Cross-Channel Fruit and Vegetable Freight
LeShuttle Freight is the quickest and simplest way to transport fruit and vegetable cargo between the UK and mainland Europe. With crossing times of just 35 minutes between Folkestone and Calais, our service helps keep your perishable produce as fresh as possible en-route to its destination.
Why choose LeShuttle Freight for your fresh produce shipping?
We support food supply chains across the UK and Europe, helping ensure goods reach their destination at the highest possible quality. With a 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais, fresh produce moves through our terminals and the Channel Tunnel quickly, safely, and sustainably.
For companies that import and export fruit and vegetables, having a reliable freight partner is critical. Spoilage must be kept to a minimum when transporting short shelf-life goods, and by offering the fastest route into and out of the UK, LeShuttle Freight supports food customers every day as a key part of the European cold chain logistics network.
How do fruit and vegetables get shipped with LeShuttle Freight?
When transporting temperature-sensitive goods, minimising waiting time at the terminal is essential. With up to six departures an hour, 365 days a year, LeShuttle Freight helps keep freight moving so drivers can continue their journey without unnecessary delay.
We’ve designed our process to be straightforward for drivers and operators alike. As long as consignments are travel-ready and documentation is in order, goods move smoothly through our terminals with minimal friction — even when inspections are required.
Our customer service staff are on-hand throughout,l ensuring any checks are handled quickly and efficiently, so perishable loads stay on schedule and supply chains keep flowing.
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 vehicle, ensuring that all electrical systems, such as including refrigeration units, are switched off. Drivers will board a bus, which will take them to 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
How do you keep fruit and vegetables fresh using LeShuttle Freight?
Although drivers must switch off the power to their refrigerated containers when they board their shuttle, this does not impact the condition of perishable cargo due to the very short, 35-minute crossing time.
Do drivers need to arrive early if they are carrying fruit and vegetable freight?
No. As long as the driver has the correct paperwork, the check-in process is fast and efficient and should not result in any delays to our service.
What paperwork will our drivers need for fresh produce?
If you are experienced in fruit and vegetable logistics you will likely already possess the relevant documentation. This usually includes having a Certificate of Conformity if you are exporting from Great Britain to the EU, and the specific rules on marketing standards and plant health controls for your consignment should also be consulted.
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 takes only 35-minutes.
The Centre Douane SIVEP in Calais is dedicated to Channel Tunnel traffic only, so SIVEP checks are also faster for LeShuttle Freight customers than fruit and vegetable hauliers crossing by ferry.
