Transport Portugal with Seacon Logistics

Seacon Logistics is your logistics service provider and central point of contact for transport to and from Portugal. 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

As a country on the Atlantic coast, Portugal is not only known for its beaches and rich culture. Europe’s westernmost country has a large number of seaports and is of great infrastructural importance for logistics. With more than 10 million residents, the country has developed strongly economically over the past ten years and has created an investment-friendly climate, both in the metropolitan regions around Lisbon and Porto and in the rural areas. Seacon Logistics has years of experience in Portugal, so we are familiar with local conditions and are constantly expanding our partner network. 

Trade in machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and transport equipment and chemicals is particularly popular in the southwestern country.Since the 1980s, as an EU member, Portugal has received large subsidies for infrastructure development. Partly because of this, trade with Spain, Germany, France, Italy and The Netherlands is very extensive. 

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 Portugal. 

Major transport routes Portugal and your benefits 

Since joining the EU in 1986, Portugal has been able to continue its economic development thanks to close partner relations with its immediate neighbouring countries. This positive development is not only reflected in the input and output data, but also in the infrastructure. Portugal has a long and well-developed road network, modern high-speed trains and several international airports. This enables us, as a logistics service provider, to transport your goods quickly and we can also transport your goods intermodally

The highly developed road network connects all major centres of the country and consists of toll-free national roads and toll roads. Thanks to EU subsidies, the roads are in excellent condition, enabling fast and safe transport. Statistically, road transport is the most important mode in the country. 

Rail transport is an important source of transport between industrialised centres and deep-sea ports. There are also several international airports in the relatively compact country. These are located in Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Funchal and Ponto Delgada, among others. International cargo carriers offer flights to all airports. 

Another determinant of imports and exports are the country's seaports. Goods are mainly shipped by sea from the deep-sea ports of Lisbon, Aveiro and Porto to global destinations. Transport to the Portuguese island of Madeira also plays an important role. 

The airport in Lisbon, Portugal, viewed from the air. Surrounding the airport is the city | Seacon Logistics
An aerial view of Lisbon showing a passing barge on the Tagus River. The vessel approaches the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge | Seacon Logistics

Key cities for freight transport in Portugal

Due to regional differences, Portugal's economic power is mainly due to the metropolitan regions of Lisbon and Porto. The three largest cities around the Tagus River – Lisbon, Almada and Amadora – are of great economic importance. Many large companies have already settled there because of the relatively low cost of living, the favourable investment conditions and the solid infrastructure. 

Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto form a second major metropolitan region.This region is also located directly on the river and has all the infrastructural connections. Braga and Coimbra are the two largest inland cities. They are well connected to the European mainland, the sea and the airports. 

Looking for a well-thought-out logistics solution for your transport from or to Portugal? 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 Portugal.

Transport solutions from Seacon Logistics

We offer different types of transport to and from Portugal. 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 Portugal:

  • Groupage transport to Portugal 
  • Pallet shipment
  • Partial loads (LTL / LCL)
  • Full loads (FCL / FTL)
  • Rail transport
  • Deliveries in the city centre
  • Delivery with tailboard
  • Express delivery to Portugal
A sunny panoramic photo of the city of Porto by the water | Seacon Logistics

Groupage Portugal - 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 Portugal - 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. 

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Loading special transport onto a truck. | Seacon Logistics

Special transport Portugal

In our wide range of transport services, we also offer special transport to and from Portugal. 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 Portugal 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 Portugal: 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 Portugal 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. 

Container terminal from above, showing a container ship loading sea freight and moving trucks (road transport). | Seacon Logistics

Transit and delivery times for transport to Portugal

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 Portugal 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? 

More about customs

Incoterms®: Protect your international trade with Portugal

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. 

View our Incoterms® page

Important additional information: Public holidays, driving bans and local details 

The development of highways and motorways and the good connections with European neighbouring countries have made Portugal interesting for European and international companies in recent decades. In connection with the development of the road network, Portugal has established a number of guidelines to ensure future performance. In the following overview, you can read which particulars you will have to deal with: 

  • Goods transport driving bans: In Portugal, there is a general driving ban for trucks and vehicles with trailers on Saturdays from 15:00 to 22:00 hours. On Sundays and public holidays from 7:00 to 24:00 hours, this is limited to national roads and motorways. For more detailed information about these and other driving bans, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  • Toll: In Portugal, all motor vehicles must pay tolls on motorways. The individual operators of the route determine the kilometre price payable per vehicle type. The payment method depends on the route.
  • EU membership: Depending on the project, you need an EU permit or CEMT permit for international transport. See also bilateral licenses between Portugal and third countries.
  • Low costs: Portugal is widely considered a relatively cheap manufacturing and logistics country. With a minimum wage (well below that of Spain and France), it is one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe. As a company, you too can benefit from this.

If you have more detailed questions about the specifics or rules in Portugal, 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 Portugal? 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.

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