Good to know
Road Transport
Most common pallets in road transport
The following pallet types are most commonly used in road transport:
- EUR pallet - 120 * 80 cm
- FIN pallet - 120 * 100 cm
- Industrial pallet - 120 * 120 cm
Typical vehicle capacity
For a standard semi-trailer, the following figures are common:
- Loading length: up to 13.6 loading metres (ldm) up to 13,6 loading metres (ldm)
- Capacity: up to 33 EUR pallets or 26 FIN pallets
- Payload: up to 24 tonnes
- Cargol volume: approx. 85-112 m³ (depending on trailer type)
Full truck loads and part loads
In road transport, two main types of shipments are used:
- FTL (Full Truck Load) - a full load where the entire truck is dedicated to one customer’s goods
- LTL (Less Truck Load) - a part load where the truck carries goods from multiple shippers
Semi-trailer dimensions and loading options
The internal dimensions of a typical semi-trailer are approximately:
- 13,6 × 2,45 × 2,7 m (may vary depending on the trailer)
Loading is possible:
- From the rear
- From the sides
- From the top (through the roof)
Shipping documents in road transport
Each shipment must be accompanied by the relevant documents:
- Invoice and/or packing list issued by the shipper
- CMR - an international consignment note, usually completed by the carrier at the loading location
Carrier Liability
When ordering the transport of goods, it is important to understand the carrier’s liability in the event that the goods are damaged or lost during transport.
In the event of damage to or loss of the goods, the owner of the goods has the right to file a claim against the carrier. The carrier’s liability is regulated by law, and the customer does not need to pay a separate fee for this coverage. However, carrier liability is subject to certain limitations.
Limits of carrier liability by mode of transport
Road transport:
- Liability is limited to a maximum of 8.33 SDR, approximately EUR 10 per kilogram of gross weight.
Air transport:
- Liability is limited to a maximum of 19 SDR, approximately EUR 24 per kilogram of gross weight.
Sea transport:
- Liability is limited to 2 SDR per kilogram of gross weight, or
666.67 SDR per package or unit.
Important notes regarding carrier liability
- Compensation is calculated based on the actual weight of the goods, not the volumetric weight.
- Carrier liability covers only damage caused by the carrier’s fault or negligence.
- The carrier is not liable for damage resulting from circumstances beyond its control (e.g. theft, robbery, force majeure).
When is cargo insurance required?
If the value of the goods:
- exceeds the carrier’s liability limits, or
- you wish to be protected in cases where carrier liability does not apply,
we recommend arranging separate all-risk cargo insurance. Cargo insurance provides broader protection and greater peace of mind, especially for higher-value shipments.