A goods service delivers or carries goods, whether or not for hire or reward, using a motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass* of 6000kg or more, including one that is ‘on hire’ to carry goods.
*gross vehicle mass means the maximum safe operating mass for a vehicle (including the mass of any accessories, crew, passengers, or load) that is derived from the design, capabilities, and capacities of the vehicle’s construction, systems, and components, and that:
(a) is determined by:
(i) Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency; or
(ii) the manufacturer of the vehicle; or
(iii) if the vehicle is modified after manufacture, a certifier approved by Waka Kotahi; and
(b) may be recorded in kilograms on the register of motor vehicles.
You'll need to apply at a driver licensing agent.
Find a driver licensing agent in your area
You need to provide:
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For any questions regarding transport service licence applications please email tsl@nzta.govt.nz |
Under section 30L of the Land Transport Act 1998, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency must be satisfied that anyone who will have, or is likely to have, control or involvement in the operation of the transport service is a fit and proper person.
Anyone who has direct or indirect control of any part of the management of the organisation must complete a Personal details form (TL02) [PDF, 83 KB] and provide evidence of identity. This is so we can determine if they all meet the requirements of a fit and proper person.
Requirements of persons in control
When you apply for your goods service licence, you’ll need to tell us what type of service you’ll be providing.
You can choose from the following options. You can choose as many options as you need to.
| TL01 Form | Definition guidance |
| Horticulture |
Businesses that operate with horticulture - plants and machinery. Includes:
|
| Livestock |
Larger commercial operator that moves large quantities of livestock. Includes:
Excludes the smaller farming operator. |
| Construction |
All larger operators. Includes:
Can include some specialist vehicles - concrete pump trucks, water/vacuum trucks. |
| Trades |
Includes the smaller operator:
|
| Education |
Businesses that operate specifically for/or linked to school buses or school activity. Businesses that provide training for drivers to gain a heavy vehicle licence (classes 2-5). |
| Farming |
Smaller farm operators who require a TSL for their own farming activities (eg small on-the-farm use, around the farm or carrying stock to market. Use of a tractor, horse float or horse truck). Includes farmer taking their own produce to market but does not include the transporter company. Larger operator sits under Livestock. |
| Forestry |
Operators working in forestry and wood processing. Includes:
|
| Heavy haulage |
Operators associated with transporting oversized, overweight or over dimension loads, load piloting and heavy recovery. Usually require permits, and generally over 50 tonne. Includes:
|
| Linehaul freight/cartage |
Operators that move freight/cartage using small and large trucks/containers between cities or long distance. Includes:
Excludes local freight/cartage which sits under Local goods/cartage. |
| Local Goods/Cartage |
Operators that deliver general goods, and local deliveries. Includes:
|
| Tourism |
Adventure operators, operates tours, scheduled routes. Excludes Motorhome rentals which is a RSL type. |
| Waste |
Operators that carry any waste or rubbish matter. Includes recycling truck operators. |
The Land Transport Rule: Operator Licensing 2017 requires all vehicles operating under a goods service licence to display a TSL label.
TSL labels are required so that operators who rent, lease, borrow or share vehicles can move their details easily between vehicles. The labels also allow a passenger or enforcement officer to identify the licence the service is working under.
Find out more about TSL labels
One of the requirements for getting a goods service licence is that either the licence holder or a person in control of the service needs to hold a certificate of knowledge of law and practice.
This shows that the holder of the certificate has the required knowledge of the laws and practices relating to the safe, efficient and proper operation of a transport service.
Find out how to get a certificate of knowledge of law and practice
There’s an annual TSL fee of $120.12 for each vehicle operated under your TSL. You'll pay this as part of each vehicle's licence fees (rego).
More information about annual TSL fees
It’s illegal to operate an unlicensed goods service. If you’re convicted, you may face a fine of up to $10,000. The fine increases to a maximum of $25,000 for subsequent convictions.
In addition to the fine, the court may impound vehicles used in an unlicensed service for up to 90 days (no matter who owns them).
More information about running a truck business
Read Getting started: becoming a truck operator or operating a truck business in New Zealand
