Freight Transport from Poland to France and Benelux

Freight transport from Poland to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands (Benelux) plays a central role in European trade. These countries are top destinations for Polish exports across key sectors such as automotive, food, machinery, and consumer goods. In 2025, developed infrastructure, seamless EU trade regulations, and efficient delivery options ensure fast, reliable logistics operations.

Key Transport Routes

1. Poznań/Wrocław → France/Benelux (A2 → A12 → A1/A3):
   Main road freight corridor via Germany, entering Benelux or France near Cologne or Aachen.
2. Katowice → France (A4 → A6):
   Connects southern Poland to eastern France, ideal for shipments from Silesia.
3. Rail Freight:
   Intermodal connections from Łódź, Poznań, and Katowice to Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Paris.
4. Sea Freight:
   Gdańsk/Gdynia ports offer direct shipping routes to Rotterdam and Antwerp for bulk and container cargo.

Transit Times

• Road Freight: 2–4 days
• Rail Freight: 4–6 days
• Sea Freight: 7–12 days (port-to-port)

Road transport remains the fastest, while rail and sea are more economical for high-volume or non-urgent shipments.

Customs and Regulations

As part of the European Union, Poland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands operate under free movement of goods, with:

• No customs duties or border checks.
• CMR Waybill required for all road shipments.
• EORI Number needed by exporters and importers.
• Intra-EU VAT: Zero-rated if the buyer is VAT-registered in the destination country.
• SENT System: In Poland, certain goods (e.g., fuel, alcohol, chemicals) must be registered before departure.

Transport Options

Full Truckload (FTL)

• Suitable for large or high-priority cargo.
• Offers direct, uninterrupted delivery.

Less-than-Truckload (LTL)

• Cost-effective for smaller loads.
• Shared truck space; longer transit but lower costs.

Intermodal Freight

• Uses both rail and road.
• Ideal for containerized goods and long-haul shipments.

Logistics Tips

• Plan ahead for peak shipping seasons (Q2, Q4).
• Use digital freight platforms for booking and tracking shipments.
• Leverage intermodal services for sustainability and cost savings.
• Ensure compliance with SENT if transporting sensitive goods.

Conclusion

In 2025, shipping from Poland to France and Benelux is efficient and reliable thanks to EU trade agreements and high-quality infrastructure. Businesses can optimize deliveries by selecting the right transport method, planning routes, and using modern logistics tools for real-time visibility and performance.