Own-account and third-party (hire and reward) are the two regimes of road freight transport. In own-account transport, a company carries its own goods, as an activity ancillary to its main business. In third-party transport (for hire and reward), goods are carried for others in exchange for payment: transport is the economic activity itself.
Why the distinction matters
The regime determines different obligations: licences and registrations, access to the profession, and the application of some EU Mobility Package rules. In particular, several obligations — including use of the smart tachograph G2V2 on light vehicles from 2026 and the limits on cabotage — typically apply to hire-and-reward transport.
Mixed fleets
Many companies operate mixed fleets (own vehicles + owner-operators on a hire-and-reward basis), with co-existing regimes and obligations. Managing this complexity is covered in owner-operators and third-party: managing a mixed fleet.
FAQ
What’s the practical difference between own-account and third-party?
In own-account you carry your own goods (an ancillary activity); in third-party you carry for others as an economic activity, with stricter licensing and regulatory obligations.
Does the G2V2 tachograph on vans also concern own-account?
The obligation from 1 July 2026 on 2.5–3.5 t vehicles mainly applies to international transport and cabotage for hire and reward; own-account cases are covered in the dedicated cabotage guide.