Going the Extra Mile: A Guide to International Pallet Delivery

Sending a pallet internationally can feel overwhelming if you have never done it before. Between customs paperwork, delivery details and making sure your goods are suitable for transport, there is a little more to think about than with a standard UK pallet delivery.

The good news is that, once you know what information you need, arranging an international pallet delivery is much more straightforward.

Whether you are sending stock to a customer overseas, moving business goods into Europe, or shipping larger items that are too bulky for a standard parcel courier, this beginner’s guide explains what to check before you book.

Where can you send a pallet internationally?

Before doing anything else, you need to check whether your chosen destination is available.

With our international pallet delivery service, you can arrange deliveries from the UK and Ireland to a wide range of popular destinations, including countries across Europe and beyond. This includes locations such as Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA.

To get started, you will usually need:

• The collection postcode
• The delivery postcode 
• The destination country 
• The number of pallet spaces required 
• Contact details for the sender and recipient 
• Details about the goods being sent 

Once you have this information, you can begin the quote and booking process.

Before starting your quote, gather the basics in one place: postcodes, contact details, pallet quantity and a clear description of the goods. Future you will be grateful.

Step 1: Check whether your goods can be sent

Not everything can be sent internationally by pallet, so it is important to check whether your goods are suitable before booking.

Different countries may have different rules, and some items may be restricted depending on the destination. If your goods are restricted in the country you are sending to, you may need to use an alternative courier.

Before sending your pallet, check whether your goods fall into any restricted categories. This may include certain hazardous goods, liquids, perishables, high-value items or goods subject to country-specific restrictions.

If you are unsure, it is always better to check first rather than risk delays, refusal or additional costs later.

Just because something fits on a pallet does not always mean it can take an international trip. Sadly, pallets do not get diplomatic immunity.

Step 2: Prepare the right customs information

Customs is one of the main reasons international pallet delivery can feel confusing for first-time senders. However, you do not need to know everything about customs to get started. You simply need to understand the key details that may be required.

Here are some of the main terms you may come across.

EORI number

An EORI number is used to identify businesses that move goods internationally.

If you are sending goods between the UK and the EU, you may need a valid EORI number. If both the sender and EU buyer do not have valid EORI numbers, goods can be refused by customs, so this is one of the most important things to check before sending goods overseas.

CPC code

A CPC code, or Customs Procedure Code, helps determine how your shipment is processed and how any duties and taxes are collected.

This code tells customs what is happening to the goods, such as whether they are being sold, returned, temporarily exported or moved for another reason.

Commodity code

A commodity code is used to classify the goods you are sending.

Customs uses this code to understand what the goods are and apply the correct charges. If the correct commodity codes are submitted, the correct duties and taxes can be applied once your goods reach customs.

Using the wrong commodity code can cause delays, so it is worth checking this carefully.

Commercial invoice and packing list

To ship pallets internationally, you must provide a commercial invoice and a packing list.

A commercial invoice usually includes information such as:

• Sender and recipient details 
• Description of the goods 
• Value of the goods 
• Country of origin 
• Commodity codes 
• Reason for export 
• Delivery terms 

The packing list gives more detail about what is included in the shipment. Together, these documents help customs process the goods correctly.

Customs paperwork has a reputation for being scary, but most of it comes down to answering simple questions clearly: what is it, where is it going, what is it worth, and why is it being sent?

Step 3: Make sure we can act on your behalf

For customs declarations to be handled correctly, it is important to understand who is representing you.

We can only handle customs declarations if we are nominated as your direct representative. This is an important step, especially if you are new to international freight. Getting this right helps avoid confusion and ensures the shipment can be processed as smoothly as possible.

Step 4: Prepare your pallet for international travel

International pallet deliveries often travel further than domestic shipments and may pass through several stages before reaching their destination. This makes preparation especially important.

Before collection, make sure your goods are:

• Securely placed on the pallet 
• Properly wrapped and protected 
• Stable enough for transport 
• Clearly labelled 
• Free from loose or overhanging items 
• Ready for collection when the driver arrives 

You should also make sure any paperwork that needs to travel with the goods is completed and accessible.

Good preparation can help reduce the risk of damage, delays and failed collections.

If your pallet is travelling internationally, wrap it like it has a busy itinerary. Secure, stable and clearly labelled is the goal.

Step 5: Get an international pallet delivery quote

Once you know where your pallet is going, what you are sending and which documents are needed, you can get a quote.

With our international pallet delivery service, you can choose the destination country, enter the collection and delivery postcodes, select the pallet spaces you need and receive an instant quote.

This means you do not need to wait days for a manual enquiry response. You can enter the details online and see your quote quickly.

When booking, double-check:

• Collection and delivery postcodes 
• Sender and recipient contact details 
• Pallet quantity 
• Goods description 
• Customs details 
• Collection date 
• Any special requirements 

Small mistakes can lead to delays, so it is worth taking an extra few minutes to make sure everything is correct.

Step 6: Understand collection and tracking

After booking, your pallet will need to be collected from the collection address.

If you book before 11:45am on a weekday, same-day collection may be available. Collection usually takes place later in the day, after drivers have completed their deliveries.

Once your pallet is on its way, tracking becomes especially useful. International deliveries can involve multiple stages, and tracking gives you better visibility over collection and delivery progress.

Our international service includes detailed tracking, helping you see when your pallet is due to be collected or delivered.

Tracking is especially handy when your pallet is crossing borders. It is the closest thing to giving your shipment a “text me when you get there” instruction.

Common mistakes to avoid when sending a pallet internationally

If you are sending a pallet abroad for the first time, these are some of the most common mistakes to watch out for.

Missing customs documents

International shipments need the correct paperwork. If your commercial invoice, packing list or customs details are missing or incomplete, your pallet could be delayed.

Incorrect EORI number

If an EORI number is required, make sure it is valid and entered correctly. This is particularly important when sending goods between the UK and EU.

Using the wrong commodity code

Commodity codes help customs classify your goods. If the wrong code is used, the wrong charges may be applied, or your shipment may be delayed.

Poor goods description

Avoid vague descriptions such as “parts”, “stock” or “goods”. Customs needs to understand what is being sent, so descriptions should be clear and accurate.

Not checking restricted goods

Always check whether your goods are allowed in the destination country before booking.

Incomplete delivery details

International deliveries rely on accurate recipient details. Make sure the delivery address, postcode, contact name, phone number and email address are correct.

Pallet not ready for collection

Your pallet should be packed, wrapped, labelled and ready before the driver arrives. If the pallet is not ready, collection may fail or need to be rearranged.

Why choose us for international pallet delivery?

International pallet delivery is easier when you have the right support and a simple booking process.

With our international pallet delivery service, you can get an instant quote online, arrange quick collection, track your pallet and contact our team for support through LiveChat during weekday opening hours.

Whether you are sending goods to Europe or further afield, we make it easier to arrange international pallet delivery with confidence.

Ready to send a pallet internationally?

Sending a pallet abroad does not have to be complicated. Once you know the destination, check your goods, prepare the right customs information and make sure your pallet is secure, the process becomes much easier.

If you are ready to get started, use our online quote tool to get an instant international pallet delivery quote today.