From Zero to Hero: New Driver's First Year Abroad

Introduction

Picture this: you step off a plane in Romania with a folder of documents, a strong driving record, and a head full of questions. New roads, new rules, new language. Twelve months later, you are leading international routes via Timisoara and Oradea, your tachograph compliance is second nature, and your payslips are healthier than back home thanks to EU-standard wages and Romania's lower cost of living. This is the first-year story many professional drivers from Global are writing in Romania right now.

Romania is not just another EU destination. It is a logistics springboard into Central and Western Europe, with fast-growing e-commerce, strong manufacturing corridors, and constant demand for skilled drivers across heavy goods, passenger transport, and last-mile delivery. If you can bring C, CE, or D-category licenses, tachograph savvy, and the right professional attitude, Romania can be where your international driving career goes from zero to hero.

This guide gives you the full picture: the job market, legal steps, license conversion, CPC and ADR, salary bands, real costs in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, plus practical relocation tips and success stories. It is written for drivers from Global who want actionable, step-by-step advice, not just glossy promises. Buckle up.

Why Romania?

EU Membership and Market Access

Romania is an EU member, so professional standards, safety rules, and tachograph regulations align with EU law. That means your investment in CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence), digital tachograph training, and ADR can be recognized across the bloc.
Logistics hubs in Bucharest, Timisoara, Arad, Cluj-Napoca, and Iasi connect to key trans-European corridors. From Romania you can legally operate international routes to Hungary, Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and beyond under EU transport rules.
Romania has made steady regulatory progress: enforcement of EU 561/2006 driving and rest time rules, EU 2002/15/EC working time for mobile workers, and digital tachograph controls via ARR and ISCTR are well established.

Lower Cost of Living, Competitive Pay

Drivers can earn EU-aligned compensation on international routes while paying significantly lower living costs at home in Romania.
In 2026, typical living costs in major cities remain competitive compared to western EU capitals, allowing drivers to save or support family while still enjoying a solid lifestyle.

Strong Driver Demand

Romania is short of qualified drivers, especially CE long-haul and ADR-certified professionals. The talent gap spans international trucking, refrigerated and tanker operations, city distribution, and passenger transport.
Growth sectors include e-commerce delivery, automotive supply chains, FMCG distribution, and intermodal operations connecting to the Port of Constanta.

Quality of Life

Friendly culture, vibrant cities, fast internet, and access to the Carpathian Mountains and Black Sea coast.
Modern private healthcare options at reasonable prices.
English is widely spoken in logistics operations and among younger colleagues, easing your first-year integration.

Job Market Overview

Romania's transport and logistics market offers a range of roles for qualified drivers. Here is what you will find:

1) International HGV (CE) Long-Haul

Work: Romania to Western and Central Europe, often week-on/week-off or 4-6 weeks out and 1-2 weeks home.
Equipment: Euro 6 tractors with digital tachographs and telematics, refrigerated trailers, curtain-siders, containers, and tankers.
Employers you will see:
- Large logistics and 3PL companies: DB Schenker Romania, DSV Solutions Romania, Raben Logistics Romania, KLG Europe Romania, H.Essers Romania, Kuehne+Nagel Romania.
- Established Romanian trucking firms: Aquila, Dumagas Transport, International Alexander.
Typical routes: Romania - Hungary - Austria - Germany - Benelux; Romania - Bulgaria - Greece; Romania - Italy.

2) Regional Distribution (C or CE)

Work: Multi-drop distribution within Romania, often day shifts with regular home time.
Sectors: FMCG, retail, building materials, automotive components.
Employers: Contract logistics providers serving retail chains and manufacturers.

3) Last-Mile and Express Delivery (B or C)

Work: Parcel delivery and e-commerce fulfillment in urban areas.
Employers: FAN Courier, Sameday, Urgent Cargus, GLS Romania, DHL Express.
Benefits: Predictable schedules and the chance to know your city well; good stepping stone while you finalize license conversion.

4) Passenger Transport (D)

Work: City buses, intercity coaches, airport shuttles, and private charters.
Employers: STB in Bucharest, CTP Cluj-Napoca, STPT Timisoara, CTP Iasi, plus private coach operators.
Requirements: D-category, CPC for passengers, strong customer etiquette, and often basic Romanian for passenger interactions.

5) Specialized Roles

ADR hazardous goods: Fuel, chemicals, and gases. Higher pay, strict compliance.
Temperature-controlled: Pharma and food logistics require precise handling.
Oversized and special transports: Require additional permits and escort rules.

City Snapshots

Bucharest: Largest job market for delivery, city bus, and warehouse-linked driving. Heavy traffic but abundant opportunities.
Cluj-Napoca: Tech and services hub with growing distribution and modern fleet operations.
Timisoara: Western gateway, strong manufacturing base, excellent launchpad for international routes.
Iasi: Eastern hub expanding in logistics and e-commerce with affordable living.

Legal Requirements

If you are a Global citizen and not an EU/EEA/Swiss national, plan on a structured process. Many employers will guide you, but understanding the steps helps you move faster.

Work Authorization Pathway

Employer obtains a work permit.
- The Romanian employer applies to the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) for a work permit for a non-EU worker. Processing commonly takes around 30 days once all documents are filed.
- You must supply legalized and translated documents: passport, clean criminal record, proof of qualifications and experience, medical certificate.
Apply for long-stay employment visa (type D/AM).
- Once the work permit is issued, you apply for a D/AM visa at a Romanian consulate in your country of residence.
- Bring your work permit, employment contract or firm offer, documentation, proof of accommodation, and proof of funds as requested.
- Visa decisions typically take several weeks. Always check updated timelines.
Enter Romania and obtain a residence permit (Single Permit).
- After arrival, you schedule with IGI to obtain your residence permit tied to your employment. This card authorizes both stay and work.
- Initial permits are usually valid for 1 year and renewable if your employment continues.
Register with tax and social systems.
- Your employer will register you for income tax and social contributions. Keep your residence permit, contract, and bank account details on hand.

Note: EU citizens have a simpler registration process with local authorities rather than work permits. UK citizens post-Brexit follow the third-country route.

Border and Transport Considerations

Romania is an EU country. Verify current Schengen arrangements before planning land border crossings for international routes, as procedures can change. Plan for potential waiting times at external EU borders.
Carry your passport, residence permit, driver card, and vehicle documents for any checks.

Compliance and Enforcement

ISCTR performs road checks focusing on tachograph compliance, weight limits, vehicle condition, ADR documents, and driver qualification.
Fines can be significant for violations of EU 561/2006 rules, ADR non-compliance, and overweight loads. Keep your documentation organized.

Certification & License Recognition

Your license and professional credentials must be valid and recognized in Romania to work legally.

Driving License Categories

C: Heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tons.
CE: Articulated vehicles and tractor-trailer combinations.
D: Passenger transport vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats.

Converting or Exchanging Your License

If you hold an EU license: Your EU C/CE/D license is recognized. You need CPC Code 95 and a valid digital tachograph driver card to work. Exchange is only needed when your license expires or if you choose to transfer to a Romanian license.
If you hold a non-EU license: You may need to exchange your license at DRPCIV (Romanian Driver License Authority). Whether you must retest depends on bilateral agreements.
- Common steps:
  - Official translations of your license and driving record.
  - Medical and psychological evaluation at an authorized clinic.
  - Proof of residence permit and identification.
  - Application at DRPCIV; if your country has no exchange agreement, you may be required to pass theory and practical tests.
- Processing times vary by county; plan several weeks.

CPC - Certificate of Professional Competence (Code 95)

To drive commercially in the EU, you need CPC (Code 95). Romania recognizes CPC issued in other EU countries. For non-EU credentials, you typically must complete initial qualification or accelerated initial qualification in Romania.
Initial CPC: up to 280 hours, or accelerated at 140 hours, covering safety, eco-driving, load security, and EU rules.
Periodic training: 35 hours every 5 years.
Outcome: Driver Qualification Card (DQC) or Code 95 annotation on your license.
Training language: Most courses are in Romanian; some providers offer English groups in major cities. Confirm before booking.

Digital Tachograph Driver Card

Issued by ARR (Romanian Road Authority). Required for all digital tachographs.
Steps:
- Submit application with passport or residence permit, photo, signature sample, and fee.
- Provide proof of professional status or employer letter where requested.
- Processing time can range from 2 to 4 weeks. Plan ahead.

ADR Certification (Hazardous Goods)

If you plan to carry dangerous goods, you need ADR certification.
Base course (all classes except 1 and 7) and specializations such as tanks.
Training ends with an exam; certificate is generally valid for 5 years and renewed via refresher training before expiry.
Issued under the authority of ARR. Bring ID, medical certificate, and proof of residence where required.

Salary & Benefits

Pay varies by role, route, and employer. The figures below are realistic ranges in Romania in 2025-2026. Exchange rate assumption for context only: 1 EUR is roughly 5 RON. Always verify current rates and offers.

International HGV (CE) Long-Haul

Structure: Base salary in RON plus daily allowances per diem while abroad, often tax-advantaged within legal limits.
Typical total take-home per month:
- 2,000 to 3,200 EUR equivalent (10,000 to 16,000 RON), depending on time away, markets served, and bonuses.
Bonuses: Safety, on-time delivery, fuel efficiency, clean inspections.
Benefits: Modern tractor, paid travel to hub, sometimes private medical plan, uniform, and paid training.

Domestic HGV (C or CE)

Structure: Fixed salary plus overtime; some roles include meal allowances.
Typical net monthly pay:
- 4,500 to 8,000 RON (900 to 1,600 EUR) depending on region, schedule, and experience.

City Delivery and Vans (B or C)

Structure: Base plus piece-rate or stop bonuses.
Typical net monthly pay:
- 3,500 to 6,500 RON (700 to 1,300 EUR).

Bus and Coach (D)

City bus drivers with public operators or private firms:
- 4,000 to 7,000 RON net (800 to 1,400 EUR) plus overtime and shift allowances.
Intercity and charter coach drivers:
- 5,000 to 9,000 RON net (1,000 to 1,800 EUR) depending on seasonality and tour length.

Overtime and Allowances

EU working time limits apply, but lawful overtime, night shifts, and weekend premiums boost earnings.
Per diems for international trips are common and may be partially tax-free up to legal limits.

What Impacts Your Pay

CE vs C vs D license category and endorsements like ADR.
Familiarity with routes to Germany, Italy, France, and the Benelux.
Safe record, zero incidents, fuel economy scores.
Basic Romanian language ability for yard, customs, and police interactions.

Cost of Living

Costs vary by city and lifestyle. Below are ballpark monthly figures for a single driver living modestly. Remember that many long-haul drivers spend weeks on the road, reducing some living costs at home.

Housing

Bucharest: 1-bedroom apartment
- 2,500 to 4,000 RON (500 to 800 EUR), depending on area and condition.
Cluj-Napoca: 2,200 to 3,800 RON (440 to 760 EUR).
Timisoara: 2,000 to 3,500 RON (400 to 700 EUR).
Iasi: 1,800 to 3,200 RON (360 to 640 EUR).
Deposits: Usually 1 to 2 months rent plus first month in advance.

Utilities and Internet

Utilities for a 1-bedroom: 100 to 180 EUR, higher in winter.
Fast home internet: 8 to 12 EUR.
Mobile plan with generous data: 7 to 12 EUR.

Food

Groceries for one person: 700 to 1,200 RON (140 to 240 EUR) per month.
Eating out at modest restaurants: 30 to 60 RON per meal.

Transport

City public transport passes: Typically 70 to 120 RON per month depending on city and zones.
Fuel: Prices fluctuate; check current rates. Owning a car adds insurance and maintenance costs.
Many long-haul drivers limit city commuting by staying near the depot when on shift rotations.

Healthcare and Insurance

Public healthcare via social contributions through your employer.
Many employers offer supplemental private health insurance; individual plans can start around 50 to 100 RON per month for basic coverage.

Summary

A net income of 8,000 to 14,000 RON from international CE work can cover living costs comfortably, leaving room to save.

Cultural Integration

Language Basics

You do not need perfect Romanian to start, but basic phrases make a big difference:

Hello: Buna
Thank you: Multumesc
Please: Va rog
Yes/No: Da/Nu
Documents, please: Actele, va rog
Where is the warehouse entrance?: Unde este intrarea in depozit?
I have an appointment at 10: Am programare la ora zece

English is common in logistics hubs, but learning Romanian accelerates trust and efficiency at yards, customs, and police checks.

Workplace Culture

Polite and professional with practical focus. Punctuality is important.
Dispatchers value clear communication. Inform early if delays occur.
Safety and compliance are non-negotiable. Keep your documents organized and accessible.

Road Culture

Drive on the right. Strict ban on alcohol while driving; the legal limit is effectively zero for professional drivers.
Winter preparation matters. In snow or ice, vehicles must have appropriate tires; heavy vehicles may be required to use chains on certain roads.
Expect occasional police and ISCTR checks. Stay calm and respectful, present documents promptly.

Payments and Fuel Cards

Payment cards are widely accepted. Companies commonly issue fuel cards like DKV, UTA, or Eurowag for international routes.
Keep receipts and delivery notes well filed; they matter for compliance and pay.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Treat your move like a project. Here is a clear, actionable plan for Global citizens targeting Romania.

Step 1: Research and Target Roles (Weeks 1-2)

Decide your primary path: International CE long-haul, domestic distribution, delivery, or passenger D.
Shortlist employers operating in the cities where you might live: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi. Look at DB Schenker Romania, DSV Solutions Romania, Raben Logistics Romania, H.Essers Romania, KLG Europe Romania, Aquila, Dumagas Transport, International Alexander, FAN Courier, Sameday, Urgent Cargus, GLS Romania, STB, CTP Cluj-Napoca, STPT Timisoara, CTP Iasi.
Prepare a concise CV highlighting license categories, years of experience, tachograph proficiency, ADR if any, accident-free record, and languages.

Step 2: Engage Employers and Confirm Sponsorship (Weeks 2-6)

Apply to 10-15 roles that match your profile.
Ask specific questions:
- Will the company sponsor my work permit and D/AM visa?
- Will they help with license conversion and CPC Code 95 in Romania?
- What is the pay structure: base vs per diem, route schedule, home time?
- Which depot will I be assigned to and what is the start date?

Step 3: Compile Visa and Work Permit Documents (Weeks 4-10)

Valid passport with enough validity.
Criminal record certificate from your country of residence.
Medical certificate stating fitness to work.
Proof of qualifications: license copies, translations, and any CPC or ADR certs you possess.
Employer work permit approval letter when issued.
Consular appointment for the D/AM visa.

Step 4: Plan Arrival and Housing (Weeks 8-12)

Consider short-term stays near depots: for Timisoara, areas with quick access to ring roads; for Bucharest, near logistics parks west or north of the city.
Budget for 1-2 months deposit and first rent.
Set up a Romanian SIM card immediately on arrival.

Step 5: Residence Permit and Administrative Setup (Weeks 1-4 in Romania)

Book IGI appointment for the residence permit as soon as you arrive.
Open a bank account using your passport and residence permit receipt where accepted.
Register for medical and psychological evaluations for professional driving.

Step 6: License Exchange and CPC (Weeks 2-8 in Romania)

If non-EU, apply at DRPCIV for license exchange. If retesting is required, schedule theory and practical sessions. Book an instructor familiar with EU test standards.
Enroll in CPC Code 95. If your foreign CPC is not recognized, do accelerated initial qualification. Book Romanian or English instruction.
Apply for the digital tachograph driver card at ARR.

Step 7: Company Induction and Route Onboarding (Weeks 6-10 in Romania)

Safety briefings, telematics and tachograph training, route familiarization, and documentation processes.
Initial ride-along days with a mentor if available.
Receive PPE, uniform, and fuel card.

Step 8: First 90 Days on the Job

Focus on compliance: master EU 561/2006 rules, working time, manual entries, ferry and split-rest rules.
Track your expenses and per diem eligibility. Keep all paperwork neat.
Learn depot-specific procedures: gate-in, seal checks, loading appointments, and pallet exchanges.

Step 9: Months 4-6: Optimize Your Schedule and Earnings

Target higher-paying lanes if offered: Benelux and Germany legs often pay better due to longer days on tour.
Consider ADR training to upgrade earnings.
Start Romanian lessons to improve interactions with customs officers and yard staff.

Step 10: Months 7-12: Consolidate and Grow

Ask for regular truck assignment if it improves comfort and care of equipment.
Review insurance, savings, and family relocation plans if applicable.
Book periodic CPC training and medical renewals well before expiry.

A First-Year Success Story: Month-by-Month Snapshot

Meet Amir, a CE driver from Global. He arrived in Timisoara with 7 years of regional experience and a clean record.

Month 1: Employer finalizes work permit and he secures a D/AM visa. Lands in Romania, secures a room near the depot for 350 EUR. Submits residence permit application and medical checks.
Month 2: Applies for tachograph driver card and enrolls in accelerated CPC. Shadow-drives on Romania-Hungary-Austria lanes.
Month 3: Gets his driver card. Starts full rotations: Timisoara - Budapest - Linz - Munich - back via Vienna. First payslip shows base salary plus per diem reaching about 2,200 EUR.
Month 4: Takes ADR base course. Handles first hazmat-free routes with tight delivery windows. Comfort with EU 561/2006 increases; he learns to plan split rests.
Month 5: Moves to a small studio for 450 EUR, shares internet with a colleague. Starts basic Romanian classes twice a week.
Month 6: Passes ADR exam. Starts occasional ADR loads with higher per diems. Average monthly take-home climbs near 2,600 EUR.
Month 7: Negotiates a consistent tractor assignment. Keeps immaculate vehicle inspection records, earning a safety bonus.
Month 8: Heavy winter month. Fits chains on Transylvanian segments; zero incidents. Dispatcher trusts him with time-critical pharma runs.
Month 9: Visits home country for two weeks; company supports travel scheduling. Returns to a new route that includes Northern Italy.
Month 10: Helps mentor a new driver on tachograph manual entries and border paperwork. Builds reputation as reliable and calm.
Month 11: Savings target met to bring spouse to Romania. Employer agrees to help with family residence applications.
Month 12: Year-end review. Performance bonus awarded. Amir renews his rental, books periodic CPC, and plans for tank specialization within ADR to raise earnings further.

The lesson: plan your paperwork, over-communicate with dispatch, invest in CPC and ADR, learn the language basics, and adopt a safety-first mindset. Your first year can set up years of stability and growth.

Regulations Every New Driver Must Master

EU Driving and Rest Rules (Regulation 561/2006)

Daily driving: Up to 9 hours, twice a week up to 10 hours.
Weekly driving: Up to 56 hours, with a maximum of 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks.
Breaks: 45-minute break after 4.5 hours driving, split allowed as 15 + 30 minutes.
Daily rest: 11 hours regular, reductions allowed under conditions. Split rest possible 3 + 9 hours.
Weekly rest: 45 hours regular, reduced rests allowed with compensation.

Working Time for Mobile Workers (Directive 2002/15/EC)

Working time includes driving, loading, paperwork, and waiting if not free to dispose of time.
Maximum average weekly working time 48 hours over reference period; cannot exceed 60 in any single week.

Tachograph Operations

Always use your digital driver card when driving a tachograph-equipped vehicle.
Make manual entries for other work, availability, and rest when needed.
Keep printouts when the device fails, and report malfunctions immediately.
Carry the last 28 days of records, plus current day.

Romanian Road Transport Specifics

Rovinieta (vignette) required for national roads; employer typically handles for company vehicles.
Specific tolls: Certain bridges and sections may have separate tolling. Follow company procedures for payments.
Winter rules: Adequate tires required when roads are snowy or icy; chains may be mandated on some mountain routes.
Enforcement: ISCTR and police conduct roadside checks for weight, documents, and safety.

Success Tips From Other Expats

Document discipline: Keep a slim folder with passport, residence card, driver card, license, CPC proof, ADR cert, and vehicle documents. Laminated copies can help in poor weather.
Winter kit: Thermal gloves, headlamp, anti-gel for fuel, shovel, traction mats, and de-icer. Check coolant and battery health early.
GPS and truck restrictions: Use a truck-specific GPS or app with bridge heights and tonnage limits. Romania's secondary roads can be narrow.
Parking strategy: Plan rest stops early, especially on busy corridors to Hungary and Austria. Use secure truck parks whenever possible.
Borders: Check wait times and choose less congested crossings when practical. Keep customs papers tidy if handling T1 or transit documents.
Communication: A few Romanian phrases plus WhatsApp groups with colleagues save hours.
Health: Stretch at every stop. Dehydration and long sits lead to fatigue. Carry healthy snacks.
Finance: Open a Romanian account for salary and per diems. Track allowances and deductions to avoid surprises.
Learn continuously: Periodic CPC is not a chore if you choose useful modules like eco-driving and load security. ADR upgrades pay back quickly.

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them

Driving on the right: Practice with a smaller vehicle if you are coming from left-side traffic. Focus on lane discipline at roundabouts.
Winter conditions: Reduce speed early, lengthen following distances, and avoid sudden braking. Use engine braking on slopes.
Toll and vignette systems: Follow company guidance; keep proof of payment. Ask dispatch for updated toll policies on cross-border legs.
EU working time directives: If pressured to overrun, escalate politely and document. Safety and legal compliance come first.
Language barriers: Learn load-related vocabulary and numbers first. Carry a phrase card for police and yard communications.

Conclusion: Your Road to Romania Starts Now

Your first year in Romania can redefine your driving career. The combination of EU-standard pay on international routes, lower living costs, and a hungry logistics market gives Global drivers a real advantage. The path is clear: secure a sponsor, nail the visa and residence steps, convert your license and obtain Code 95, get your tachograph driver card, and consider ADR for higher earnings. Invest in language basics, winter readiness, and meticulous documentation, and you will win the trust of dispatchers and clients.

Ready to make the move? Start by shortlisting 10 employers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, or Iasi, and send your CV this week. Your first 12 months in Romania can be the pivot from local experience to European professional status. The wheel is in your hands.

FAQ

1) What visa do I need to work as a driver in Romania if I am from Global?

You will typically need an employer-sponsored work permit followed by a long-stay employment visa type D/AM. After you arrive, you apply for a residence permit that authorizes work. Your employer should guide you through the IGI process.

2) Can I use my foreign C/CE/D license right away?

EU licenses are recognized. For non-EU licenses, you may need to exchange them at DRPCIV. Depending on bilateral agreements, you might be able to exchange without retesting, but if there is no agreement, theory and practical exams may be required. Plan several weeks and budget for medical and psychological checks.

3) Do I need CPC Code 95 to drive professionally in Romania?

Yes. CPC (Code 95) is mandatory for commercial driving in the EU. If you already hold an EU CPC, it is recognized. If your CPC is non-EU or not recognized, you must complete initial or accelerated initial qualification in Romania and then do periodic training every 5 years.

4) How do I get a digital tachograph driver card?

Apply to ARR with your ID or residence permit, photo, and the required fee. Processing generally takes 2 to 4 weeks. Keep accurate tachograph records at all times and carry the last 28 days of data and printouts where necessary.

5) What are realistic salaries for CE drivers?

International CE drivers commonly take home the equivalent of 2,000 to 3,200 EUR per month when combining base salary and per diems. Domestic CE work typically pays 4,500 to 8,000 RON net monthly, depending on region and schedule. Exact pay depends on routes, experience, and employers.

6) How much does it cost to live in Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca?

Expect 500 to 800 EUR for a 1-bedroom rental in Bucharest and 440 to 760 EUR in Cluj-Napoca. Utilities can be 100 to 180 EUR monthly. Groceries for one person are about 140 to 240 EUR monthly. Public transport passes are roughly 70 to 120 RON depending on city and zones.

7) Is ADR certification worth it?

Yes if you plan to handle higher-value or fuel and chemical cargo. ADR increases employability and often boosts total monthly earnings. The course and exam require study, but many drivers recoup costs within a few months through better-paying assignments.

8) What about winter driving in Romania?

Winters can be harsh, especially in mountain areas. Use appropriate tires, carry chains, and respect weather advisories. Slow down early and keep longer distances. Companies expect a winter kit onboard. Your safety and compliance matter more than speed.

9) Do I need to know Romanian?

Many logistics teams operate in English, but basics in Romanian speed up onboarding and help with police, customs, and yard staff. Learn direction words, numbers, time, and common cargo terms. Language learning pays off quickly in trust and efficiency.

10) How long does the whole relocation process take?

From first application to your first solo international route, plan 2 to 4 months if your documents are in order and your employer is proactive. Work permit and visa steps often take the longest. License exchange and CPC can run in parallel if scheduled smartly.