Freight Transport to Switzerland

Freight Transport to Switzerland: a Non-EU Country

Switzerland is outside the EU and its customs union, so freight transport to Switzerland means two clearances: EU transit and Swiss import at entry. Hort Trans walks both stages for you: we prepare the CMR, transit documents and support the customs clearance.

The ≈2,000–2,200 km route usually runs through Germany entering at Basel — the country’s main logistics gate where Germany and France meet.

What Makes the Swiss Route Different

• separate clearance — Switzerland is outside the EU customs territory, import is processed at entry;
• truck driving bans — at night (22:00–05:00) and on Sundays: the trip schedule is planned around them;
• the LSVA road charge for heavy vehicles — included in the estimate upfront;
• main delivery points — Zurich, Basel, Bern, Geneva.

Neighbouring Routes

The approximate lead time is 4–6 days including two customs stages and driving bans. Switzerland combines well with Germany (entry via Basel) and Italy (southbound via the Alpine tunnels). The full geography is under international transportation.

What Else We Account For

• the LSVA rate depends on the vehicle’s emission class — we dispatch trucks with a lower charge;
• cantonal holidays: different cantons rest on different days, which affects unloading windows;
• queues at the Alpine tunnels (Gotthard) in peak periods;
• customs inspection at entry can add time — built into the schedule from the start.

Swiss rules are strict but stable and transparent: a properly planned trip fails less often here than on most EU routes.

Switzerland Shipping FAQ