Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Our partner shipping companies operate modern freight ferries and RoRo ships specifically designed for the transport of commercial vehicles and trucks. Transported vehicles include:

• Trucks (also with semi-trailers)
• Articulated lorries and sprinters
• Drawbar trailers
• Vans and minibuses
• Heavy-duty and special transports (on request)

All ships feature robust lashing points that ensure secure cargo securing on the ferry – regardless of vehicle type or freight weight.

This makes truck freight ferries ideal for freight forwarders and logistics companies that regularly wish to transport vehicles or freight by sea.

The travel time depends on the specific route – you can find the exact guidelines on the respective route page.

Please note that these are approximate values – binding times can be found in your booking confirmation.

During the crossing, the cargo remains stably fixed by professional securing at certified lashing points.

The frequency of departures depends on the route and shipping company. You can see the number of weekly departures on the respective route page.

Our truck freight ferries operate regularly and reliably – each ferry is equipped with state-of-the-art cargo securing technology and lashing points.

Yes, the following services are available for drivers on most freight ferries:

• Catering (chargeable or included)
• Rest cabins or reclining seats
• Access to sanitary facilities

The exact conditions may vary depending on the cargo ship and route.

No, for safety reasons, it is not permitted to remain in the vehicle during the truck freight ferry crossing.

The vehicles are secured during this time with lashing straps, wheel chocks, and lashing points to prevent slipping or tipping in rough seas.

To book a truck freight ferry, we generally require the following information:

• Company data (name, address, VAT …)
• Vehicle data (length, height, weight, body type)
• License plate number
• Number of drivers
• Desired travel date and time
• ADR information for dangerous goods transport, if applicable

For special transports or specialized vehicles, an additional check of lashing point requirements may be carried out to ensure secure loading.

Yes, for regular transports or larger vehicle fleets, we offer attractive special rates on our freight ferries.

Please contact us directly via our price inquiry page for individual offers regarding truck transport by ferry – including advice on optimal cargo securing with lashing points.

You can find the current timetable directly on the respective route page, if maintained for that route.

Please note that short-term changes are possible.

Short-notice bookings are often possible depending on availability – especially for standard trucks and commercial vehicles.

However, we recommend early planning, particularly for heavy transports or special cargo transports where lashing point coordination is required.

Please inform us or the shipping company directly as soon as your arrival time is delayed.

We will then check whether a rebooking to a later truck freight ferry is possible.

The respective rebooking and cancellation conditions of the shipping company apply.

A truck freight ferry (also RoRo ferry, Roll-on/Roll-off ship) is a specially built cargo ship designed for the transport of commercial vehicles such as trucks, trailers, or buses by sea.

Vehicles drive onto the ship via ramps and off again at the destination port – quickly, safely, and efficiently.

The vehicles are then secured at lashing points to ensure they stand absolutely safely during the journey.

Transport by freight ferry for trucks offers numerous advantages:

• Relief for roads and driving personnel
• Time savings on long routes
• Predictable transit times
• Protection of the vehicle and goods
• More environmentally friendly logistics compared to pure road transport

In addition, cargo securing with lashing points and securing systems ensures maximum safety throughout the entire crossing.

Yes, many shipping companies offer unaccompanied trailer transports. In this case, the semi-trailer is loaded onto the freight ferry without the tractor unit.

Here too, securing is done via lashing points and securing chains to reliably stabilize the cargo.

Depending on the route, various European ports are served.

Typical departure points for truck freight ferries include Kiel, Rostock, Lübeck, Travemünde, Gothenburg, Klaipėda, or Helsinki.

You can find the exact port connections on the respective route page.

Yes, the transport of ADR goods is possible on many freight ferries for trucks.

It is important that you inform us of the ADR class and the correct declaration already when booking.

Dangerous goods are also secured according to regulations with suitable lashing points and special brackets.

Yes, forwarding agencies and logistics companies that regularly handle transports via our freight ferries benefit from special conditions and fleet discounts.

Our experts also advise you on optimal lashing point usage and efficient loading planning.

Many of our cargo ships and RoRo ferries specialize in special transports.

Even extra-wide, extra-high, or particularly heavy vehicles (e.g., construction machinery or wind turbines) can be transported by arrangement.

Reinforced lashing points and additional securing systems are used for this.

When checking in for the truck freight ferry, the driver reports to the terminal with their booking documents.

This is followed by a security check and assignment to the loading zone.

Check-in should generally take place at least 2 hours before departure.

Port staff will instruct the driver once the vehicle is secured at the designated lashing points.

All vehicles are secured on the freight ferry with lashing straps, wheel chocks, and lashing points.

These serve to secure the cargo and prevent any movement during sea travel.

The loading personnel are specially trained to professionally secure each vehicle according to its size and weight – safety comes first.

Generally, freight ferries for trucks operate year-round and even in challenging weather conditions.

Only in extreme storms or port closures may there be delays.

Thanks to the stable lashing points and modern securing systems, your cargo remains reliably fixed even in rough seas.

You can book a ferry crossing in various ways:

• Online: Via our contact form with all relevant details
• Phone: Call us at +49 89 377 99 77 00
• Email: Send your inquiry to booking@freight-ferry.de

We require information about your vehicle, travel dates, and the desired connection.

We recommend making your booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during:

• Peak season (June - August)
• Holiday periods and public holidays
• For special vehicle types or oversized vehicles

Short-notice bookings are possible depending on availability.

Yes, changes and cancellations are possible under certain conditions:

• Free cancellation: Up to 48 hours before departure
• Changes: Subject to availability, possibly with a surcharge
• Short-notice cancellation: Cancellation fees may apply

Contact us as soon as possible for changes.

We transport a variety of vehicles:

• Cars: All common passenger cars
• Motorcycles: Individually or in groups
• Vans: Up to 3.5t permissible gross weight
• Motorhomes: By arrangement and availability
• Trucks: Depending on the connection and ferry line
• Special vehicles: Construction machinery, tractors (individual request)

Restrictions vary depending on the ferry line:

• Standard vehicles: Length up to 5m, height up to 2.5m
• Oversized vehicles: Up to 12m length possible (pre-registration required)
• Weight: Up to 40t depending on the ferry
• Hazardous goods: Only with special permission

Contact us for specific vehicle dimensions.

Vehicle securing is carried out professionally:

• Lashing: Professional fastening with lashing straps
• Trained personnel: Experienced crews handle securing
• Regular checks: During the crossing
• Insurance: Transport insurance included in the service

Required documents for vehicle transport:

• Vehicle registration certificate/title: Original or certified copy
• Driving license: Valid for the vehicle to be transported
• ID card/Passport: Of the vehicle owner or authorized representative
• Power of attorney: For transport by third parties
• Customs documents: For EU external borders

Insurance coverage for your transport:

• Basic insurance: Included in the service (damage due to transport)
• Comprehensive insurance: Your existing insurance remains active
• Additional insurance: If needed for higher coverage
• Commercial transport: Special transport insurance recommended

Inform your insurance company about the planned transport.

Customs regulations depending on the connection:

• EU internal traffic: No special customs regulations
• EU external border: Customs declaration required
• Temporary import: For short-term stays
• Commercial transport: Detailed documentation necessary

We are happy to advise you on connection-specific regulations.

Price calculation is based on various factors:

• Connection: Distance and ferry line
• Vehicle size: Length, width, height
• Weight: Total weight of the vehicle
• Season: Peak or off-peak season
• Additional services: Express, special handling

Request an individual quote for your specific connection.

Available payment methods:

• Bank transfer: Standard for advance payment
• PayPal: For fast online payment
• Invoice: For established business customers
• Cash payment: On site in exceptional cases

Payment is generally due before the start of transport.

Yes, we offer attractive conditions for:

• Regular bookings: Volume discounts from 10 transports/year
• Fleet contracts: Special conditions for companies
• Long-term partnerships: Individual agreements
• Group discounts: For multiple vehicles simultaneously

Contact us for a customized offer.

Tracking options for your transport:

• Email updates: Automatic notifications for status changes
• SMS service: Short messages for important milestones
• Telephone information: Anytime during business hours
• Online portal: For business customers (in development)

In case of unforeseen events:

• Immediate information: Notification by phone/email
• Alternative solutions: Rebooking to the next available ferry
• Compensation: According to EU Passenger Rights Regulation
• Cost reimbursement: For weather-related cancellations

Our customer service is there for you:

• Phone: +49 89 377 99 77 00 (Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
• Email: booking@freight-ferry.de (24/7)
• Emergency hotline: For urgent cases outside business hours
• Live chat: On our website (coming soon)