Shipping vehicles and machinery to Rotterdam
Europe’s largest port and the standard entry point for vehicles and machinery destined for the EU. Deep-sea services from North China with reliable schedules.
North EuropeUN/LOCODE NLRTMContainer · RoRo · Breakbulk
Options
Methods available on this trade
| Method | Available to Rotterdam |
|---|---|
| Container | Yes — weekly deep-sea services |
| RoRo | Yes — deep-sea RoRo capacity from China |
| Breakbulk | Yes — heavy lift and project cargo terminals |
Confirm method availability at the time of booking. RoRo coverage in particular depends on which services are calling the port that month.
Timing
Transit time
| From | To | Indicative transit | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tianjin / Qingdao | Rotterdam | 30–42 days indicative — confirmed at booking | Port to port, excluding destination clearance |
| Shanghai / Nansha / Yantian / Shekou | Rotterdam | 30–42 days (via southern ports) indicative — confirmed at booking | Port to port |
Transit is port to port and excludes destination clearance, inland delivery and any transhipment delay. We give the current figure in writing with the quotation.
Operational notes
What to watch out for on this route
- EU import formalities and, for vehicles, type-approval and emissions considerations are the consignee’s responsibility — confirm before shipping.
- Wood packaging material used for crating and dunnage must meet the phytosanitary standard and be marked accordingly.
On the ground
Customs clearance in Netherlands
We do not arrange clearance in Netherlands. It is handled by a licensed broker nominated by the consignee. We supply the documents they need and coordinate the release with them so the handover at the port is clean.
Our clearance capability covers West Africa and Madagascar. Elsewhere we ship and hand over to the consignee’s broker — and we say so up front rather than promising coverage we do not have.
Paperwork
Documents required
- Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading
- Certificate of origin — required for preference claims
- Phytosanitary marking on any wood packaging
- Consignee EORI and import declaration
Documentary requirements change and vary by commodity and consignee. This list is a starting point, not a compliance guarantee — the consignee’s licensed broker confirms what applies.
Book a shipment to Rotterdam
Send vehicle details, dimensions and weight and the origin city. We come back with methods, cost and the next sailing.
Request a QuoteQuestions we get asked often
How long does shipping to Rotterdam take?
We quote the current port-to-port transit in writing with the quotation. Published figures go stale quickly; ours are confirmed against the service being booked.
Is RoRo available to Rotterdam?
It depends on which services are calling. Ask us and we will check the current rotation before you commit to container rates.
Can you handle destination clearance?
Our scope is the export and carriage side. Destination clearance in Netherlands is handled by a licensed broker, usually nominated by the consignee. We work alongside them and supply the documents they need.
Can you ship machinery as well as vehicles to Rotterdam?
Yes — construction and mining machinery moves on the same services, by container, breakbulk or on flat racks depending on size and weight.