The volume of freight transportation in Ukraine is growing every year. Drivers are expanding into new areas and sectors, and entrepreneurs are registering more and more logistics companies. However, along with this development, requirements for transport and documentation also increase. In this article, we’ll look at how to understand key aspects of the market and conduct this activity legally.
What is a freight transportation license and who needs one?
Many drivers wonder whether a license is required to transport freight by road. This depends on the time and conditions, so let’s examine this issue from all angles.
A freight transportation license is an official document that grants the right to carry out commercial transportation by road. The license confirms that the carrier complies with safety regulations and that the vehicle meets technical requirements.
To obtain a passenger transportation license, a driver must have:
- Category C, C1, CE, C1E driver’s license;
- At least 1 year of experience in domestic transportation;
- Own or leased vehicle;
- A medical certificate (Form No. 083/o).
The fine for not having this document is from UAH 17,000 to UAH 34,000. For a repeat violation, the fine is from UAH 34,000 to UAH 85,000. Violations also result in the vehicle being stopped and a ban on operations.
A cargo transportation license is issued by the State Transport Safety Service of Ukraine (Ukrtransbezpeka). The review period typically ranges from 3 to 10 business days.
Transport licenses can be submitted and obtained exclusively through the “Shlyakh” electronic system. This regulation has been in effect since April 2022.
Is a license required for domestic cargo transportation in Ukraine?
In general, a license for domestic cargo transportation is not required. However, there are exceptions.
A cargo transportation license in Ukraine is required for:
- commercial deliveries under a contract;
- hazardous goods and waste;
- deliveries by order, using invoices;
- Freight transport by a company with its own logistics services for clients (under contract).
How can I determine whether a freight transportation license is required? If the delivery is commercial, meaning paid, then a document is required.
For example, if a company or sole proprietorship (sole proprietor) transports its own freight using its own transport, this is not considered a business activity, but merely a supply operation (the entrepreneur may simply deliver products between its own warehouses). In this case, a permit is not required.
Employed employees may operate without a license when operating under the employer’s certification. In this case, registration as a sole proprietor (sole proprietor) is not required. If the carrier is self-employed, then registration of a freight transportation license is required.
International Freight Transportation License
For a domestic freight transportation license, it is sufficient to submit a simplified set of documents, which we will discuss below. However, this is not possible for an international freight transportation license; a full list of documents is required.
Documents required for obtaining an international freight transportation license:
- application;
- An extract from the Unified State Register (confirms the registration of a business or sole proprietorship);
- copies of vehicle registration certificates;
- copies of Category C/CE driver’s licenses;
- documents confirming ownership or lease of the vehicle;
- receipt for payment of the administrative fee;
- compulsory motor third-party liability insurance policy (OSAGO);
- CMR insurance policy;
- a contract for vehicle maintenance and repair;
- a lease agreement or title deed for office space/parking lot;
- an order appointing a person responsible for the technical condition and traffic safety;
- international driving permits (IDP);
- tachograph calibration report;
- vehicle environmental safety certificate (minimum Euro 3, preferably Euro 5/6);
- certificate of vehicle approval for international transport;
- documents confirming the material and technical base (parking, repair, and maintenance contracts).
While a compulsory motor third-party liability insurance policy (OSTPV) is suitable for domestic transport, only compulsory motor third-party liability insurance (OSTPV) + CMR is required for international transport.
License for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Dangerous goods are substances or objects whose transportation may cause explosions, fires, damage to vehicles, or damage to the environment. Therefore, they require special permits and delivery conditions.
A license for the transportation of dangerous goods is required, even if the transportation is domestic and non-commercial, but for personal use.
Additional documents (in addition to the full package) for obtaining a license for the transportation of dangerous goods:
- Authorization certificate for the transportation of dangerous goods (ADR certificate for vehicles);
- Driver training certificate (ADR training certificate);
- Accident/emergency instructions;
- Authorization for the transportation of dangerous goods (ADR).
- ADR is the International Convention concerning the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. Dangerous goods are classified into 9 hazard
- classes in accordance with international standards.
- Unified and national regulations apply.
How to obtain a freight transportation license: step-by-step
During martial law, a simplified document submission procedure is in effect. This is suitable for domestic travel, sole proprietors with one or two vehicles, and legal entities.
To obtain a trucking license for sole proprietors and legal entities using the simplified procedure, you must collect a minimum set of documents:
- application;
- registration certificate or extract from the Unified State Register of Enterprises and Organizations;
- copy of vehicle registration certificate;
- document confirming vehicle ownership or lease;
- payment receipt;
- insurance policy;
- copy of driver’s license.
Important clarification: although documents are issued based on the simplified list, you must still have the full list of documents “in reserve.” Although these documents do not need to be submitted upon obtaining the permit, they may be inspected after it is issued.
The full form for obtaining a freight transportation license is required for:
- international freight;
- Dangerous Goods (ADR);
- medium and large companies with multiple vehicles and personnel.
Ukrtransbezpeka has the right to request or verify the presence of contracts and certificates. Failure to present the documents during the inspection risks cancellation.
The complete package of documents must also include:
- a vehicle maintenance and repair contract;
- a premises or parking lot lease agreement;
- a vehicle environmental safety certificate;
- a tachograph calibration report (especially if the vehicle weighs more than 3.5 tons);
- an order appointing a person responsible for traffic safety;
- material and technical documentation (only kept by the carrier);
- traffic safety instructions, employment contracts.
While a sole proprietor may designate the person responsible for safety themselves, a legal entity must appoint a responsible person by order. A lease agreement for office space is mandatory for legal entities, but optional for sole proprietors. The only difference is in the internal organization: a legal entity has more formal responsibilities, but does not submit them immediately.
International Transportation License: Price. Obtaining or extending a license costs one minimum subsistence level for able-bodied individuals at the time of the decision. In 2025, this amount is UAH 3,028. Legal fees should be added to this amount.
Conclusion: Do you need a license and how to avoid fines
A license is essential for international transportation, the transportation of hazardous goods and waste, and commercial activities. Simply put, if you provide transportation services to other clients and receive payment for them, a valid license is essential. Having one will protect you from inspectors and inspections. It’s better to spend time preparing the documents upfront than to waste time correcting violations and paying fines later.
