GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026
cabotage traffic
Cabotage traffic describes the domestic carriage of goods performed by a haulier registered in a foreign country – for example, a Polish truck making deliveries between two points within Germany after completing an international run.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32009R1072
Category
Logistics Concept
Reading time
1 min
Words
111
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
Cabotage traffic describes the domestic carriage of goods performed by a haulier registered in a foreign country – for example, a Polish truck making deliveries between two points within Germany after completing an international run. EU regulations cap how many such domestic operations a foreign carrier may perform and within what timeframe before the vehicle must leave the country. Compliance is monitored through tachograph records, transport documents, and roadside inspections; violations carry significant fines. For logistics providers running cross-border fleets, cabotage rules have direct operational consequences: they shape route planning, driver scheduling, and cost structures. The term should not be confused with maritime cabotage, which governs coastal shipping between domestic ports.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.
Community Questions & Answers
Share your knowledge, ask follow-up questions, or add practical insights to this page. Every contribution is moderated before publication.
No community answers yet. Be the first.