Mariëlle de Heus
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France
Transport France with Seacon Logistics
Seacon Logistics is your logistics service provider and central point of contact for transport to and from France. 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.
France has been one of the Netherlands' most important trading partners for years. In terms of trade volume, it is even ahead of America and China. With over 60 million residents and a gross domestic product (GDP) of several billion euros, the country's economic importance is undeniable. The total value of imports and exports was €66.1 billion in 2021 (2020: €53 billion). The majority of trade goods include mechanical equipment, transport equipment, chemicals and iron, metal and steel products.
For transport to and from this interesting transport country, 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 France.
Major transport routes with France and your benefits
France is not only an economic power, but also an outright pioneer in the logistics industry.The finely meshed motorway network (especially in the Greater Paris region) connects all major cities. Most goods can thus be transported efficiently and quickly. About 2/3 of highways are subject to tolls.
Rail transport is also well represented in France. The French railways (SNCF) transport the largest volume of goods by rail (mostly to Germany and Poland), putting them at the very top in Europe. The share of intermodal transport using inland waterways and pipelines also contributes to the development of transport.
France has a long coastline, which is very important for the logistics industry. Thanks to its favourable geographical location along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the country has several major ports for shipping sea freight. From Le Havre (city near Paris), there is direct access to the English Channel. The Mediterranean can be easily reached from the port in Marseille.
For air freight, Paris-Charles de Gaulle international airport is one of the most important cargo airports in Europe (after Frankfurt, London and Amsterdam). Although most goods are sent by another mode of transport, international air transport is very popular.
Key cities for freight transport in France
Major logistics centres in France are Île-de-France (Paris), Rhône-Alpes (Lyon) and Nord-Pas de Calais (Lille).The Paris metropolitan area is the country's main economic centre with the highest transport turnover. From the port of Le Havre, there is access to The Seine. Charles de Gaulle airport is located in the north of the conurbation, and rail and motorways lead from Paris further into the whole country.
The eastern Lyon - Rhône-Alpes industrial region forms a link between the Mediterranean (port of Marseille) and central Europe (Germany, Switzerland). East-west traffic has a direct connection to Italy. The Lille - Nord-Pas de Calais region has the most favourable location in relation to the UK coast and is easily accessible by both rail and sea. Furthermore, major Benelux ports Antwerp and Rotterdam (with their huge global importance) are superbly connected to the industry.
Looking for a well-thought-out logistics solution for your transport from or to France? Then contact our specialists. Together with our local partners, we will draw up a suitable logistics solution for you, with which we will transport your goods safely and efficiently to or from France.
Transport solutions from Seacon Logistics
We offer different types of transport to and from France. 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 France:
- Groupage transport to France
- Pallet shipment
- Partial loads (LTL / LCL)
- Full loads (FCL / FTL)
- Rail transport
- Deliveries in the city centre
- Delivery with tailboard
- Express delivery to France
Groupage France - 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 France - 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 France
In our wide range of transport services, we also offer special transport to and from France. 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 France 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 France: 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 France 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 France
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 France 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 France
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 particularities
We receive many questions based on uncertainties in French legislation, especially for cross-border transport of goods to France.EU membership requires compliance with both national and European law. To give you some insight, we have listed important country information on regulations and controls for you:
- Compulsory winter tyres: Between 1 November and 31 March, it is compulsory to drive with winter tyres or carry anti-slip tyres in 48 departments in France. This applies to passenger cars as well as buses and trucks weighing 3,500 kg or more.
- EU membership: For international transport, you need an EU licence or CEMT permit. This depends on the project. Also note the bilateral authorisations between France and third countries.
- Special traffic rules: On vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, it is mandatory to affix blind spot stickers. In addition, the use of headphones while driving is prohibited.
If you have more detailed questions about the specifics or rules in France, 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 France? 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.