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How to choose a reliable carrier?

According to the TAPA EMEA report from 2022-2024, cargo theft costs European companies over €8.2 billion annually. At the same time, a 2024 KRD/TSL Biznes study shows that as many as 12.7% of transport companies in Poland are at increased risk of insolvency.

That’s why we follow a few simple rules that allow you to choose a reliable partner and sleep soundly.

Why is this so important?

Lack of due diligence in choosing a carrier has real consequences:

❌ Refusal to pay compensation – incomplete documents (e.g., CMR) and the lack of valid carrier liability insurance mean you’re left to fend for yourself in the event of damage.

❌ Loss of cargo – fraudulent carriers, acting under false documents, can seize and “disappear” with your cargo.

❌ Liquidity problems – working with a company at risk of insolvency can mean your money is lost. ❌ Fines and lawsuits – formal errors or working with an unreliable partner can result in contractual penalties ⚖️.

❌ Loss of reputation – delays and delivery shortages result not only in financial losses but also in lost customer trust.

The scale of the phenomenon speaks for itself:

⚠️ 157,421 cargo thefts in Europe between 2022 and 2024 (76% in road transport).

⚠️ 600 companies defrauded and over PLN 5 million in losses in the so-called “Gorzów case.”

⚠️ 1 in 8 transport companies in Poland is at increased risk of insolvency.

✅ Key carrier verification criteria:

We check licenses and authorizations at KREPTD – whether the company has a current permit and certificate of professional competence. We take care of insurance – Freight Forwarder’s Liability Insurance (OCS) protects us in our forwarding activities, while Carrier’s Liability Insurance (OCP) is mandatory for the entity performing the transport. The absence of a carrier’s liability insurance policy may prevent compensation from being paid. Therefore, we check the compliance and validity of the policy directly with the insurance company – both in writing and by phone.

We call the transport company directly to ensure that the freight forwarder or contact person is indeed their representative.

We require full details and the driver’s contact number – a lack of transparency at this stage is a serious red flag.

⚖️ We also remember that, according to Article 799 of the Civil Code, a freight forwarder is liable only in the event of fault in the selection of the carrier – therefore, partner verification is not a formality, but an obligation.

We verify the fleet and certifications – modern vehicles, GPS, and TCC/TCE certificates are standard for us. We verify your financial standing – using the VAT whitelist and the National Court Register (KRS)/Central Registration and Information on Business (CEIDG) databases.

Due diligence is essential. Rush and trusting someone’s word are the most common causes of costly mistakes.