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. Carrying third-party goods across a border also requires a Community licence, which since 21 May 2022 has applied to vehicles over 2.5 t as well; own-account transport that meets the conditions of Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009 is exempt.
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.
Does own-account transport need a Community licence?
No, as long as it meets the conditions of Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009: your own goods, your own vehicles and drivers, and transport that is only ancillary to your main business. The licence is for hauliers carrying other people’s goods across borders.