Haulage subcontracting
contractor checks, cargo liability, subcontract agreement — risk checklist
Haulage subcontracting
When needed:
Your carrier cannot perform the trip — passes it to a subcontractor; legal only with the customer's consent.
Who is liable:
Under CMR the accepting carrier is liable even if a subcontractor drove — require this in the contract.
Vetting the sub:
License, vehicle/trailer documents, CMR liability insurance, route experience, real driver phones.
Contract:
Subcontracting is formalized separately; give the customer the actual carrier and vehicle details.
Payment:
Subcontractor's rate and terms fixed in writing; your late payment is no excuse to hold cargo.
Risks:
Loss of cargo control, thefts via fake carriers, double subcontracting — limit the chain contractually.
Trip checklist:
Driver and vehicle data before loading, GPS monitoring, seal photo, signed CMR at delivery.
Tax:
The subcontractor must be a real taxpayer with documents — otherwise the deal may be deemed fictitious.