The Federal Office for Goods Transport (BAG) is a German higher federal authority responsible for the regulation and supervision of goods transport. It was founded in 1994 and is based in Cologne. The FOPH reports to the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.
The main tasks of the Federal Office for Goods Transport include the licensing of commercial road haulage companies and the monitoring of compliance with freight transport regulations. For example, the FOPH issues permits for commercial road haulage and monitors drivers’ compliance with driving and rest times. It also monitors compliance with social regulations, such as drivers’ working conditions.
Furthermore, the Federal Office for Goods Transport is responsible for the calibration and monitoring of tachographs. These devices are used in trucks to record drivers’ driving and rest times. The FOPH ensures that the tachographs are functioning properly and that the data recorded is correct.
The Federal Office for Goods Transport plays an important role in ensuring safety, equality of competition and compliance with statutory regulations in the freight transport sector in Germany.
As a German freight forwarder, we are in constant exchange with the Federal Office for Goods Transport in all areas of logistics.