Carriage by Road License - CBR
Carriage by Road Act Registration (Common Carrier Licence) in Mumbai
Running a logistics, transport, courier or freight business in India? If you act as a common carrier, the Carriage by Road Act, 2007 requires you to hold a certificate of registration from the registering authority. LegalTech India helps you obtain it and stay compliant, so your business can operate legally and win the trust of larger customers.
What is Carriage by Road Act registration?
The Carriage by Road Act, 2007 regulates common carriers who carry goods by road. It works together with the Carriage by Road Rules, 2011. Under the Act, no person may carry on the business of a common carrier without a certificate of registration, which is granted by the State Transport Authority or Regional Transport Authority. The Act also covers Goods Forwarding Notes and the liability of the carrier for loss or damage to goods.
Many people call this a "carriage by road licence" or "common carrier licence". The correct legal term is certificate of registration.
Who needs this registration?
This registration is relevant to:
- Logistics and supply chain companies
- Transport and freight forwarding companies
- Courier and express cargo businesses
- E-commerce companies and warehouse operators who book goods for carriage
- Transport brokers, agents and aggregators
Not every business in these categories is a common carrier. Whether you need registration depends on how you operate. Our team will review your business model and tell you clearly.
Our Carriage by Road Act registration services
- Eligibility review: we check whether your business is a common carrier under the Act.
- Application preparation and filing: we prepare the application and file it with the correct registering authority having jurisdiction over your main office.
- Document checklist and review: we tell you what is needed and check every paper before filing.
- Follow-up with the authority: we respond to queries and keep the process moving.
- GFN and goods receipt formats: we prepare Goods Forwarding Notes and goods receipts aligned to the Rules.
- Customer contract review: we align liability and risk-rate terms with the Act.
- Renewal and change support: we handle renewals, shifting of main office and updates.
- Compliance training: we guide your branch and dispatch teams on day-to-day requirements.
Our process
- Consultation: we understand your operations, entity structure, branches and fleet.
- Documents: we share a checklist and review what you provide.
- Application: we prepare and file the application with the registering authority.
- Follow-up: we answer queries and track the application.
- Certificate: you receive your certificate of registration.
- Compliance setup: we put your forms, formats and compliance calendar in place.
Documents generally required
The exact list depends on the state authority, but you can expect to need:
- Incorporation or constitution documents of the applicant
- PAN and GST registration
- Address proof and ownership or rental proof of the main office
- Details of branches, if any
- Details of vehicles owned or hired, with registration certificates, permits and fitness papers
- Agreements with fleet owners or transporters
- Sample Goods Forwarding Note and goods receipt formats
- Authorisation for the signatory and identity proof of directors or partners
Why choose LegalTech India?
- Rare experience: we have recently completed a Carriage by Road Act registration for a multinational logistics client, a niche area with few specialists.
- Team of professionals: legal experts, Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries under one roof.
- PAN India support: centralised help for businesses with branches in several states.
- One platform: registration, licences, GST, import export and compliance in one place.
- Clear communication: regular updates and a simple checklist at every stage
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Carriage by Road Act registration mandatory?
A. It is mandatory for anyone engaged in the business of a common carrier. We can review your business and confirm.
Q. Who grants the registration?
A. The State Transport Authority or Regional Transport Authority with jurisdiction over your main office.
Q. How long is the certificate valid?
A. The Act provides for a five to ten years validity, after which it must be renewed.
Q. Do branches need separate registration?
A. No, Branches are linked to the main office registration. No need of separate registration.
Q. Can you help if we are already operating?
A. Yes. We can review your current position, apply for registration and set up compliance.
Q. Can you handle renewals?
A. Yes. We track your renewal date and file on time.
