The Minister of Transport and Logistics, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, recently approved an exemption for establishments with long-term vehicle rental contracts to use their vehicles for delivery purposes. Typically, rules governing the use of light vehicles for transporting goods require the vehicles to be owned by the licensee directly or through a financial lease, with the licensee being the actual user of the vehicle. However, in the case of delivery of orders, these rules will not apply. The Transport General Authority (TGA) issued a circular instructing licensed establishments to provide data about their vehicles and rental contracts so that the authority can issue operating cards for these vehicles. The duration of the operational cards should not exceed the expiration date of the rental contracts, and establishments have a 30-day grace period to provide the required information. Failure to submit the data within the specified period will result in the lists not being considered.
This decision serves as an exemption to the provisions of Article 13 of the regulations governing the activity of light transport of goods on roads. The previous regulations required licensees to issue an operating card for each vehicle used in the activity, with a maximum duration of one year not exceeding the operational life of the vehicle or the validity date of the license for establishments. Additionally, the vehicles had to be owned directly by the licensee or through a financial lease, with the licensee being the actual user. However, the recent exemption allows establishments with long-term vehicle rental contracts to use their vehicles for delivery purposes without complying with these specific requirements. This exemption will remain in effect until the expiration date of the rental contracts, ensuring that establishments can continue to use the vehicles for delivery operations without facing regulatory obstacles.
The circular issued by the TGA emphasizes the importance of providing accurate data about the vehicles and rental contracts to ensure the issuance of operating cards in a timely manner. The authority has set a 30-day grace period for establishments to submit the required information, after which any lists submitted will not be considered. This deadline underscores the need for prompt compliance with the regulatory requirements to avoid any disruptions to the delivery operations of these establishments. By streamlining the process of issuing operating cards for vehicles used in delivery services, the TGA aims to facilitate the smooth operation of these establishments and enhance the efficiency of their logistics operations.
The approval of the exemption for establishments with long-term vehicle rental contracts reflects a flexible approach by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics to support businesses engaged in delivery services. By allowing these establishments to use their vehicles for delivery purposes without the usual ownership or financial lease requirements, the ministry recognizes the unique circumstances of the logistics industry. This decision enables businesses to leverage existing resources and infrastructure for delivery operations, thereby minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency in the transportation of goods. As the demand for delivery services continues to grow, this exemption will help businesses expand their operations and meet the evolving needs of consumers in a dynamic market environment.
In conclusion, the recent approval of an exemption for establishments with long-term vehicle rental contracts highlights the commitment of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics to facilitate the operations of businesses engaged in delivery services. By providing flexibility in the use of vehicles for delivery purposes, the ministry enables businesses to adapt to changing market conditions and meet the increasing demand for efficient logistics solutions. The timely issuance of operating cards for vehicles used in delivery operations is essential to ensuring the seamless operation of these establishments and meeting the needs of consumers effectively. As the logistics industry continues to evolve, regulatory exemptions like these play a crucial role in supporting business growth and enhancing the overall efficiency of transportation and delivery services.