Case study Altrincham to Germany

Quick Summary

Pixel Inspiration Holdings Limited, a long-standing Pallet2Ship customer, shipped a time-critical, bespoke enclosure from Altrincham (UK) to Stuttgart (DE). Because delivery had to match their installation team’s arrival, we arranged a dedicated vehicle (outside instant quotes). The load was an oversized, stackable pallet (150 kg, 235 × 155 × 65 cm. Using the customer’s French EORI for customs (a capability we offer with dedicated vehicles), the shipment moved quickly and arrived on schedule.

On 14 February 2025, Gerard at Pixel Inspiration Holdings Limited needed a fast, predictable delivery to Stuttgart for a metal frame enclosure for a 75" LCD plus indicators. Although our website could have quoted for the oversized pallet, the job was time-sensitive and had to land in step with their own installation team. We therefore arranged a dedicated vehicle—collection in the UK, direct drive to Germany, no transfers.

This returning customer ships with us regularly across Europe. On this occasion the load was 1 pallet, oversized (150 kg, 235 × 155 × 65 cm), effectively taking the space of four quarter pallets, and was made stackable thanks to the customer’s crating. We handled the shipment on a dedicated basis to guarantee timing and chain of custody.

Customs & Documentation

Pixel Inspiration operates a French branch with a VAT registration, so we cleared the goods using their French EORI even though delivery was in Germany. While this is theoretically possible across the EU, in practice very few forwarders can execute this—and only with dedicated vehicles. We also used our standardised commercial invoice (battle-tested) to streamline clearance and avoid errors. As a trusted repeat customer who already follows our packing requirements—and because a dedicated vehicle provides tighter control—photos were not required. (For new customers, our system automatically prompts us to request photos of packaging at the first booking and again after six months to maintain standards even when staff change.)

The goods were professionally crated, insured for £1,389.81, and all documents were submitted the same day. Tracking and status updates were issued promptly.

What They Did Right - Online Booking

• Provided precise weight and oversized dimensions, which ensured the pricing was accurate from the start.


• Chose the right channel: contacted us directly for a dedicated solution rather than relying only on instant quotes.


• Used our invoice template: Pallet2Ship’s standard commercial invoice simplified customs and reduced risk of errors.


• Provided full contacts: complete sender/receiver details (names, numbers with country codes, emails) enabled smooth coordination.


• Kept comms fast: quick replies meant same-day approval and dispatch.


• Timed delivery to the project: ensured arrival in Germany coincided with their installation team’s schedule.


• Insured the shipment: added protection for high-value goods.

What They Did Right - Physical Preparation

• Crated professionally: the goods were immobilised inside the crate—bolted to the base, strapped, and surrounded by foam so nothing could shift.


• Prepared for swift loading: a forklift and trained staff were ready on site to operate and supervise loading so it was completed quickly; carriers provide a short free collection window before waiting-time charges apply.


• Ready and accessible: shipment was ready first thing, with clear driver access and staff available throughout the 8 a.m.–6 p.m. collection window.


• Correct paperwork on the crate: four copies of the commercial invoice and four copies of the AWB/barcode labels were attached in clear plastic wallets.

What to Do vs What Not to Do

Do This

• Tell us if it’s time-critical or bespoke—email, call, or use chat for dedicated options beyond instant quotes.


• Measure precisely—oversized dimensions and true weight prevent price changes and vehicle mismatches.


• Use our commercial-invoice template—it speeds clearance and reduces queries.


• Keep communication tight—quick responses between shipper, receiver, and Pallet2Ship keep the schedule intact.


• Crate and immobilise—bolt to the base, strap, and foam so nothing can move in transit.


• Stage for fast loading—forklift and competent staff ready; avoid waiting-time fees.


• Ask about EORI options—if you have an EU entity, we may be able to clear under that EORI on dedicated services.

Avoid This

• Don’t assume instant quotes fit every case—time-sensitive or bespoke jobs usually need dedicated handling.


• Don’t round dimensions—guessing size/weight leads to re-pricing and delays.


• Don’t submit ad-hoc paperwork—non-standard invoices slow customs.


• Don’t leave comms until the last minute—slow replies are a common cause of missed windows.


• Don’t rely on ‘good enough’ packing—any freedom of movement inside a crate invites damage.


• Don’t forget site readiness—no forklift/no staff = waiting-time charges and risk of failed collection.


• Don’t assume every forwarder can clear with a different EU EORI—in practice, it’s specialised and usually tied to dedicated vehicles.

Conclusion

Thanks to Paul’s meticulous prep—and Pallet2Ship’s dedicated vehicle plus specialist EORI clearance—the shipment was collected on time, cleared smoothly, and delivered in Stuttgart exactly when needed to meet the installation team.

For time-critical, high-value, or bespoke consignments, talk to us early. We’ll design the right service (including dedicated vehicles and EORI options) so your project runs to schedule with maximum control.