Moldova - 3.2 Transporters

Overview

In 2023, 19.8 million metric tons of freight were transported in Moldova, from which 79% was transported by road, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Road transport is the preferred mode of transportation for freight in the country. The biggest player is DB Shenker in Moldova. Most transport companies outsource to smaller companies and do not invest in a big fleet. For instance, DB Shenker has a fleet of 20 trucks in total.

Based on multiple interviews with NGOs, it is likely that a big influx in demands from the humanitarian community would not be handled by the private sector even if there is a consequent number of operators.

Foreign operators are allowed to operate in the country as most of them are registered in Romania since most trucking companies' owners have dual Romanian-Moldovan citizenship. Finding drivers is a daunting task for those companies due to higher salaries in neighbouring countries. Another challenge would be the border crossing points, where drivers can wait for days for their trucks to pass customs due to administrative lengthy procedures. It is also to be noted that from New Year until Ester it is difficult to find cargo.  

Road quality is uneven throughout the country, even though the European Union has massively invested in road rehabilitation. Access to more remote areas still constitute a challenge.

[JM2] [JM3] There is a Union of Road Transport of the Republic of Moldova (AITA) which is strong and influent. This union guarantees a minimal wage of 2,100 MDL per month for the transport and logistics industry (transportation, warehousing and support services for transportation) according to ILO.

The government has not established requirements for Good Distribution Practices (GDP).

For pharmaceutical goods, trucks need a specific license.

For more information on transport company contact details, please see the following link: 4.8 Transporter Contact List

DB SHENKER Transport Capacity Summary
Regions Covered	All
Company’s main sector	(food, NFI)
GDP authorization available?	Not required
	Number of Vehicles	Capacity per Vehicle (mt/ m³)	Comments / Condition of Vehicles [1]
Vehicle Type [2]	10	5	N/A
Vehicle Type	2	20	N/A
Vehicle Type	8	8	N/A
Total Capacity	20	33
Additional Information

Arrange transport of goods to and from Moldova - International Trade Portal (lloydsbanktrade.com) [JM1]

wcms_615687.pdf (ilo.org) [JM2]

 

Unions [JM3]