One document per service
Order FOM/2861/2012 regulates the control document for public road freight transport. Its purpose is to record, for every shipment, the parties involved and the load, so inspectors can verify the operation at any time.
In practice the DeCA is issued by the contractual shipper or, on its behalf, by the carrier. It must be available throughout the journey and kept afterwards for the period the rules set.
From paper to electronic
The rules allow the control document to be carried electronically, as long as it can be shown to inspectors and meets certain technical conditions. The sector is moving towards a mandatory digital DeCA, with deadlines set out in successive provisions.
Exact dates and conditions may change: always check the regulations in force and the Spanish Ministry of Transport's announcements before making decisions.
What it contains
At least the name, tax ID and address of the contractual shipper; the name and tax ID of the actual carrier; the origin and destination of the goods; and their nature and weight. The vehicle plate, transport date and any special permits are usually included too.
Who is involved
The contractual shipper hires the transport in its own name. The actual carrier performs it with its own vehicles. They may or may not be the same company, and the document must show this clearly.
What if I don't carry it?
Not having the control document, or carrying an incomplete one, may be considered a transport offence. Fines depend on severity, repeat offences and the rules applicable at the time, and may affect both the carrier and the shipper.
This page is for information only. For specific cases, check the regulations in force or ask a specialised adviser.