4 Mandatory Things You Need to Start a Transport Company in Belgium

Starting a transport company in Belgium is an exciting opportunity, but there are important legal requirements you must meet to operate safely and legally. Here are the four essential elements every entrepreneur needs:

 

1. A Certified Vervoersmanager (Transport Manager)

Every transport company must have a certified Vervoersmanager. This professional is responsible for ensuring your company complies with all Belgian and EU transport regulations. They manage drivers, plan routes efficiently, oversee vehicle usage, and handle all administrative and safety responsibilities. Having a Vervoersmanager is not just a formality—it’s a legal requirement.

 

2. Financial Standing

Authorities require that your company demonstrates sufficient financial standing. This means showing that you have enough capital to operate safely and sustainably. Typically, this is €9,000 for the first vehicle and €5,000 for each additional vehicle. This ensures that your company can cover operational costs and handle unexpected challenges.

 

3. Communautaire Vergunning (Community Licence)

A Communautaire vergunning allows your company to legally transport goods both within Belgium and across EU borders. Without this licence, you cannot conduct international transport operations. It is one of the most important documents for any transport business, ensuring your operations are fully compliant with EU law.

 

4. Good Repute

Finally, you must demonstrate good repute. This means that neither you nor your company have serious legal or transport-related violations that could compromise your operations. Authorities check this to make sure that only trustworthy companies are licensed to operate.

 

Meeting all four of these requirements lays the foundation for a legal, safe, and successful transport business in Belgium. By ensuring you have a certified Vervoersmanager, sufficient financial standing, a Community licence, and a proven good repute, you can start your company confidently and focus on growing your operations.