Guide to a Freight Transport License in Vietnam

Obtaining a freight transport license for automobiles is a mandatory procedure for transport business enterprises. This process requires businesses to prepare a complete dossier and comply with conditions. Understanding the procedure for applying for a freight transport license for automobiles helps businesses save time and costs. In this article, Long Phan Consulting will provide customers with a detailed guide to the application process.

Current Regulations on the Conditions for Freight Transport Business by Automobile

According to Article 14 of Decree 158/2024/ND-CP, a freight transport business unit must have a Business License for Transport by Automobile.

The conditions for freight transport business by automobile are specified as follows: First, automobiles used for freight transport must be under the ownership or legal right of use of the freight transport business unit through a written vehicle lease contract with an organization or individual, or a business cooperation contract as prescribed by law. If the vehicle is registered under the ownership of a cooperative member, there must be a service contract between the member and the cooperative, which specifies that the cooperative has the right, responsibility, and obligation to manage, use, and operate the automobile owned by the cooperative member.

Second, automobiles used for freight transport must be suitable for the business of freight transport by automobile, which is a type of transport business using cargo trucks and specialized vehicles for transporting goods on roads, and must have a service life as prescribed.

The service life of a motor vehicle is specified as follows:

• The service life of a motor vehicle is calculated from the year of manufacture until the end of December 31 of the year its service life expires.
• The service life of a modified vehicle is regulated as follows:
  • A vehicle with a service life that is modified into a vehicle without a service life will follow the service life regulation of the vehicle before modification.
  • A vehicle without a service life that is modified into a vehicle with a service life will follow the service life regulation of the vehicle after modification.
  • Passenger cars with a capacity of 09 or more people (excluding the driver), specialized passenger cars modified into cargo trucks (including specialized cargo trucks); four-wheeled vehicles with engines modified into four-wheeled cargo vehicles with engines will follow the service life regulation of the vehicle after modification.
• Cases where motor vehicles are not subject to service life limits include:
  • Motorcycles, mopeds, passenger cars with a capacity of up to 08 people (excluding the driver), specialized automobiles, trailers, semi-trailers.
  • Motor vehicles of the military and police serving national defense and security purposes.

>>> See more at: Granting transport business licenses to business households – Implementation procedures.

Which Authority is Competent to Issue Freight Transport Licenses for Automobiles?

The Departments of Transport of provinces and centrally-run cities are the competent authorities for issuing licenses. This authority is clearly stipulated in Clause 1, Article 21 of Decree 158/2024/ND-CP. Businesses submit their dossiers at the Department of Transport where their head office is located.

The Department of Transport is responsible for appraising the dossier for the freight transport license. This agency checks the business conditions of the enterprise. The appraisal process is carried out in accordance with current legal regulations.

Procedure for Applying for a Freight Transport License for Automobiles

To apply for a freight transport license for automobiles, customers need to pay attention to the following.

Required Dossier Components

The dossier for a freight transport license includes many important documents. Businesses need to prepare them fully according to Clause 1, Article 20 of Decree 158/2024/ND-CP. Preparing an accurate dossier helps shorten the processing time.

The dossier components include:

• An application for a Business License using the form in Appendix I of Decree 158/2024/ND-CP.
• A copy, a certified copy, a certified electronic copy from the original, or an electronic copy from the master register of the diploma or certificate of the person directly managing transport activities.
• A copy, a certified copy, a certified electronic copy from the original, or an electronic copy from the master register or the original Decision on the establishment and regulation of the functions and tasks of the safety management department of the transport business unit.
• A copy, a certified copy, a certified electronic copy from the original, or an electronic copy from the master register or the original Decision on assigning tasks to the transport operator.

Application Sequence

The application sequence is carried out according to Clause 1, Article 21 of Decree No. 158/2024/ND-CP, in three main steps.

• Step 1: Prepare and submit the license dossier. The business submits one set of the dossier for the freight transport license to the competent Department of Transport.
• Step 2: Dossier appraisal. The licensing authority reviews and appraises the dossier. If the dossier needs amendment or supplementation, the licensing authority will notify the transport business unit directly, in writing, or through the online public service system of the contents to be supplemented or amended within 03 working days from the date of receiving the dossier.
• Step 3: License issuance. Within 05 working days (this period is calculated from the date of receiving the complete and valid dossier), the licensing authority appraises the dossier and issues the Business License for Transport by Automobile according to the template. The issued license will clearly state the name and address of the business unit, Business Registration Certificate information, the legal representative, the business forms, and the issuing authority. The business receives the license and can begin legal business operations.

Current Processing Time for the License Application Procedure

The processing time for the freight transport license application is specifically regulated. Decree 158/2024/ND-CP provides a clear timeframe for each step. Adhering to this timeline helps businesses plan their operations effectively.

• The time for notification of dossier supplementation is 03 working days from the date of receipt. The Department of Transport must immediately inform of any necessary amendments or additions. Notification can be done directly, in writing, or through the online public service system.
• The official licensing time is 05 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid dossier. During this time, the licensing authority appraises the dossier and makes the decision to issue the license. The Business License for Transport by Automobile will be issued according to the prescribed template.
• The maximum total time to complete the procedure is 08 working days if the dossier requires supplementation. This time includes both the notification for supplementation and the license issuance. Businesses should prepare their dossiers carefully to avoid additional time. Submitting a complete and accurate dossier from the beginning will help shorten the processing time. Businesses can track the progress of their dossier through the online public service system.

Support Service for a Freight Transport License at Long Phan Consulting Company

Applying for a freight transport license is a crucial step for businesses to operate effectively and avoid risks. Long Phan Consulting Company provides comprehensive support services for the freight transport license procedure. Our team of experienced experts helps businesses complete the procedure quickly. The service is designed to optimize time and costs for clients.

With a deep understanding of the procedure, Long Phan Consulting Company is confident in providing clients with support and consulting services, including:

• In-depth consultation on freight transport business operations to ensure efficiency and suitability for the business’s actual needs.
• Assistance in preparing the dossier according to current regulations to ensure the completeness and accuracy of each document.
• Support for clients in submitting the dossier and monitoring the processing progress.
• Representing clients in working with the competent state licensing authorities, and assisting in resolving and supplementing the license application dossier upon request.
• In-depth consultation on the conditions for license application to help businesses clearly understand the regulations.

Long Phan Consulting Company is committed to supporting clients until they receive a valid license. We provide post-licensing consulting on regulatory compliance. Businesses can focus on their main business activities with peace of mind. Contact us for detailed advice on the support service for applying for a freight transport license for automobiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are frequently asked questions about the procedure for applying for a freight transport business license.

How long is the freight transport business license valid?

The license does not have a specific expiration date but is valid as long as the business maintains all the transport business conditions. The license will be revoked if the business no longer meets the legal requirements.

What kind of diplomas or certificates does the transport operator need?

The person directly managing transport activities needs a diploma or certificate in a transport-related field or has experience in transport management as prescribed by law. These typically include university or college degrees in transportation-related majors or a certificate in transport management.

How is the service life of a commercial transport vehicle determined?

The service life is calculated from the year of manufacture to the end of December 31 of the year its service life expires. The year of manufacture is usually on the vehicle registration certificate or inspection stamp. For modified vehicles, the service life is determined by specific regulations for the vehicle after modification, with some exceptions.

Can the dossier be submitted online?

The article mentions notification through the online public service system. This suggests that dossier submission may also be possible online, depending on the regulations of each local Department of Transport. Businesses should check the public service portal of the relevant Department of Transport for the exact submission method.

If my dossier is incomplete or incorrect, how long will it take to be notified?

Within 03 working days from receiving the dossier, the licensing authority will notify you directly, in writing, or through the online public service system about the contents that need to be supplemented or amended.

Can a temporary transport business license be issued?

The article does not mention the issuance of a temporary license. The described process is for issuing an official license after the dossier meets all conditions and has been appraised.

What is the cost to apply for a freight transport license?

The article does not detail the fees and charges for applying for a freight transport license. Businesses should contact the Department of Transport where the dossier is submitted or refer to legal documents related to fees and charges in the transport sector for accurate information.

Conclusion

Applying for a freight transport license for automobiles is a mandatory and complex procedure. Customers need to prepare a complete dossier and follow the correct process to be licensed. Long Phan Consulting is ready to help businesses complete the procedure quickly and accurately. Contact us immediately via our hotline: 1900636389 for in-depth consultation on the service for applying for a subordinate freight transport license.