In the rapidly evolving world of logistics and road transport, efficient supply chain management is key to gaining a competitive edge. Speed, flexibility, and cost optimization are what matter most. One of the most effective tools for significantly improving the operational efficiency of companies in Germany and France is road cabotage – that is, using foreign carriers to perform domestic transport services.
Simply put, road cabotage allows a foreign carrier to perform domestic transport operations within another EU country. A prime example is Poland – a leader in the European road transport market. Since 2022, Polish transport companies have been responsible for over 20% of all cargo movements across Europe. In other words, even if you hire a local carrier, there’s a high chance a Polish haulier will ultimately be the one transporting your goods.
As MAKO TSL Group, we specialize in international road transport, offering our clients full support and top-quality cabotage services. We operate across all of Western Europe, with Germany and France as our two largest and most important markets. Our fleet also includes vehicles registered in Germany, which allows us to serve our clients under the same conditions as local carriers.
What exactly is cabotage?
Cabotage refers to the transport of goods by a foreign carrier within another EU member state, subject to specific conditions set by EU regulations. According to Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009, we can carry out up to three cabotage operations within seven days following an international delivery.
We’ve already discussed the rules and industry impact of cabotage in detail. While the rules are designed to limit the influence of foreign carriers on local markets, in practice – especially when working with a partner who operates a large fleet (MAKO TSL has over 1,000 vehicles) – cabotage helps European companies significantly reduce transport costs.
Lower Operating Costs Through Reduced Transport Expenses
Instead of waiting for local carriers or booking ad hoc shipments at higher rates, clients can benefit from cabotage performed by a foreign carrier – a faster and more cost-effective solution. Local carriers, especially smaller ones, are not always able to meet large-scale logistics demands. Today, cooperating with subcontractors from other countries can be more financially advantageous, and this does not mean compromising service quality. As previously mentioned, Polish companies are responsible for 20% of all cabotage operations in Europe.
Guaranteed Punctuality and Cargo Safety
Assign your shipment and… forget the problem. As an experienced transport partner, MAKO TSL guarantees on-time delivery and high service quality. Thanks to our advanced GPS monitoring system and our skilled drivers, clients can rest assured that their goods will arrive on time and in perfect condition. The numbers speak for themselves – 95% of our shipments are delivered within 24 hours. We are able to achieve such results through continuous improvement of our internal processes and development of our operational systems.
Comprehensive Support and Logistics Consulting
You don’t need to understand the regulations or plan routes – MAKO TSL is more than just a carrier. We are your trusted logistics advisor. Our team of specialists analyzes your individual needs and recommends the most efficient transport solutions – both in terms of cabotage and international deliveries.
Real-World Example: How a German Manufacturer Saved 27% Annually – Cabotage in Action
One of our industrial partners in Bavaria was struggling with high transport costs between its production sites. By working with MAKO TSL, they reduced these costs by 27% annually and shortened delivery times by an average of 6 hours. The result? Greater production flexibility and increased satisfaction among their end customers.
