Shipping pallets within Europe: costs, regulations and tips

Shipping goods abroad becomes a lot more efficient when you use pallet transport. Whether it’s a single pallet to Germany or multiple pallets headed to Southern Europe — it’s often faster, safer and more cost-effective than sending individual parcels.

However, each country has its own rules, costs and required documents. In this blog, you’ll learn what you need to know about pallet shipments within Europe — and how to avoid unexpected surprises along the way.

When should you choose pallet shipping?

Pallet transport is ideal when you need to ship larger, heavier or fragile goods that shouldn’t be sent as individual parcels. It offers more stability, reduces the risk of damage and often results in a more efficient transport process. Still, pallet shipping also comes with a few considerations: you’re bound to specific dimensions, loading and unloading may take extra time, and not every destination is easily accessible for pallets. That’s why it’s important to carefully assess when pallet transport is the right choice — and when it isn’t.

Pallet shipments are suitable for both individual goods and bulk freight, and can be transported by road, air, sea or rail. Thanks to standardised dimensions and handling methods, loading, unloading and stacking are quick and safe.

Want to know more about different pallet types and pricing? Then you’re here in the right place.

When is pallet shipping most efficient?

A pallet shipment is a smart choice when you regularly send goods that:

are too large or too heavy for standard parcel services;
are sensitive to damage and therefore need to remain stable during transport;
contain multiple boxes or products that together form one consolidated shipment;
are delivered to B2B locations with loading docks or forklifts.

In short: pallet transport offers reliability, structure and efficiency. And in many cases, it’s more cost-effective than sending multiple individual parcels.

Rules per country

Within Europe, the rules for pallet transport are largely the same, but each country has its own nuances. A few examples:

Germany: strict requirements for pallet weight (max. 1,000 kg) and mandatory Euro pallet exchange for return shipments.
France: specific guidelines for ADR shipments (dangerous goods) and mandatory labelling in French.
Italy and Spain: often longer transit times due to regional distribution centres — important to consider for perishable goods.
Scandinavia: pallets must withstand cold and humid conditions during transport.

For international shipments, it’s always wise to check in advance which documents, labels or permits are required. The specialists at TFF are happy to advise you and ensure your shipment fully meets the requirements of the destination country.

How are the costs calculated?

The cost of pallet transport is determined by several factors:

Dimensions and weight – the larger and heavier the pallet, the higher the price.
Distance and destination – shipping to Southern or Eastern Europe is more expensive than within the Benelux.
Type of freight – standard goods are cheaper than ADR shipments or temperature-controlled transport.
Number of pallets – sending multiple pallets often comes with volume discounts.
Delivery speed – urgent shipments or timed deliveries come with additional charges.

Practical tips for efficient packaging

A well-packaged pallet helps prevent damage, delays and unnecessary costs. Keep the following points in mind:

Use sturdy pallets without splinters or broken boards — or opt for plastic pallets.
Distribute the weight evenly and place the heaviest items at the bottom.
Wrap the pallet tightly with stretch film and use straps for higher stacks.
Place a label on multiple sides of the pallet so it’s always visible.
Avoid items sticking out, as they can get caught during loading or transport.