We arrange freight from Slovenia to the Czech Republic as full truckloads, part loads or groupage from one pallet, typically delivered 1–2 days after loading. Goods from Maribor often reach Brno the next day; from Ljubljana, Novo mesto or the port of Koper plan on two days. We deliver anywhere in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Whether it is goods for trade or material for manufacturing – parts for engineering and electrical industries – we collect it directly from your supplier in Slovenia. For the other direction see freight to Slovenia.
Knapek Spedition, based in Břeclav, has been organising imports from Slovenia since 2011. Many of our 500+ vetted contracted carriers run the Austrian corridor regularly, so a vehicle is usually lined up within 24 hours of your confirmation.
Which parts of Slovenia supply Czech buyers?
Slovenia is small but densely industrial. Production is spread between Ljubljana, Lower Styria around Maribor, the Celje area, Lower Carniola and the coast with the port of Koper. The overview shows what Czech buyers typically source where. The four main loading points have their own pages; more towns are listed below this text.
| Area | Common goods | Transit to Czechia |
|---|---|---|
| Central Slovenia – Ljubljana | medicines and medical supplies, food, printed matter, electrical goods | 2 days |
| Lower Styria – Maribor | car parts, metal products, textiles, beverages | 1–2 days |
| Celje and the Šalek valley | household appliances, metal packaging, enamelware | 1–2 days |
| Lower Carniola – Novo mesto | vehicle components, caravans, furniture | 2 days |
| Coast – Koper | customs-cleared overseas container goods, fruit, consumer goods | 2 days |
| Upper Carniola and Carinthian border | sawn timber, wood panels, sports equipment, rubber parts | 2 days |
Which route does the truck take, and how long does it need?
Every load from Slovenia to the Czech Republic crosses Austria. The main route uses the Šentilj–Spielfeld border, then passes Graz and Vienna to Mikulov or Břeclav; for Bohemia and Prague the truck may continue via Linz instead. When loading in Upper Carniola, the Karawanken tunnel and the road through Carinthia and Salzburg are often the better option. Rough distances: Maribor–Brno about 400 km, Ljubljana–Brno around 520 km, Koper–Prague roughly 760 km.
The Slovenian DarsGo toll for vehicles over 3.5 t, plus Austrian, Czech and Slovak tolls, are included in our price, as is the Slovenian e-vignette for vans.
How do Austrian driving bans affect imports from Slovenia?
Transit through Austria shapes the week. Trucks over 7.5 t may not run there from Saturday 15:00 to Sunday 22:00, nor on public holidays from midnight to 22:00. In the Czech Republic the ban applies on Sundays and holidays from 13:00 to 22:00, and in summer also on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Slovenia has its own Sunday and holiday restrictions too. In practice, cargo loaded after Friday lunchtime normally arrives on Monday; if you need delivery the same week, load on Thursday or early Friday at the latest.
What is loading like at Slovenian suppliers?
Slovenian businesses start early: production and dispatch often run from 6 or 7 a.m., and loading usually closes around 2 or 3 p.m. Larger manufacturers work with time slots and an order reference the driver gives at the gate. Sawmills and panel producers in Upper Carniola tend to load from the side with a forklift, so for timber we book a curtainsider that allows side loading.
At the port of Koper we collect goods that are customs-cleared, stripped from the container and palletised. Clearance of non-EU goods is handled by the importer's customs agent. To book we need the terminal or warehouse number and the release reference.
Days off in Slovenia include the cultural holiday in February, Statehood Day in June, the Assumption and Independence and Unity Day in December; Labour Day is a two-day holiday. We check loading dates around these days in advance.
Full truck, part load or groupage?
A trailer takes 33 euro pallets on 13.6 loading metres and up to roughly 24 tonnes; a single euro pallet needs 0.4 ldm.
| Shipment volume | Suitable service | Include in your request |
|---|---|---|
| 1–6 pallets, small parts | groupage | dimensions of each pallet, weight, stackability |
| 7–18 pallets | part load straight to you | loading metres, whether co-loading is fine |
| over 15 pallets or heavy timber | whole trailer | loading window, reference, side loading yes/no |
| spare part needed tomorrow | express van | shipper and consignee contacts |
| fresh food, drinks | reefer trailer | temperature range |
Who books the transport under Incoterms?
If you buy in Slovenia on EXW or FCA terms, transport is your responsibility and we handle it for you right at the supplier's gate. Under DAP or DDP the seller pays the freight. Booking yourself keeps the date in your hands and lets you combine goods from several suppliers – for example Maribor and Celje – in a single vehicle.
How do you set up regular imports from Slovenia?
Companies that buy from Slovenia every week usually settle on a fixed collection day. The supplier knows when the vehicle turns up, and your warehouse can plan the unloading. Smaller volumes from several sites, for instance Ljubljana, Celje and Maribor, can be picked up in one truck and dropped at multiple addresses in the Czech Republic or Slovakia. If volumes vary, an approximate pallet count a week ahead is enough, with the exact quantity confirmed the day before loading. Tolls and Austrian transit costs are never added afterwards.
What paperwork and information do we need?
Slovenia is in the EU, so no customs procedure applies. An invoice or delivery note and a CMR consignment note are enough. For a fast quote, send us:
- the loading address (for Koper the terminal or warehouse) and the delivery address,
- number, dimensions and total weight of the pallets,
- loading hours and the supplier's reference number, if required,
- the ready date and the delivery date you need.
During office hours we reply within 30 minutes. Return loads – see transport to Slovenia – and fixed weekly collections can be arranged as well.
Collecting from Koper or Slovenian suppliers on a regular basis? We agree fixed collection days and a rate for a longer period, and return loads to Slovenia if you need them – see regular transport, or write to us directly.
Related guides: Importing goods from the EU · Automotive freight · Preparing pallets