Freight transport to and from Turkey
Freight transport to and from Turkey differs from many other non-EU routes – Turkey has a customs union with the European Union, so different customs procedures apply to some goods. Nevertheless, customs formalities cannot be avoided entirely. The route is also longer than for most of the other countries we serve.
Who transports freight from Turkey to Lithuania and from Lithuania to Turkey?
Freight transport on the Turkey route via trans.lt is organised by UAB „Kauno logistikos agentūra“. We select the transport solution according to the size of the cargo, the transit time, the loading and unloading locations and the need for customs formalities.
How does freight transport to and from Turkey work?
We select the transport solution according to the size, weight and nature of the cargo and any special requirements. First, we assess the nature of the cargo, the volume and the desired transit time, and then choose a full truckload or part-load solution. The general transport process is described on our international freight transport page – here we focus on what matters specifically for this route and sets it apart from others.
Customs union, but not EU membership
Turkey and the European Union have a customs union covering a large share of industrial goods. The A.TR movement certificate can be used to confirm that goods are in free circulation under the rules of the EU–Turkey customs union. However, A.TR does not apply to all product groups, so the need for documents and customs procedures must be assessed for each specific shipment. Whether duty applies and how much depends on the specific commodity code, origin and the customs rules in force at the time, so where necessary we clarify the specific situation with a customs broker.
Separate rules apply, for example, to agricultural, steel and coal products – these may require other documents of origin. When organising transport, we rely on the information about the goods provided by the client and, where necessary, coordinate customs formalities with customs brokers.
Long route and transit through several countries
The road to Turkey runs through several transit countries, so it is longer than most of the other routes we serve. In some cases a ferry leg may also be relevant for the shipment. We plan transit times cautiously, taking into account the full length of the route, not just the shortest distance on the map. Transit times to different regions of Turkey – for example, Istanbul and the more distant eastern regions – can vary considerably, so we assess the loading and unloading locations in the very first conversation to ensure the transit time is not based on assumptions.
When to choose a full truckload and when a part load?
A full truckload (FTL) is more often chosen for larger volumes or when the shortest possible route with fewer intermediate handling stages is important. A part load (LTL) suits smaller shipments – as the route is long, part-load consolidation can help reduce transport costs. We discuss which option to choose when assessing your first request, so that the quote reflects your actual needs rather than just a standard scheme.
Insurance on this route
Carrier’s liability (CMR) insurance is not cargo insurance – it covers the carrier’s civil liability under the CMR Convention within the terms and limits of the specific policy, not the full value of the cargo. Because of the long route and several transit countries, some clients find it worthwhile to insure their cargo additionally – especially when shipping higher-value or fragile goods. If you need broader cover than the carrier’s liability limits, we can arrange additional cargo insurance separately for the specific cargo and shipment, subject to the insurer’s terms.
What cargo is most commonly transported to and from Turkey?
On the Turkey route we transport textiles, construction materials, industrial components and consumer goods. Freight transport from Turkey often includes textiles and raw materials used for further manufacturing in Lithuania or other EU countries. The route is relevant both for companies organising regular shipments and for clients arranging a one-off shipment.
Contact us for a quote
Do you have cargo that needs to be transported to or from Turkey? Email us at [email protected], call +370 37 454255 or fill in the request form – we will assess the route and send you a quote with the price and an indicative transit time.
FAQ
Are customs documents required when transporting goods to or from Turkey?
Yes, but the documents required depend on the specific goods and the customs procedure that applies to them. For goods covered by the EU–Turkey customs union, the A.TR movement certificate may be used, while other product groups may be subject to separate preferential rules of origin and require other documents. We clarify the specific document requirements based on the cargo and information from a customs broker.
How long does freight transport from Lithuania to Turkey take?
The transit time depends on the type of cargo, the route and the chosen solution – full truckload or part load. As the route is long and passes through several countries, we provide an indicative transit time together with the quote, after assessing the specific cargo, route and the transport and border-crossing conditions at the time.
Do you also transport part loads to or from Turkey?
Yes. A part load is suitable when the cargo is smaller or the delivery deadline is not critical – given the long route, it can often be a more economical solution.
How does freight transport from Turkey to Lithuania work?
Freight transport from Turkey to Lithuania via trans.lt is organised by UAB „Kauno logistikos agentūra“. We select the transport solution based on the cargo details, review the information on documents provided by the client and coordinate the transport process. The specific customs formalities depend on the cargo, its status and the import or export conditions.
Who organises freight transport to Turkey?
Freight transport to Turkey via trans.lt is organised by UAB „Kauno logistikos agentūra“. We plan the shipment as a complete route through the transit countries – from loading in Lithuania to delivery to the consignee in Turkey.
Which goods may be covered by the A.TR movement certificate?
The A.TR movement certificate is used for goods covered by the EU–Turkey customs union that meet the free circulation conditions. It most commonly applies to industrial goods and some processed agricultural products. Agricultural products, as well as steel and coal products, may be subject to separate preferential rules of origin and require other documents. We clarify which procedure applies to a specific shipment based on the cargo details and current information from a customs broker before submitting a quote.
Is special packaging required when transporting cargo to or from Turkey?
That depends on the nature of the cargo. The shipper or the party ordering the transport is responsible for proper packaging, labelling and classification of the cargo and for the accuracy of the information provided, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing. When organising transport, we rely on the information they provide about the cargo and its preparation for transport.
How do I order freight transport to Turkey?
You can submit a request via the freight request form, by email at [email protected] or by phone at +370 37 454255. To help us prepare a quote, please state the cargo dimensions, weight, loading and unloading locations and the desired transit time.
How quickly can I get a transport quote?
During working hours we usually reply to requests within 1–2 working hours. If customs formalities need to be clarified further with a customs broker, the reply may take longer – we will let you know.
What cargo can you transport from Turkey?
We transport goods from various sectors – both as full truckloads and as part loads. We select the solution according to the size, weight and nature of the cargo, and assess dangerous goods or cargo requiring special conditions separately.