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Pallet transport in the Czech Republic and Europe

Pallet transport in the Czech Republic and Europe

Pallet transport is the carriage of goods loaded on pallets, most often euro pallets of 120 × 80 cm. Knapek Spedition, a freight forwarder based in Břeclav (Czech Republic), arranges it from one pallet to a full truck of 33 euro pallets: a van for up to 5 pallets, a curtain-sided van for up to 10, a rigid truck for 15–18 and an articulated truck for 33. Single pallets travel as groupage, larger shipments direct. Quote within 30 minutes on +420 722 311 499.

Shipment size1 to 33 euro pallets
CoverageCzech Republic and 24 European countries
Unloading without a dockvehicle with tail lift
Fastest optionvan direct, often same day
Quotewithin 30 minutes
We ship single pallets, groupage and full loads across the Czech Republic and to and from 24 European countries. We arrange the right vehicle, a tail lift where there is no dock, and delivery at the agreed time.

What is pallet transport?

Pallet transport is the carriage of goods stacked and secured on pallets – most often euro pallets measuring 120 × 80 cm. It is the standard way businesses move goods: the pallet is loaded by forklift or pallet truck, travels without repacking and is handed over to the consignee in one piece.

Which vehicle for how many pallets

VehicleEuro palletsPayload
Box vanup to 5approx. 1 t
Curtain-sided vanup to 10approx. 1.3 t
Rigid truck 7.5–12 t15–18up to approx. 6 t
Articulated truck, 13.6 m trailer33up to approx. 24 t

Pallet types and loading metres

Load carrierSizeFloor space
Euro pallet120 × 80 cm0.4 LDM
Industrial pallet120 × 100 cm0.5 LDM
Half pallet80 × 60 cm0.2 LDM
Mesh box pallet124 × 84 cmapprox. 0.42 LDM

What counts is not only the number of pallets but whether they are stackable. Two stacked pallets take one floor position; goods with a fragile or uneven top take the full space. Work out your shipment in the LDM calculator.

One pallet or a full truck?

One to roughly eight pallets usually travel as groupage (LTL) – they share a vehicle with other shipments heading the same way, which keeps the cost down. From about 6–7 loading metres or 5 tonnes, a dedicated part or full load (FTL) becomes more economical and runs direct from loading to delivery without transhipment. Urgent pallets go by van as a direct run, often the same day. More in FTL vs LTL.

Pallet exchange – agree it in advance

Exchanging euro pallets is common in Germany and Austria but not automatic in the Czech Republic. Whether pallets are exchanged is written into the order and the consignment note; without that agreement the pallets are treated as one-way packaging and stay with the consignee.

Delivery without a loading dock

Many consignees – shops, workshops, building sites – have no dock. For them we arrange a vehicle with a hydraulic tail lift and, on request, a pallet truck, so the pallet is set down right at the door. Please mention it in your enquiry.

Pallet transport by Czech city

We collect pallets anywhere in the Czech Republic. For these 40 cities you will find the routes, delivery times and what the region typically ships:

Loading elsewhere? See all areas we cover.

Pallets to and from abroad

Pallets from the Czech Republic reach neighbouring countries within 1–2 days and most of the EU within 2–4 days – see transit times by country. Most frequent destinations: Germany · Austria · Slovakia · Poland · Hungary. Importing to the Czech Republic? See international transport.

How the price is set

The price depends on the distance, the number and size of pallets, their weight, whether they can be stacked and on extras such as a tail lift or an express run. An indicative figure is available instantly in the calculator; a binding quote follows within 30 minutes.

Advantages

  • Fast, safe handling by forklift or pallet truck
  • From a single pallet to a full truck
  • Unloading without a dock (tail lift)

Keep in mind

  • Goods must be secured on the pallet (stretch film, straps)
  • Oversized or non-stackable items should be announced in advance

What we need for a quote

  • Loading and delivery address (postcode is enough for an estimate)
  • Number of pallets, dimensions and weight
  • Whether the pallets are stackable
  • Loading date and whether a tail lift is needed

LDM calculator — work out the loading metres of your shipment and see which vehicle is enough.

Regular transport of pallets? We agree fixed loading days, rates for a longer period and transport there and back if needed — regular transport or get in touch.

No dock or forklift? Loading and unloading without a dock

How to wrap and label a pallet correctly: How to prepare pallets for transport

Related guides: Unloading at a warehouse — delivery booking, time slots and pallet exchange · Paper and packaging transport — rolls, carton pallets and moisture protection · Non-standard pallets and sizes — industrial pallets, overhang and height

Frequently asked questions

How many pallets fit in a truck?
A standard articulated truck with a 13.6 m trailer holds 33 euro pallets in one layer (26 industrial pallets). A rigid truck of 7.5–12 t takes 15 to 18 pallets.
How many pallets can a van carry?
A box van takes up to 5 euro pallets (about 1 t), a curtain-sided van up to 10 euro pallets (about 1.3 t).
Do you ship a single pallet?
Yes. A single pallet travels as groupage with other shipments heading the same way, or by van as a direct run if it is urgent.
What is the difference between groupage and a full load?
Groupage (LTL) shares a vehicle with other shipments and suits one to about eight pallets. A full or part load (FTL) runs direct without transhipment and pays off from around 6–7 loading metres.
How much space does a euro pallet take?
A euro pallet (120 × 80 cm) takes 0.4 loading metres, an industrial pallet (120 × 100 cm) 0.5 LDM and a half pallet 0.2 LDM.
Does it matter whether the pallets are stackable?
Yes, a lot. Two stacked pallets use one floor position, so stackable goods are cheaper to ship. Tell us in the enquiry whether your pallets can be stacked.
Can you deliver where there is no loading dock?
Yes. We arrange a vehicle with a hydraulic tail lift and, on request, a pallet truck, so the pallet is set down at the door.
Are euro pallets exchanged on delivery?
Only if agreed. Pallet exchange is common in Germany and Austria but not automatic in the Czech Republic, so we record it in the order and on the consignment note.
How fast can a pallet be collected?
A van is often available the same day; trucks usually the next working day. We confirm the nearest date straight after your enquiry.
How long does a pallet take within the Czech Republic?
Usually 24–48 hours as groupage; a direct van run reaches anywhere in the country within one working day.
How long does a pallet take to Germany or Austria?
Usually 1–2 days to neighbouring countries and 2–4 days to most of the EU, depending on distance and consolidation.
How should pallets be prepared for transport?
Goods should be secured with stretch film or straps, must not overhang the pallet and the pallet should carry a label with the consignee. Fragile goods should be marked.
Do you ship chilled goods on pallets?
Yes. For chilled or frozen pallets we arrange a refrigerated vehicle with temperature control.
How is the price of pallet transport calculated?
From distance, number, size and weight of the pallets, stackability and extras such as a tail lift or express. The calculator gives an indicative figure, a binding quote follows within 30 minutes.
Is my pallet insured?
Yes. A pallet shipment is covered by carrier liability – under the CMR Convention internationally and under the Czech Civil Code domestically. For higher-value goods we arrange additional cargo insurance.
Can you arrange regular transport of pallets, there and back?
Yes. We arrange regular transport of pallets on fixed days and, if you like, there and back: the vehicle delivers your goods and loads the next consignment on the way back, such as returnable packaging or goods for your warehouse. The rate is agreed for a longer period.
Knapek Spedition Freight forwarding and road transport, Břeclav · Updated 29. 9. 2026