Fast and Affordable Road Freight Shipping Services Switzerland
Switzerland has a thriving economy and a strong import/export sector, so opting for road freight provides an economical and budget-friendly way of shipping your goods to and from the UK.
- Standard, Express and Next-Day Deliveries to Switzerland
- Bespoke Size Solutions
- Customs Clearance Support
- Professional Experienced Team
- Business-to-Business Deliveries
- Shipping Services To & From Switzerland
- Large & Small Consignments Delivered
Get a free Switzerland shipping quote today
International Freight to Switzerland
Whether that is with our express delivery service or with our economy groupage rates, you can expect a professional job when shipping from the UK to Switzerland with goods getting to their destination with no unnecessary delays or fuss. We offer daily services, too. This means your cargo will arrive as quickly as possible whenever it is ready to leave your warehouse, factory or workshop. Our extensive fleet will ensure that your goods arrive on time and in good condition with every road haulage trip whether we are conveying goods to or from Switzerland on your behalf.
At Barrington Freight, we understand the importance of getting your business deliveries or commercial cargo to its destination quickly and safely, so we are one of a handful of Switzerland freight forwarders based in the UK who offer daily road freight in both directions. Whether you are shipping from England to Switzerland or need an urgent Switzerland delivery to arrive in Edinburgh, Belfast or Cardiff, we can help.
Our Swiss business and commercial services are fast and efficient. We have made a name for ourselves by offering competitive and affordable freight delivery thanks to our expert knowledge of Switzerland and road freight services running to and from the country. The way we work means shipping from the UK to Switzerland is easier. We aim to lighten your load and ensure the stress-free transit of your goods is maintained even when shipping to Switzerland via EU countries, like France and Germany. With our vast range of services and unbeatable prices, we make it easy to meet freight delivery deadlines to Switzerland.
To get started simply give us a call 01268 525 444 or request an online shipping quote.
WHY SHIP TO Switzerland FROM THE UK WITH BARRINGTON?
- Full load and groupage shipping.
- Dedicated van courier to Switzerland option.
- We maintain 24/7 contact with every vehicle, so you can always track your shipment and get regular updates.
- BIFA membership and full liability insurance ensure safe and professional transport.
- Commitment to excellent customer service, supported by glowing testimonials.
- Help with customs clearance from the UK into Switzerland.
- We can help shipping to Switzerland from UK and shipping to UK from Switzerland.
- You will need an EORI number when shipping to Switzerland.
Get A Free Shipping Quote Online
Shipping to Switzerland from the UK
When arranging a commercial delivery to Switzerland, we provide a wide range of services to suit your needs across the entire country. For example, you may have customers in Geneva, close to the French border in the west of the country, who are waiting for your goods or suppliers in Lugano, near the Italian city of Milan, so you might want a commercial cargo delivery. In any such cases, we have the know-how and manpower to deliver, from Zurich to Bern and from Basel to Lausanne.
As B2B specialists, we can help UK exporters fine-tune their logistical operations with numerous locations in Western Europe. This includes all parts of Switzerland, not just the major urban centres, like Geneva and Zurich, but lesser-known parts of the country, such as Chur, Grindelwald, Winterthur or Sion, for instance. Along with our customs clearance expertise which can be extremely handy when shipping to Switzerland via the EU’s road network. Our logistical know-how will often come to the fore, ensuring that every delivery to Switzerland avoids unduly delays where possible.
A good example of the way we work when shipping from England to Switzerland is that we keep in contact with our driving teams as they make their way to the Alps. If there are hold-ups in Kent, for example, then it is often possible to re-route a Swiss delivery via Portsmouth instead of Dover. Equally, if the main route to Switzerland through France, via the A26, isn’t moving fast enough, we can inform our driver to proceed via Stuttgart in Germany. When shipping to Switzerland commercially, all of these decisions are taken in the background so that British exporters won’t have to worry about them. It is all a part of our service here at Barrington Freight.
Road Freight Vehicles For Deliveries to Switzerland
- Euroliner lorry
- HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle)
- Roll-on/roll-off vans
- Commercial vehicles
- Double-crewed vans
- 7.5 tonners
- Sprinter vans
- Luton vans
- Tail lift vehicles
- 18-tonne vans
We can source vehicles of any size that you need for your shipment to Switzerland.
Shipping Times From UK to Switzerland
How Long Does It Take to Ship to Switzerland?
STANDARD ROAD FREIGHT TO SWITZERLAND 3 DAYS
Whether you plan on shipping from Switzerland to the UK or vice versa, our full load service takes three days following a collection for a door-to-door delivery. Shipping from the UK to Switzerland with our standard service is cost-effective and can include freight insurance cover, if this is wanted.
We also offer groupage rates for a Switzerland delivery. Groupage consignments are sent together but are still arranged with an experienced Switzerland freight forwarder in the UK. Offering the best value for money, groupage road freight shipping to Switzerland with collection on week one and the transfer of your shipment to your Swiss customer on the second week.
EXPRESS SHIPPING TO SWITZERLAND 3 DAYS
Do you need to get several pallets from the UK to a customer in the Swiss Alps? Perhaps some last-minute product samples are still in the UK, but the exhibition at Messe Basel opens soon. Or maybe, like one of our clients, you want a courier to deliver several hundred thousand Swiss Francs-worth of broadcast equipment to the World Economic Forum, high in the Swiss mountains.
With express shipping to Switzerland from all mainland UK locations, you can rely on us. Express shipments are typically collected within 24 hours of a request and then will make their way to their final destination in Switzerland three days from then.
NEXT-DAY ROAD FREIGHT TO SWITZERLAND
If you need a timed delivery for a business-to-business transaction to a Swiss address, ask us about our swift service that collects on day 1 and delivers by day 2 for your commercial deliveries to Switzerland. Better still, if you would like help moving goods up to the first floor of your Swiss property, just tell us. As a trusted freight forwarder and family business, we have specialised in getting urgent, high-value or fragile cargo to Switzerland for years.
In fact, we are among the most experienced UK-based express freight businesses servicing Switzerland. That makes us the perfect choice when you need a competitive quote for a rapid, non-stop, dedicated-vehicle courier service to or from Switzerland.
For more information on how we can tailor our next-day delivery services to suit your specific requirements, or to discuss any special needs for your shipment, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Freight to Switzerland Cost
How Much Does Shipping Freight to Switzerland Cost?
Shipping rates to Switzerland vary depending on the UK collection point and the delivery destination. For example, sending a single pallet to Geneva can start from around £280, while a full truckload shipment may cost in the region of £1,514. Businesses that require direct transport can also arrange dedicated van services, with prices starting from approximately £1,130, depending on the load size and vehicle type.
Submit a quick quote request to receive an exact price for your shipment.
| Service Type | Example Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Pallet* | £280 |
| Full Load | £1,514 |
| Express Van | £1,130 |
*1plt 120×80×80 cm / stackable
Swiss Import Customs Requirements
Customs Considerations, VAT and Prohibited Items
VAT SWITZERLAND
If you are planning on shipping from Switzerland to the UK, then overseeing customs declarations is crucial. This will include VAT notices, of course. Swiss VAT regulations, while not under EU jurisdiction due to Switzerland’s non-EU status, often have parallels with EU directives. The standard VAT rate in Switzerland is 8.1%, which is considerably lower than the rates in many EU countries, while a reduced rate of just 2.6% applies to certain medications and published materials. Our customs clearance experts can assist with the associated paperwork needed for a Switzerland delivery to the UK.
| Goods or Services | VAT Rate Switzerland |
|---|---|
| Standard taxable goods and services | 8.1% |
| First Reduced Rate goods and services (e.g. medications, books) | 2.6% |
| Second Reduced Rate services (e.g. hotel accommodation services) | 3.8% |
| Zero Rated products (e.g. goods that are exported abroad) | 0% |
Restrictions
Shipping to Switzerland and importing goods from the Alpine country may require special authorisations under certain circumstances. Affected commodities include:
- Precision Instruments and Watches: Given Switzerland’s renowned watchmaking industry, there are specific controls on the export of precision instruments and luxury watches to safeguard intellectual property and craftsmanship quality.
- Banking and Financial Documents: Due to Switzerland’s significant financial sector, there are stringent measures and confidentiality requirements for the movement of sensitive financial documents and data.
- Protected Flora and Fauna: Regulations in line with CITES and Swiss environmental laws on the export and import of endangered species, focusing on Alpine flora and fauna.
- Pharmaceuticals and Controlled Substances: Stringent rules cover the import and export of certain medications, particularly controlled substances, in compliance with Swiss health regulations.
EORI Number Switzerland
You will need an EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification Number) for the UK and Switzerland, alongside a range of other customs requirements, for shipping to and from these locations. See our blog on what is an EORI Number? for more information.
Remember, too, that simply registering with HMRC as an importer of goods from Switzerland will not be sufficient – on its own – to be able to use Swiss suppliers.
Barrington Freight operates as a customs clearance agency as well as a team of expert freight forwarders, so we can help you with all of these matters if you need us to, whether you’re importing or exporting. We have the necessary licensing arrangements in place to oversee exported goods from the UK to Switzerland. Therefore, we can help with multiple consignment deliveries that might include some in Switzerland and some in other countries, such as those in France, Spain or Italy, for instance.
Shipping Routes to Switzerland from the UK
Switzerland is only about 550 miles from Dover, the UK port through which much road freight headed for central Europe flows. Depending on the exact route taken, that is a similar distance from Dover to Dundee on the east coast of Scotland. Given that there are some excellent roads connecting Calais and Dunkirk in northern France to Switzerland, it can often be the fastest and most efficient option to send goods to and from the country by tried and tested road haulage routes.
Typically, road hauliers will travel south from the UK using the fast A26 arterial route from Calais in the direction of Switzerland. Various options are on offer depending on where Switzerland is the intended final destination. For example, the A35 and the A36 both connect to the northern Swiss border while the A40 serves western Switzerland, close to Geneva. Even better, Swiss roads are well maintained even in the winter months and are regularly cleared of snow. As such, potential delays can be minimised with careful route planning, especially when our prior experience of the wider region can be drawn upon.
When shipping from the UK to Switzerland from places in northern England or Scotland, it is sometimes preferable to send goods via Rotterdam rather than northern French ports, like Calais. If so, road freight may be sent on the A 61 through Germany until it reaches the Swiss border south of Stuttgart, ideal for cities in the east of the country, such as Winterthur.
Switzerland Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to send goods to Switzerland?
The cost depends on the weight and dimensions of your goods, the collection and delivery locations, and how quickly you need them delivered. As a guide, sending a pallet to Geneva starts from around £280. Contact Barrington Freight for a quote tailored to your shipment.
How long does freight delivery from the UK to Switzerland take?
Our standard and express services typically take around three days. For more urgent shipments, we also offer a next-day service, subject to your shipment requirements.
Can I send a single pallet to Switzerland using groupage?
Yes, groupage is a practical option for sending a single pallet without paying for a whole vehicle. Your goods share trailer space with other consignments, making it suitable for smaller business shipments with flexible delivery dates. Provide the packed dimensions, weight and goods description so we can assess your requirements.
What documents do I need to send commercial goods to Switzerland?
You will generally need a commercial invoice, a packing list and the information required for UK export and Swiss import declarations. This includes an accurate goods description, commodity codes, values, origin details and your GB EORI number. Depending on the products and customs treatment, licences or proof of origin may also be needed. We provide customs clearance support through experienced partners.
Can you deliver to businesses outside major cities such as Zurich, Geneva and Basel?
Please send us the full delivery address so we can check coverage and access arrangements. For rural or mountain locations, let us know about narrow roads, vehicle restrictions or limited unloading facilities. These details help us identify suitable transport and provide a realistic delivery estimate.
Can you arrange delivery to a Swiss mountain resort or a location with restricted vehicle access?
We can assess delivery options for Swiss mountain resorts and locations with restricted access. Please provide the full address, shipment dimensions and weight, and details of any narrow roads, vehicle size limits or unloading restrictions. We will check whether suitable transport can be arranged and confirm any additional costs before booking.
Can I temporarily send equipment to Switzerland for an exhibition or business event?
Yes, equipment can be sent temporarily, but the customs arrangements should be planned before dispatch. An ATA Carnet may simplify temporary export and import formalities for eligible exhibition goods or professional equipment, without paying import duty and taxes provided its conditions are met. Tell us what you are sending, the event dates and when the equipment will return.
Will I need to pay UK Customs Duty and import VAT on goods from Switzerland?
When importing into Great Britain, Customs Duty depends on the goods’ classification and origin. A reduced or zero duty rate may be available under the UK-Switzerland trade agreement if the goods qualify and the required origin evidence is held. Dispatch from Switzerland alone does not establish Swiss origin. Import VAT normally applies separately, depending on the goods and your circumstances.
Do my goods need extra paperwork when travelling through the EU between the UK and Switzerland?
Transit documentation may be required alongside the export and import declarations. The UK, EU and Switzerland participate in the Common Transit Convention, which allows eligible goods to move under a transit procedure with duties and taxes suspended until the appropriate destination procedure. The documents needed depend on the route and customs arrangements. We can discuss these requirements with our customs clearance partners before dispatch.
Do I need additional insurance for valuable goods?
Standard freight liability may not cover the full replacement value of your goods. Additional cargo insurance can provide wider protection, subject to the policy’s terms and exclusions. Tell us the goods’ description and value before collection so we can discuss suitable cover for your shipment.
What is the best shipping option for urgent delivery to Switzerland?
For smaller urgent consignments, dedicated express road freight is often the most suitable option because your shipment does not need to wait for groupage consolidation. The appropriate vehicle depends on the goods’ size and weight. Give us your collection date and delivery deadline so we can check availability and recommend a suitable service.
Can I track my freight to or from Switzerland?
Yes, we maintain 24/7 contact with the vehicle carrying your freight, allowing us to provide regular shipment updates and keep you informed of its progress.
Contact Us for Affordable Road Freight to Switzerland
Our transport options can accommodate even the most unique requests, whether they be UK and EU pallets and cargo or larger and strangely shaped products. Big or small, light or heavy, Barrington Freight is on hand to cater to all your freight needs at a competitive price.
