Transport Switzerland with Seacon Logistics

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

Switzerland is a small but important country within Europe, known for its beautiful nature, economic strength, and political neutrality. Furthermore, the country has one of the highest standards of living in the world and a high gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. With a population of approximately 8.5 million people and neighbouring countries such as Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy and France, Switzerland is ideally located to organise transport within Europe and worldwide. 

The Swiss economy is highly diversified and has developed steadily in recent years. The service sector is the largest economic sector, followed by industry and trade. The country is also known for its banks, insurance companies, chemical industry and pharmaceutical industry. 

For transport to and from Switzerland, the country maintains relations with many countries, especially with its direct neighbouring countries in Europe. The country is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and also has free trade agreements with countries such as China, Japan and South Korea. Furthermore, it also has close economic relations with the US and Canada

The country is known for its export strength and exports a wide variety of goods, including watches, chemicals, machinery, food and textiles.Imports mainly include machinery, electrical engineering, motor vehicles and petroleum products. 

For Switzerland transport, 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 Switzerland.

Important transport routes Switzerland and your benefits 

As a logistics service provider, we have made it our mission to organise your transport quickly, effectively and affordably, tailored to your individual wishes. Due to the excellent infrastructure and local partnerships, there is a wide range of transport possibilities to, from and within Switzerland. Thus ensuring intermodal transport. 

Switzerland has one of the most well-developed road networks in Europe. With over 80,000 kilometres of roads, including approximately 3,000 kilometres of highways, the country offers excellent connections for domestic and international road transport. The longest highway in Switzerland is the A1, which runs from St. Margrethen in the north to Chiasso in the south, providing a direct connection between the cities of Zurich, Bern, Lausanne, and Geneva. 

Rail transport is also very well established within Switzerland. The railway network covers a length of more than 5,000 kilometres, of which more than 1,000 kilometres are high-speed lines. Furthermore, the country is subdivided into a national and cantonal network. Thanks to large investments, efficiency and capacity have increased enormously in recent decades. The country will also continue to invest in this in the future. 

Although Switzerland does not have access to any sea, it is still an important player in sea freight. Thanks to its geographical location and well-developed infrastructure, Switzerland is an important transit country for international goods transport. The seaports in neighbouring countries are important connecting points for the import and export of goods. 

Air freight transport also plays an important role for transport to, from and within Switzerland. The country has several international airports, including Zurich and Geneva, which serve as key connecting points for international goods transport. A wide range of air freight services can be handled from the airports, including handling, storage, customs clearance and transport. Intermodal transport is also possible, due to the good connections to the road and rail network. 

Taking off from Zurich airport with the Swiss Alps in the background | Transport Switzerland | Seacon Logistics
Aerial view of the Swiss city of Geneva with Lake Geneva and its fountain in the middle | Transport Switzerland | Seacon Logistics

Important cities for freight transport in Switzerland

Switzerland is an important European trading location with excellent infrastructure, which facilitates the transport of goods. The three largest cities for cargo transport in Switzerland are Zurich, Geneva and Basel. 

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and a prominent trade location.The city is characterised by the financial sector and hosts many international companies. Both nationally and internationally, the city is well connected through Zurich Airport and the well-developed rail network. The city also has modern storage and transhipment facilities, providing a wide range of services for goods transport. 

Geneva is the second-largest city in Switzerland.The city is located on the western side of Lake Geneva and is known as an international trade centre. Furthermore, the city has an international airport that offers connections all over the world and an extensive and well-developed railway network. 

The city of Basel is located in northwestern Switzerland and is situated on the French and German borders. It is Switzerland's third-largest city and an important trading location in the country. The city is best known for its chemical and pharmaceutical industries, which are located in the region. 

Transport solutions from Seacon Logistics

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

  • Groupage transport to Switzerland
  • Pallet shipment
  • Partial loads (LTL / LCL)
  • Full loads (FCL / FTL)
  • Rail transport
  • Deliveries in the city centre
  • Delivery with tailboard
  • Express delivery to Switzerland
Panoramic aerial view of the Swiss city of Zurich with the Limmat river in the middle | Transport Switzerland | Seacon Logistics

Groupage Switzerland - 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 Switzerland - 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 Switzerland 

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

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 Switzerland 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 Switzerland

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

Switzerland is known as a neutral country and maintains close trade relations with various countries worldwide. Although Switzerland is not a member of the EU, the country is well connected to EU member states and has an agreement on the free movement of goods. This facilitates transport within Europe, although there are still some regulations to consider when transporting goods to, from, and within Switzerland: 

  • Customs regulations: Although Switzerland is not an EU member, it has the same customs regulations as EU countries. However, there are special regulations for certain goods that are transported between Switzerland and EU countries. At Seacon, we carefully research the applicable guidelines.
  • Driving bans: There are no general driving bans in Switzerland, but special regulations apply in certain parts of the country. In the Alps, for example, there are temporary driving bans for heavy vehicles to reduce environmental pollution.
  • Toll: Most roads in Switzerland require tolls to finance the maintenance and further development of the road network. These charges are calculated on the basis of the distance travelled and the vehicle class.
  • Safety of cargo and driver qualification: Switzerland has very strict regulations for the safety of cargo and the qualifications of drivers. Seacon fully supports you in ensuring the safe transport of your goods.

If you have more detailed questions about the specifics or rules in Switzerland, 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 Turkey? 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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