Freight transportation Czech Republic — Ukraine

The Czech Republic is a popular destination for entrepreneurs, business owners and retailers. Key shipping routes between this European country and Ukraine involve exports of equipment, machinery, vehicles, spare parts, as well as forestry and agricultural products.

What’s included in the shipping service package to the Czech Republic

ETS provides:

• Professional transport vehicles equipped with necessary fastenings and markings.
• Complete processing of all required documents, including waybills, transport permits and customs documentation.
• Comprehensive insurance against damages, theft and accidents.
• Cargo monitoring throughout the transportation journey to the destination, along with secure packaging.

Advantages of Working with ETS

• Personal Manager: each client has a personal manager who considers the specifics of the cargo and route.
• Full Door-to-Door Service, which includes tracking of goods at all delivery stages.
• Extensive Experience: since 2011, ETS has completed thousands of international shipping contracts.
• Diverse Fleet: includes tarp-covered and metal vehicles, refrigerated containers, isotherms and specialized transport for different types of goods.

Features of International Shipping to/from the Czech Republic

Freight transportation between the Czech Republic and Ukraine differs significantly from other deliveries within Europe. This applies to traffic regulations as well as export laws, required documentation and other regulations.

Firstly, road transport of goods between these countries requires compliance with specific traffic rules. In the Czech Republic, the maximum speed for trucks on highways is 80 km/h, and in populated areas, it is 50 km/h. Secondly, all vehicles undergo technical inspection to meet European safety and environmental standards (Euro-6). Truck drivers must follow EU regulations regarding working hours, which include a maximum driving time of 9 hours per day and mandatory breaks (45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving).

Additionally, in the Czech Republic, truck drivers pay tolls for using highways and certain other roads through an electronic payment system, so a vignette is required for travel.

The legislative requirements for exporting goods also differ, with numerous restrictions in place. Dual-use goods, for example, typically require the appropriate permit from the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade. Some types of food and agricultural products are subject to controls due to phytosanitary requirements. Exporting such goods requires certification and compliance with international standards.

Additional regulations include:

• Trucks over 7.5 tons have restricted movement on weekends and holidays.
• Fuel for vehicles can be imported into the Czech Republic without duty.
• Trucks over 12 tons must use the electronic toll collection system.

Delivery Geography for Shipments from the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is partially located in mountainous regions, which complicates winter delivery due to weather conditions (snowfalls, ice etc). Some areas and cities have restrictions on heavy truck movement at certain times or days, making careful route planning essential.

Cost of Shipping from the Czech Republic to Ukraine

Shipping costs depend on several factors: distance, cargo type, delivery timelines and demand on specific routes. Rates are regularly updated due to queues and demand for transport, as well as external conditions. The availability of drivers for international routes and strict EU environmental standards, which may require low-emission vehicles, can also influence the final cost, especially for hazardous cargo.

Types of Freight Transport to the Czech Republic

Transportation to the Czech Republic covers the following types:

• Road Transport. One of the most common and flexible ways to ship between the Czech Republic and Ukraine, offering direct door-to-door transport. Main delivery points include Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, Liberec, Hradec Králové and others.
• Sea Transport. Shipments through neighboring ports, with subsequent road or rail transport. Documentation for sea shipments includes a bill of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists and customs documents.
• Rail Transport. Documentation includes a railway bill (CIM/SMGS), commercial invoices, packing lists and customs documents. However, crossing multiple borders adds complexity. Rail transport is considered safe and reliable, with minimal risk of damage, and the delivery time between the Czech Republic and Ukraine typically takes several days depending on the route and network congestion.
• Air Transport. The fastest method, ideal for urgent or short-shelf-life cargo. Weight and volume restrictions require careful planning and packaging. Temperature-sensitive goods are transported in climate-controlled aircraft, though air freight to Ukraine is currently unavailable due to wartime restrictions.

Consolidated Cargo Shipping

Road delivery of consolidated cargo typically takes up to 7 days. Grouping small orders into a single shipment takes a bit longer, but offers cost-effective shipping by allowing goods to be sent in smaller batches without extra transport fees. Note that ETS does not handle personal belongings as they are considered small-sized cargo.

Oversized Cargo Czech Republic — Ukraine

Specialized vehicles, such as low-bed trailers or specialized rail cars, are often used for transporting oversized cargo within the Czech Republic. These items are securely fastened to prevent damage during transport.