At a glance
- 🚛 Cost Structure: Groupage (LTL) is best for <10 pallets; Full Truck (FTL) is most economical for large volumes.
- ⏱️ Speed: Direct ferry (Cherbourg-Rosslare) takes 4–6 days but guarantees zero customs. UK Landbridge is faster (3–4 days) but riskier.
- 📄 Paperwork: EU-to-EU trade requires only a CMR and Packing List. No customs declarations needed for direct routes.
- 📉 Saving Tip: Consolidation (combining orders) is the #1 way to reduce unit shipping costs.
The Logistics Dilemma
When sourcing from Poland, the first question our clients ask is: "How much will shipping add to the cost?" The answer depends on three factors: Volume, Urgency, and Route.
This guide breaks down the options so you can choose the right logistics strategy for your project in Ireland.
1. Costs: Full Truck (FTL) vs. Groupage (LTL)
Understanding the difference between FTL and LTL is key to budgeting.
Full Truck Load (FTL)
- Best for: Large orders (e.g., full house fit-out, structural steel, large windows order).
- Cost: You pay a fixed rate for the entire truck (approx. 33 pallet spaces / 24 tons), regardless of whether you fill it completely.
- Advantage: Fastest method (direct A to B) and safest (no reloading along the way).
Groupage / Less than Truck Load (LTL)
- Best for: Smaller orders (e.g., 2 pallets of tiles, 1 kitchen).
- Cost: You pay only for the "pallet spaces" you use.
- Advantage: Very cheap for small volumes.
- Disadvantage: Slower (truck stops to pick up/drop off other goods) and slightly higher risk of damage due to handling.
Actitrade Tip: We often use Consolidated Transport. We gather goods from 3-4 of your suppliers in Poland into our warehouse and load them onto one FTL truck. This gives you the speed of FTL at a much better price per unit.
2. Delivery Times & Routes
Time is money on a construction site. Here is the realistic breakdown of transit times from Poland to Dublin/Rosslare.
| Route | Est. Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Ferry (via France) | 4–6 Days | 100% Customs Free, predictable, reliable. | Slightly longer sea crossing (18-24h). |
| UK Landbridge (via UK) | 3–4 Days | Fastest road connection. | Customs Risk. Requires T1/T2 transit docs. Delays at Dover/Calais can happen. |
Our recommendation: For 95% of projects, we use the Direct Ferry route. The certainty of avoiding UK customs borders outweighs saving 24 hours of driving time.
3. Documentation (The "Scary" Part)
Many Irish companies fear hidden paperwork. If you stick to the Direct EU Route, the documentation is incredibly simple.
Required Documents:
- CMR (International Consignment Note): Proof of the contract of carriage. The driver has this.
- Packing List: A detailed list of what is on each pallet (essential for checking goods on site).
- Commercial Invoice: Your proof of purchase (0% VAT).
NOT Required (for Direct Route):
- ❌ Import Declarations (SAD)
- ❌ T1 Transit Forms
- ❌ Veterinary/Phytosanitary checks (unless importing raw timber/food)
Summary: How to optimize?
To get the best transport rate per unit:
- Plan ahead: Allow 1 week for logistics booking.
- Consolidate: Try to fill at least 50% of a truck (approx 15-16 pallets) to make FTL viable.
- Check Site Access: Tell us if you need a tail-lift or a small rigid truck before we book an articulated lorry.
Need a shipping quote? Send us your volume details, and we will calculate the most cost-effective route for you.