Forestry & wood freight and shipping
If your company specialises in transporting timber and wood into and out of mainland Europe, LeShuttle Freight is the fastest, hassle-free way to get your goods across the Channel.
Why choose LeShuttle Freight for your forestry shipping?
We work with timber merchants across the UK and Europe, and see a regular flow of forestry freight traffic through our terminals. With just a 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais, we deliver everything you are looking for from a freight provider – speed, safety and sustainability.
Timber haulage companies rely on us because they know that our service provides the fastest route by road into and out of the UK. Whether you are shipping treated or untreated timber, from one-off shipments to recurring loads, your product will be in safe hands with LeShuttle Freight.
How does wood and timber get shipped with LeShuttle Freight?
Forestry logistics brings with it a fair amount of paperwork, as you will know, so to ensure a smooth passage across the Channel, all we ask is that your drivers have everything ready for any inspections that might need to be made. Make sure your consignment includes a phytosanitary certificate if it is being exported, a notice of landing form (if required), and your driver has the correct customs documents.
Our customer service staff will ensure that any checks are carried out quickly and efficiently.
Before your crossing
Simply book your crossing as normal – if you have a freight account with us, you don’t even need to book! Just make sure your company’s fleet details are up to date before using our service. When your driver arrives at our Folkestone or Calais terminals our systems will recognise their registration plate, and after border controls, security and check-in we will direct them onto our first available shuttle.
During and after the crossing
After parking up in the shuttle, drivers exit their truck. All electrical systems (including refrigeration units) have to be switched off. Drivers travel in an air-conditioned ‘Club Car’ where they can relax during the 35-minute crossing. The time drivers spend in the Club Car counts as a mandatory break in their tachograph, so they can be on their way as soon as they exit our terminal after the crossing.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any types of wood you don’t ship at LeShuttle Freight?
All timber must be legally harvested, and comply with the forestry requirements of the UK or European Union. Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork for your freight before travel.
We use standard curtain trailers for our wood haulage. Will these be accepted on LeShuttle Freight?
Yes, we have many years experience of handling forestry freight, so our shuttles are compatible with these types of vehicles.
Is using LeShuttle Freight quicker than a ferry?
Yes. The ferry crossing from Dover to Calais takes at least 90 minutes, whereas using the Channel Tunnel with LeShuttle Freight is only a 35-minute crossing.
