Case study Barnsley to Netherlands

Quick Summary

Floor-Fix Pro, a repeat customer with nearly 40 bookings in two years, shipped two pallets (670 kg total, 100 × 120 × 160 cm each containing flooring adhesive and cleaning wipes from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, to Veendam, Netherlands. By choosing the right road service (Euro Freight, 4–7 working days), submitting accurate documents, and responding quickly to correction requests, the shipment was processed smoothly and delivered on time.

On 4th August 2025, Peter at Floor-Fix Pro booked an international shipment through Pallet2Ship. The consignment consisted of two pallets of flooring adhesive and cleaning wipes (670 kg total, 100 × 120 × 160 cm each).

The customer reviewed several options — including air freight — and chose Euro Freight (road, 4–7 working days) as the correct service for their needs, balancing speed and cost. For new customers, it is worth noting that Pallet2Ship offers 12–15 different services to Europe on average, and it is important to take a few minutes to carefully compare options before booking.

Although this customer has booked with us close to 40 times over the past two years, they are still occasionally asked to provide photos of their freight. This is an automated process: our system requests images at clear intervals, even for repeat customers. Floor-Fix Pro has always provided them without hesitation. Some customers may question why this step is needed, but in reality, the system benefits everyone:

• It helps customers, carriers, and Pallet2Ship avoid disputes.


• It ensures goods are properly packed before collection.


• It provides crucial evidence in the event of a claim.

In this case, the photos confirmed that straps were added to secure the goods, which significantly reduced risk in transit.

During the booking, the commercial invoice initially included an incorrect commodity code. Our system flagged it automatically, the customer responded quickly, and the document was corrected the same day. The invoice was then approved by the carrier and passed to customs without further issues. The commercial invoice also clearly stated the type of adhesive and wipes, their capacity, and per-item value.

The shipment was valued at approximately £18,000. The customer chose not to purchase additional insurance. While this is possible, Pallet2Ship strongly recommends that, unless a customer already has their own freight or maritime cargo insurance, they should purchase insurance through our website at the booking stage. Otherwise, they are covered only by the carrier’s minimum liability insurance, which offers very limited protection.

What They Did Right - Online Booking

• Provided very accurate weight and dimensions at the quote stage, ensuring the pricing was correct from the start.


• Selected the correct service after reading the detailed description under the “i” button, including documentation requirements, vehicle type, surcharges, insurance, and transit times.


• Confirmed the goods were being shipped to a business address, and correctly confirmed that no engines were included. (Engines/gearboxes are only accepted if properly drained and packed.)


• Entered all addresses and contacts completely, including full names, mobile numbers with country codes, and valid emails.


• Submitted a detailed commercial invoice, including product types, capacities, and per-item values.


• Responded promptly when notified of an incorrect commodity code, allowing quick correction and approval.


• Uploaded photos before and after packing, confirming straps were used to secure the goods.

What They Did Right - Physical Preparation

• Strapped the pallets securely, reducing the risk of movement.


• Packed items carefully with visible protection and provided photos, ensuring compliance and transparency.


• Had the goods fully ready by collection day, with staff on-site during the 8 a.m.–6 p.m. window and clear driver access.


• Printed and attached four copies of the commercial invoice and one set of barcode labels in clear plastic wallets.


• Monitored tracking and followed up proactively to confirm collection.

What to Do vs What Not to Do

Do This

• Take time to review all service options, especially for EU shipments where multiple road and air services are available.


• Always enter precise dimensions and weights for accurate pricing.


• Use the service description (“i” button) to understand transit times, insurance, and surcharges.


• Provide photos when requested — it helps confirm packaging, prevents problems, and supports claims if needed.


• Respond quickly to any queries about invoices, commodity codes, or packing.


• Secure goods with straps and protection to minimise risk in transit.


• Consider insurance carefully, especially for higher-value shipments — don’t rely on minimal carrier cover.

Avoid This

• Don’t rush through the booking without comparing services — the cheapest option is not always the right one.


• Don’t submit incomplete or incorrect invoices — errors will delay approval.


• Don’t ignore photo requests — they are there to protect you, not inconvenience you.


• Don’t send pallets without straps or protection — poorly secured freight risks damage.


• Don’t rely on luck or superficial checks — thorough preparationis the only way to ensure smooth delivery.


• Don’t assume minimal insurance will fully protect you — coverage is extremely limited without proper freight insurance.

Conclusion

Thanks to Peter’s careful planning and Pallet2Ship’s systems — including invoice validation, automated photo checks, and multiple EU service options — the shipment was processed without delays, collected on time, and delivered within the quoted 4–7 working days.

This case highlights that while small errors (like invoice or packing issues) can happen, they are quickly resolved when customers respond promptly and follow our processes. At Pallet2Ship, we ask for details others may overlook because we do not leave shipments to chance. Careful preparation and the right insurance decisions ensure reliability, protect against claims, and give both customers and carriers peace of mind.