We arrange freight from Genoa to the Czech Republic in 2–3 days from loading – whether it is a sea container from the port, steel and machinery from Ligurian plants or a few pallets of olive oil. Genoa is about 1,000 km from Prague and around 1,150 km from Brno. We collect at the Pra' and Sampierdarena terminals, in La Spezia, Savona, Vado Ligure and at the Rivalta Scrivia inland terminal, and deliver anywhere in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Which Ligurian terminal, which cargo?
For Czech importers Genoa is above all a gateway for ocean freight: a lot of cargo lands here from overseas and travels on to Central Europe by road. The pickup points we use most:
| Pickup point | Typical cargo | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Genoa – Pra' | 20' and 40' sea containers | collection once the shipping line and customs agent release the box |
| Genoa – Sampierdarena | containers, ro-ro, steel products | city port with heavy traffic – allow extra time |
| La Spezia | containers, general cargo | combines well with loads from Tuscany or Emilia |
| Savona, Vado Ligure | containers, fruit, chilled goods | agree temperature and loading time in advance |
| Rivalta Scrivia near Tortona | devanning containers onto pallets | inland terminal, onward by curtainsider |
| industry behind the port | steel, plant and equipment | crane or side loading, heavy items secured |
| Riviera and Ligurian hinterland | olive oil, pesto, wine | glass bottles on pallets, chilled in summer if needed |
Deliver the container whole, or devan it?
Both options have their place.
Direct delivery on a chassis: the container comes all the way to you, you unload it and the empty goes back. This is the choice when cargo cannot or must not be transhipped – for instance floor-loaded cartons that would suffer from being handled again.
Devanning at Rivalta Scrivia or near the port: the box is emptied, the goods are palletised if needed and continue on a standard trailer. Over the long run to the Czech Republic this is often cheaper, because the empty returns to the shipping line sooner and a trailer holds 33 euro pallets. If you are unsure, send us the packing list and we will suggest the better route.
What do we need to collect a container?
Customs clearance is handled by the importer's customs agent; we arrange the transport. So the truck does not wait at the port, please have ready:
- container number, type (20', 40', high cube) and terminal;
- confirmation that the container is cleared and released for collection;
- gross weight and number of packages or pallets;
- the empty return location if the container is delivered direct;
- delivery address, contact person and receiving hours.
Why doesn't the route go through Switzerland?
On the map, heading straight north over the Swiss Alps looks obvious. But Switzerland is outside the EU, which would add customs formalities. Instead the truck takes the A7 via Serravalle Scrivia to Milan, the A4 towards Verona and the A22 up to the Brenner. Through Austria it runs via Innsbruck and Kufstein, through Germany via Munich and Regensburg, entering the Czech Republic at Waidhaus/Rozvadov. For Moravia and Slovakia the eastern route via Tarvisio is an option. Italian, Austrian, German and Czech tolls are included. There are industrial hubs along the way where we can add cargo – see our pages on freight from Milan and Turin.
When should the load leave Genoa?
Italy bans vehicles above 7.5 t on Sundays and public holidays, usually 9:00–22:00 and from 7:00 in summer, plus other days fixed in its annual calendar. Austria restricts trucks from Saturday 15:00 and at night, and on certain days Tyrol meters lorries in blocks at Kufstein. We therefore prefer port collections early in the week. If a container is picked up on a Friday, expect delivery on Monday or Tuesday.
One pallet of oil or a full trailer of steel?
Small quantities of Ligurian food go by groupage from a single pallet; one euro pallet takes 0.4 loading metres. A part load suits several metres from one warehouse, and a full truck means 33 euro pallets, 13.6 loading metres and about 24 t. With steel and machinery, weight and loading method decide: where rear loading from a dock is impossible, we book a curtainsider for side loading. If your Genoa cargo meets a consignment from France, the two can be combined – Liguria runs straight into Nice and the Côte d'Azur.
Who books, and which documents are needed?
Goods made in Italy need no customs: an invoice, delivery note and CMR consignment note are enough. Overseas containers also come with the customs agent's paperwork. Under EXW or FCA the Czech buyer books the transport; under DAP the supplier does. Send us the pickup point, for containers the number and type, the pallet count, weight and delivery address. You receive a price within 30 minutes during office hours and a vehicle usually within 24 hours of confirmation. For a general overview see transport from Italy. Knapek Spedition has arranged road freight since 2011 with more than 500 vetted contracted carriers.
Do your containers land in Genoa every month? We can agree a fixed routine from the terminal to your dock and a rate for a longer period – regular transport, or drop us a line.
Related guides: Importing goods from the EU · Machinery transport · Preparing pallets