Transport Documents
From domestic to international, from ADR to cold chain — what must be in hand on which trip.
!Regulations change and additional documents may be required depending on the cargo. This page is not legal advice; for a binding list consult your customs broker and the relevant authority.
Every trip — domestic road
The minimum paperwork that must be in the vehicle on a domestic freight trip.
Issued by: Sender
The basic document showing who ships what to whom and from where to where. It is the first paper asked for on the road.
Issued by: Carrier
The written form of the transport contract; delivery terms and the limit of liability sit here.
Issued by: Carrier company
The authorisation to carry commercially. K1 is commercial, K2 own-account, K3 household removals.
Issued by: Vehicle owner
Vehicle registration, compulsory motor insurance and a valid roadworthiness test.
Issued by: Driver
The professional competence certificate and, where required, a psychotechnical assessment report.
Issued by: Carrier
Covers damage to the cargo. Not compulsory, but shippers usually require it.
International road
What is required on top of the domestic paperwork whenever a trip crosses the border.
Issued by: Carrier
The international road consignment note. Proof that the cargo was taken over and that the carrier is liable.
Issued by: Customs broker
The export/import declaration. Tariff code, value and origin are declared here.
Issued by: Sender
The commercial invoice and a weight/dimension breakdown per carton or pallet.
Issued by: Carrier (via TOBB)
Lets a sealed vehicle transit intermediate customs without being opened.
Issued by: Shipper + chamber approval
Movement and origin certificates used to claim preferential tariffs.
Issued by: Carrier company
The authorisation for international freight transport.
Issued by: UND / Ministry
The quota transit permit some countries require. Without it the trip stops at the border.
Issued by: Insurer
Motor liability cover valid abroad.
Special cargo
When the type of cargo changes, so does the paperwork list.
Issued by: Inspection body
The technical fitness of a vehicle that will carry dangerous goods.
Issued by: Driver
The driver certificate obtained for the relevant class of dangerous goods.
Issued by: Sender
For ADR loads: the UN number, class and emergency instructions.
Issued by: Inspection body
The insulation and refrigeration compliance of a reefer vehicle or trailer — required for food exports.
Issued by: Veterinarian
Mandatory when carrying live animals and animal products.
Issued by: Highways authority
A route permit for loads exceeding size or weight limits; an escort vehicle is usually needed too.
Issued by: Provincial agriculture directorate
The phytosanitary document for exporting plant products.
Sea and air
The backbone of a container and air cargo file.
Issued by: Shipowner / agent
The sea consignment note and a document of title. Without the original, the cargo is not released.
Issued by: Shipper
The verified gross mass of the loaded container. Without the declaration it is not taken on board.
Issued by: Agency
The delivery order that releases the cargo from the port once freight is paid.
Issued by: Airline / agent
The air cargo consignment note.
Issued by: Sender
The IATA DGR declaration and packing compliance when sending dangerous goods by air.
Issued by: Insurer
Cover for damage and loss in transit. Depending on the Incoterm, the buyer or the seller arranges it.
If you are looking for a broker for customs formalities, see the customs listings, and for cargo insurance the insurance listings .
Other sections of the reference