Transport Germany with Seacon Logistics

Seacon Logistics is your logistics service provider and central point of contact for transport to and from Germany. From strategic locations and together with our worldwide network of agents and partners, we quickly, smoothly and cost-effectively take care of your transport. From full loads (FTL), part loads (LTL), pallets, intermodal to special transport

Germany has been one of our key partners of 'Seacon Logistics' since our company was founded. As the fourth largest economy in the world and with an annual gross domestic product (GDP) of around €3,500 billion, it is not surprising that companies from all over the world trade with this European country. The country's export volume has more than quadrupled since 1990 and the number of trading partners keeps growing. Located in the heart of Europe and surrounded by nine neighbouring countries, Germany's importance for logistics is well known both within Europe and globally. 

For transport to and from this interesting transport country, it is only logical for you as a company – together with Seacon as your professional partner – to take your logistics to a higher level. From our location in the port of Duisburg (CFS Duisburg), in cooperation with our global partners, we organise your goods transports directly, safely and efficiently. On this page, you can read more about our transport solutions for Germany. 

Major transport routes Germany and your benefits 

The central geographical location, as well as the wide variety of transport options, make Germany one of the best countries in the world for efficient and safe transport.

In 2016, the logistics location was ranked first in comparison of 160 countries in the World Bank's 'Connecting to Compete 2016' survey, partly due to its efficiently developed transport routes. 

Most of the goods are transported through domestic road transport, via rail transport and sea freight. Air freight only plays a minor role. As the EU's largest transit country, Germany has the densest long-distance road network in Europe. Therefore, the country has favourable transport conditions that enable international mobility. The domestic EU market, free movement of goods and agreements with third countries allow exports to distant countries at low tariffs. Via the many highways, transport can be arranged across the country quickly, efficiently and safely, at attractive costs, giving you many advantages. 

Road transport in Germany has doubled in the last 20 years.As a company, you also have the option of transporting your shipments via rail in a more environmentally friendly, plannable and reliable way. Rail transport is also suitable as an intermodal transport option. Thanks to European partners and international mobility as far as Asia, you can cover long distances at favourable rates. This is particularly enticing for heavy or bulky goods. You will also benefit from simplified taxes and office creation in the EU Schengen area. 

Sea freight has become increasingly important in recent years as a more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and safe mode of transport. Through the Rhine (with tributaries the Neckar, Main, Moselle and Saar) and the Danube, Germany is directly connected to 24 countries. In addition, there are more than 100 modern seaports and inland ports in the country and major industrial and commercial centres and metropolitan regions have direct waterway connections. Like our European partners, we have convenient connections to Europe's largest seaports from our terminal at the port in Duisburg and direct your transports quickly and safely. 

Looking for a well-thought-out logistics solution for your transport from or to Germany? Then contact our specialists. Together with our local partners, we will draw up a suitable logistics solution for you, with which we will transport your goods safely and efficiently to or from Germany. 

The German Autobahn with several trucks carrying road transport across Germany | Seacon Logistics
The port of Duisburg, where a Seacon branch is located | Seacon Logistics

Important cities for freight transport in Germany

Germany has many logistics locations, thanks to its excellent transport network. There are a number of metropolitan regions through which the majority of goods are transported. These are the regions of Duisburg/North Rhine, Central Germany, Frankfurt, Cologne-Bonn, Hamburg and Bremen. What stands out about these regions is their connection to international markets.

The region around Duisburg and the Lower Rhine is mainly connected by road, rail and sea (via the Rhine) to metropolitan regions Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels and Paris. Hamburg and Bremen are a global gateway for goods traffic thanks to their ports. The Central German region (Frankfurt) and Berlin, Leipzig/Halle and Munich provide connections to Eastern European countries and Asia. 

The same applies to air cargo volumes at German airports. Frankfurt has the largest cargo volume. Leipzig/Halle and Cologne/Bonn airports occupy second and third place. Thanks to the presence of many forwarders and the proximity to the motorway, air freight transport in Germany is very popular.

Are you looking for a logistics forwarder who offers your transport efficiently, on attractive terms and takes care of all your logistical needs? Contact our experts. We will be happy to work with you to find a tailor-made solution for your goods.

Transport solutions from Seacon Logistics

We offer different types of transport to and from Germany. Whether it concerns general cargo, less-than-truckload or full-truckload shipping, air freight, sea freight or freight transport – we will ensure that your goods arrive at their destination safely and on time. Below you will find our transport solutions to and from Germany:

  • Groupage transport to Germany 
  • Pallet shipment
  • Partial loads (LTL / LCL)
  • Full loads (FCL / FTL)
  • Rail transport
  • Deliveries in the city centre
  • Delivery with tailboard
  • Express delivery to Germany
An aerial view of the city of Berlin. Including the Fernsehturm and the Museumsinsel | Seacon Logistics

Groupage Germany - LCL and LTL

The term LTL (Less Than Truck Load) is used in freight transport to indicate that only part of the available cargo space of the truck is filled. In the logistics industry, it is therefore common to combine several partial loads at one loading point or to add a partial load. In short, groupage or LTL is therefore the merging of several smaller loads into one larger load. This optimises the use of the freight container during road freight.

The abbreviation LCL stands for Less than Container Load and in sea freight refers to shipments that do not fill an entire container and are combined with other general cargo in a consolidated container. LCL transport mainly offers price advantages and some benefits in practical handling and stowage. For general cargo, only proportionate transport costs are incurred for the use of the container volume.

Full loads Germany - FCL or FTL

The abbreviation FCL (Full Container Load) is used in sea freight for full container loads. Unlike LCL: a load that only partially fills a container. With FCL loads, the container is loaded by a shipper and unloaded at the destination by a consignee.

With an FTL delivery (Full Truck Load), the shipment fills the entire available cargo space. The truck transports this shipment to its destination without reloading. This is for one recipient. This completely utilises the truck’s transport capacity. 

Fast delivery is the main advantage of FTL. This is because there is no need for transhipment or extra route planning to different recipients. The truck drives directly to one destination. It is the most effective method of transporting goods by road to a final destination. 

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Loading special transport onto a truck. | Seacon Logistics

Special transport Germany

In our wide range of transport services, we also offer special transport to and from Germany. This is the worldwide transport of long, high and heavy goods that do not fit in a container or truck. We believe it is important to comply with all international regulations and guidelines in this type of transport. Especially when transporting dangerous goods, regardless of whether they are transported to or from Germany to abroad. Below you will find an overview of all goods that Seacon Logistics transports: 

  • Long goods
  • Dangerous goods (ADR)
  • Boxes (KTN)
  • Boxes (BOX)
  • Bundles
  • Heavy load
  • Pallets (PLT)
  • Gitter boxes (GIBO)
  • Barrels (FSS)
  • Other loose goods

Transport options Germany: to and from Asia, America, Europe and Africa

At Seacon Logistics we understand that, in addition to the quality of your products, fast shipping and associated satisfied customers are of great importance. That is why we facilitate the worldwide transport of your goods in all aspects. Goods transport within Europe is usually handled via road freight, but for shipments to and from Asia, North and South America and Africa, we of course also have sea freight and air freight at your disposal.

From our locations at strategically located terminals, we supply all major consumer markets. By outsourcing your transport to and from Germany to Seacon Logistics, you benefit from the advantage that you do not have to worry about complicated coordination across different continents and time zones. With us, you are guaranteed – partly thanks to the excellent cooperation with our partner network – a fast, efficient and well-organised shipment. 

Container terminal from above, showing a container ship loading sea freight and moving trucks (road transport). | Seacon Logistics

Transit and delivery times for transport to Germany

To satisfy you and meet all your requirements, reliability and speed are paramount at Seacon Logistics. That is why we work closely with a worldwide partner network and can plan, execute and organise your transport efficiently. 

It is also possible to send express shipments, we arrange this in collaboration with our network. Fast transport services and our in-house customs clearance ensure that your transport from Germany arrives at your customer faster than usual. 

For daily updated information and reliable transport planning, please contact us directly. Our specialists are always ready to help you. 

Customs: the correct import and export documents

Our focus is always on the entire logistics chain. To serve you even better, our in-house customs department takes care of the necessary import and export documents and transport certificates. Our Compliance Desk checks whether your goods comply with all guidelines and sanction regulations at the place of destination. This way you will not be faced with unpleasant surprises and you can concentrate on your core business. Thanks to our status as Authorised Economic Operator (previously AEO-certified) and 'preferred supplier', we can minimise delays. An important advantage for you as a customer.

Want to know more about how we unburden you in terms of customs and customs declarations?  

More about customs

Incoterms®: Protect your international trade with Germany

As a global logistics chain director, Seacon Logistics deals a lot with Incoterms®. Although we are not involved in the commercial agreements between buyer and seller, we are often consulted about the dangers and consequences of the various Incoterms® before a transaction is concluded. In practice, many companies still underestimate the risks.

To ensure that contractual formulas in the trade of goods are interpreted equally by buyer and seller, we have created a white paper and an infographic. 

View our Incoterms® page

Important additional information: Public holidays, driving bans and local details

Germany is internationally known for its bureaucratic regulations. Although the requirements are sometimes high and the process is lengthy, compliance ensures high security, reliability and predictability for companies. As Germany is a member of the EU, both national and European legislation must be complied with. We have listed the particulars below, which companies and forwarders face in Germany. Of course, we - as a logistics service provider - are happy to relieve you of any worries in this area, so that you do not run any unforeseen risks and can focus on other important matters. 

  • Goods and storage law: The rules for goods transport and passenger transport are fundamentally different in Germany. They cover the transport of goods by road, air, rail and water and are associated with significant liability and risk potential.
  • EU membership: Depending on the transport, you will need an EU permit or CEMT permit for international transport. Also note the bilateral permits between Germany and third countries.
  • Sunday driving ban: on Sundays and public holidays, trucks with a total weight over 7.5 tonnes and trailers for commercial freight transport are not allowed to drive between 0.00 am and 10.00 pm.

If you have more detailed questions about the specifics or rules in Germany, please feel free to contact our team. In a joint logistic analysis, we examine which aspects are relevant for your goods transport. 

The strength of Seacon: logistics at its heart since 1985

Since the establishment of Seacon Logistics, we have been building our organisation as a leading logistics chain director. Today, Seacon Logistics has over 700 employees at various strategic locations throughout Europe. Yet the origins of the family business can still be felt in our organisation. And that is precisely where our strength lies. Logistic services from the heart, that's what we are all about!

With a strong we-feeling, we take on logistical challenges and work together to serve you as our customer in the best possible way. With innovative and efficient solutions, we take your logistics to a new level. Transparent communication, personal approach and entrepreneurship are the basis of our customers' trust. 

Are you interested in a transport solution to a country other than Germany? Then take a look at one of our many other partner countries: 

Would you like to receive a quote or do you have other questions?

Then please do not hesitate to contact us. We know the logistical challenges of our customers and have been optimising their logistics chains for decades. No distance is too far or challenge too great. Are you ready to take your logistics chain to the next level? Then be sure to get in touch with us.

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