International Pallet Delivery: 5 Expert Answers to Your Top Questions

International pallet delivery can come with a few more questions than sending freight within the UK.

Customs paperwork. Commodity codes. Commercial invoices. Country of origin.

All the glamorous stuff.

But you do not need to become an international freight expert before sending your first pallet overseas. Getting the right information together early can make the whole process considerably easier.

I’m Steve, Lead Transport Consultant at PalletOnline, and these are five of the questions I am asked most often about international pallet delivery.

1. When should I ask for an international pallet delivery quote?

As early as possible.

Ideally, get in touch before your goods are packed and sitting ready for collection.

International freight can involve more moving parts than a UK delivery. Depending on the shipment, there may be customs requirements, documentation, transit times, country-specific restrictions and delivery access details to consider.

It is particularly worth asking early if:

• You are shipping outside the UK
• You are sending goods to or from Europe
• You are unsure about customs paperwork
• Your goods are commercial or high value
• Your delivery has a deadline
• The freight is oversized, fragile or specialist
• You have not shipped internationally before

The earlier we are involved, the easier it can be to identify anything that needs sorting before collection.

International delivery is best arranged before the pallet starts looking at you accusingly from the warehouse.

2. What details do you need for an international pallet delivery quote?

We need the usual freight details, plus a little extra information. Because borders like to make things interesting.

Typically, we will ask for:

• Collection and delivery addresses
• Contact details at both ends
• Number of pallets
• Pallet dimensions
• Weight
• Type of goods
• Commodity description
• Value of the goods
• Country of origin
• Destination country
• Collection and delivery dates
• Whether the goods are commercial or personal effects
• Any special handling or delivery requirements
• Whether customs documents have already been prepared

The description of the goods is particularly important.

Descriptions such as “parts”, “samples” or “equipment” may not provide enough information for customs purposes. Being specific from the beginning can help with quoting accurately and avoiding unnecessary delays.

And if you are unsure what information we need, ask.

Checking beforehand is considerably easier than discovering something is missing once the freight is already on the move.

3. Do I need customs paperwork for international pallet delivery?

That depends on where your goods are travelling to and from.

For many international pallet deliveries, particularly those travelling between the UK and countries outside the UK customs territory, customs documentation will be required.

Exactly what you need can depend on the destination, the goods being shipped, their value and the purpose of the shipment.

Commonly required information can include:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• EORI number
• Commodity codes or HS codes
• Goods value
• Country of origin
• Incoterms
• Consignee and consignor details

Getting this information right is one of the most important parts of preparing an international shipment. Incorrect, incomplete or unclear documents can result in delays, additional charges or goods being held at customs.

At PalletOnline, we can advise on the information typically required for international shipments, but it remains the sender’s responsibility to make sure all customs documentation is accurate and complete before the goods are shipped.

If you want a more detailed breakdown of the paperwork, preparation and booking process, our guide to international pallet delivery walks you through it step by step.

4. How can I avoid delays with international shipping?

Preparation is your best friend here.

International delays can happen because information is missing, paperwork is incorrect or delivery requirements have not been made clear. Spending a little longer checking everything at the beginning can save a lot of frustration further down the line.

Before booking, make sure you:

• Provide accurate collection and delivery details
• Use clear descriptions of the goods
• Check customs paperwork
• Confirm commodity codes where required
• Include the correct contact details
• Make sure the consignee knows the delivery is coming
• Check opening hours and site access
• Confirm whether loading equipment is available
• Allow a realistic transit time
• Ask before booking if anything is unclear

International freight can also be affected by factors outside anyone’s direct control, including customs checks, border processes, ferry or tunnel disruption, local holidays and regional restrictions.

We will always do what we can to keep your freight moving, but getting the information right from the start gives the shipment the best possible beginning.

5. What is your biggest piece of advice when sending pallets internationally?

Tell us everything.

If there is something unusual about the freight, destination, access, timings, paperwork or delivery requirements, mention it when asking for your quote.

Even if you are not sure whether it matters.

Things such as oversized freight, limited loading facilities, strict delivery times, unusual site access or uncertainty around paperwork can all affect how an international shipment needs to be arranged.

The more information we have, the better we can understand the shipment and help identify the most suitable way to move it.

Steve’s top tip: if you think it might matter, tell us at quote stage.

International pallet delivery does not have to feel complicated. Much of it comes down to getting the right information in the right place before the freight starts moving.

Which is considerably better than discovering something important at a border.

Need Help With an International Pallet Delivery?

Whether you regularly ship pallets overseas or this is your first international consignment, our team can help you understand what information is needed and find a suitable delivery option for your freight.

Get the details together early, ask questions if something is unclear and give us as much information as you can.

Then we can concentrate on the important bit: getting your goods where they need to go.

Preferably without any customs-related plot twists.

Planning to send a pallet overseas? Explore our international pallet delivery service for more information on the options available.