Transport Licence
What is the transport licence and why should I verify it in my agency?
Types: 1) MDP (Heavy Goods) >3.5t. <3,5t. 3) MDX (transporte interior). Verificación obligatoria por LCTTM: 1) Sin tarjeta vigente, transportista NO PUEDE operar legalmente. 2) Cargador con responsabilidad solidaria si encarga transporte a operador no autorizado (sanción 2.000-6.000€). 3) Sin tarjeta, seguro CMR no válido. Verifica REA online.
How do I verify online that my freight agency has a valid licence?
REA verification (Register of Transport Companies and Activities): 1) Visit the Ministry of Transport website. 2) Authorised companies search with agency VAT. 3) Verify licence validity (expiry date). 4) Verify financial capacity. 5) Verify cargo type authorisation. Verification time: 5 minutes online, free. Do it quarterly with your agency. If licence expired or suspended: do NOT contract new service until regularised.
What obligations does a licensed transport company have before the Inspectorate?
Five obligations for authorised operators: 1) Maintain valid financial and professional capacity. 2) Compliance with Mobility Package, ADR, rest periods. 3) Communicate substantial changes (vehicles, drivers). 4) Renew licence every 10 years. 5) Tax Agency and Social Security clearance. The Transport Inspectorate runs random controls (roadside + documentary audit). Serious sanctions can suspend licence = immediate cessation of activity.
What types of licence exist for different cargo and services?
Cards and specialties: 1) Standard MDP: heavy goods >3.5t in general. <3,5t. 3) ADR: específica mercancías peligrosas (suplemento al MDP). 4) Cisterna: específica para fluidos. 5) Internacional: habilitación adicional (UE, extra-UE). 6) Mudanzas: específica para residencial. 7) Especial (oversized): autorización por tramo/operación. Si tu mercancía es ADR o requiere especial, agencia debe tener autorización específica además de MDP estándar.
How does hiring transport without a valid licence affect my business?
Five serious consequences for shipper: 1) Joint sanction €2,000-6,000 for hiring unauthorised operator. 2) CMR insurance invalid if carrier has no licence. 3) Cargo without legal protection in case of incident. 4) Customs can reject export if carrier unauthorised. 5) Reputational damage if end client finds out. Pre-contracting licence verification is critical protection. Without verification: high risk.
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