Luc van Hensberg
Sales
+31 (0)77 327 5574
saleslandvracht@seaconlogistics.com
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Slovakia
Transport Slovakia with Seacon Logistics
Seacon Logistics is your logistics service provider and central point of contact for transport to and from Slovakia. 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.
With about 5.5 million inhabitants, Slovakia is a fairly sparsely populated country, but the country nevertheless holds significant economic power. The Slovak economy has performed well in recent years, with a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita higher than many other countries and low unemployment rates. The primary economic sector is the service sector, followed by industry and trade. Slovakia is also a popular tourist destination, especially for visitors from Europe and neighbouring countries.
The country is located in Central Europe and borders Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic. Slovakia has a well-connected road and railway network and has access to major river and sea ports in Europe. Additionally, the country has several international airports, with Bratislava Airport being the largest and most important.
Slovakia maintains close trade relations with EU member states, especially Germany and the Czech Republic, which are its largest trading partners. Imports mainly consist of machinery, electrical engineering, motor vehicles and chemicals, while exports primarily include cars, machinery, textiles and electronics. Slovakia also maintains trade relationships with other countries worldwide, particularly the United States, China, and other Asian countries.
For Slovakia transport, it is only logical for you as a company – together with Seacon as your professional partner – to take your logistics to a higher level. On this page, you can read more about our transport solutions for Slovakia.
Important transport routes Slovakia and your benefits
As a small Central European country, Slovakia has become one of the strongest forces in the region, partly due to the diverse transportation options for goods and commodities.
The national and regional road network in Slovakia consists of over 50,000 kilometres of roads, including approximately 500 kilometres of highways and nearly3,500 kilometres of expressways. The national road network comprises the main connections between larger cities and regions in the country, enabling fast and efficient road transport. It includes the D1, D2, D3 and D4 highways, which connect the country from north to south and serve as the main links between Slovakia and neighbouring countries. The road network in Slovakia is well-maintained and regularly updated.
As an important transit country within Europe, Slovakia has a well-developed railway network that connects the country with other European nations. The rail transport system spans over 3,000 kilometres and is divided into the main East-West and North-South routes. Investments (particularly in the modernisation of the Bratislava-Košice main line and the expansion of connections with Poland and the Czech Republic) mean that rail transport can increasingly compete with road transport.
Sea freight plays a relatively small role in Slovakia – as a country without access to the sea – compared to other modalities, such as road transport and rail transport. Nevertheless, there are certain ports that play an important role in Slovak freight transport, in particular, the port of Trieste (Italy) and the port of Budapest (Hungary). In addition, the port of the Slovak capital Bratislava (located on the Danube), is an important logistics hub for goods transport from, to and within Slovakia.
In recent years, Bratislava Airport has evolved into a significant air freight hub in Europe, offering connections to major European and international cities. Other airports in Košice and Poprad are also connected to international air traffic.
Important cities for freight transport in Slovakia
The infrastructure in Slovakia is highly developed, especially in the three main cities for freight transport: Bratislava, Košice, and Trenčín.
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is the country’s primary business location and logistics centre. It is situated on the border with Austria and Hungary, with excellent connections to the European road network and M. R. Štefánik Airport. Due to its location and concentration of economic activity in the capital, it offers ideal conditions for goods transport.
Košice is the second-largest city in Slovakia, located in the eastern part of the country. It is an important business location and has good connections to the road and railway network, as well as to Leoš Janáček Airport.
Trenčín is a city in the northwest of Slovakia. The city is located on the border with the Czech Republic and Poland, providing access to the national and international road network and the airport.
Overall, thanks to its many neighbouring countries and the development of logistics centres within the country, Slovakia offers excellent investment opportunities for companies looking to conquer the European market. Would you like to take advantage of the local conditions? Please contact us. Together, we will develop an offer tailored to the individual needs of your logistics.
Transport solutions Slovakia
We offer different types of transport to and from Slovakia. 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 Slovakia:
- Groupage transport to Slovakia
- Pallet shipment
- Partial loads (LTL / LCL)
- Full loads (FCL / FTL)
- Rail transport
- Deliveries in the city centre
- Delivery with tailboard
- Express delivery to Slovakia
Groupage Slovakia - 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 Slovakia - 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.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO REQUEST A PRICE INDICATION OR DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?
Special transport Slovakia
In our wide range of transport services, we also offer special transport to and from Slovakia. 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 Slovakia 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 Slovakia: 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 Slovakia 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.
Transit and delivery times for transport to Slovakia
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 Slovakia 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?
Incoterms®: Protect your international trade with Slovakia
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.
Important additional information: Public holidays, driving bans and local details
Slovakia is a part of the European Union (EU) and has a well-developed infrastructure, which has contributed to its economic success. Despite simplified regulations within Europe, there are still some regulations to consider when transporting goods within the country:
- Customs regulations: You may need an EU licence or CEMT licence for international transport. Bilateral licences between Slovakia and third countries may also be relevant.
- Driving bans: Trucks and vehicle combinations over 7.5 tonnes are subject to driving bans on Sundays and public holidays from 00:00 to 22:00 on all highways, international, and national roads of the first order. Additionally, other temporary driving bans may apply.
- Toll: Toll must be paid on Slovak highways and some other roads to finance the maintenance and further development of the road network. These fees are calculated based on the distance travelled and the vehicle class.
- Travelling through mountains: Despite the sometimes challenging mountainous terrain, Seacon Logistics and its partners specialise in providing efficient, fast, and above all, safe transportation.
If you have more detailed questions about the specifics or rules in Slovakia, 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 Slovakia? 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.