LOGISTICS 101
Key Facts
- Route: Croatia to UK
- Origin: Zagreb region, Croatia
- Destination: East Midlands, UK
- Mode: Road freight (flatbed vehicle)
- Goods: Industrial steel frame component + palletised parts
- Issue: Dimensions initially measured as pallet base only
- Resolution: Flatbed vehicle arranged following photo verification
Quick Summary
A UK-based machinery importer contacted Pallet2Ship to arrange collection of industrial press components from a supplier near Zagreb, Croatia. The shipment included two standard pallets and one oversized steel frame mounted on a timber base. The customer correctly requested a special quote rather than using the standard online system, but the initial dimensions provided appeared to reflect only the pallet base, not the full footprint of the loaded goods. After requesting photographs, Pallet2Ship identified that the true size of the oversized unit was 420 cm × 260 cm, requiring a flatbed vehicle rather than a standard curtainsider. The shipment was re-quoted correctly, collected on schedule, and delivered to the UK without delay.
What Happened
A UK importer of industrial machinery components needed to collect freight from their Croatian supplier. The shipment consisted of:
- Two standard palletised consignments
- One oversized steel frame secured to a timber base
Because the item was clearly oversized, the customer submitted a special quote request instead of trying to push it through the instant online booking system.
The initial description stated “pallet-mounted” with dimensions that did not clearly include overhang. This raised a flag with the quotation team. In oversized freight, the loaded footprint — not just the pallet base — determines the vehicle type.
Photographs were requested before the quote was finalised.
The images confirmed:
- Actual footprint: 420 cm length × 260 cm width
- Significant overhang beyond the timber pallet
- Load too wide for a standard curtainsider trailer
At this size, the freight exceeded internal trailer tolerances and required a flatbed vehicle for safe transport.
What the Customer Did Right
Booking and communication
- Requested a special quote instead of using the standard booking system
- Responded quickly when photographs were requested
- Provided clear images showing overhang from multiple angles
- Allowed sufficient lead time before the required collection date
Physical preparation
- Steel frame secured to a robust timber base
- Load evenly distributed and forklift-ready
- Smaller pallets wrapped and strapped to pallet-network standards
- Forklift available at the collection site
- Clear labelling with UK delivery details
For general loading and securing advice, see our Pallet Packing Guide.
What Went Wrong
1. Dimensions reflected the pallet base only
The customer measured the timber base but not the full loaded footprint. The steel frame extended significantly beyond the pallet edges.
In oversized freight, the loaded dimensions — including overhang — must always be declared.
2. Overhang not explicitly mentioned
Although the customer knew the item was oversized, the initial description did not clarify that the goods extended well beyond the pallet base. This meant extra clarification was needed before quoting.
3. Vehicle type could not be confirmed immediately
Without photographs, it was impossible to determine whether:
- A curtainsider could be used
- An LTL or FTL service would suffice
- Or whether a specialist flatbed was required
A short clarification delay avoided a failed collection and an incorrect vehicle being dispatched.
How Pallet2Ship Resolved It
Once the photographs confirmed the true dimensions, the quotation team:
- Identified that a flatbed lorry was required
- Explained why a standard curtainsider could not safely accommodate the load
- Issued a revised flatbed quotation for the Croatia–UK corridor
- Confirmed forklift access and loading method with the supplier
- Coordinated EU-to-UK customs documentation
This avoided dispatching an unsuitable vehicle and prevented a failed collection.
For cross-border movements, accurate Commercial Invoice, EORI, and HS codes are essential. All documentation was reviewed before dispatch.
The shipment moved via dedicated road freight and cleared customs without issue.
Delivery was completed within the agreed timeframe.
Results
- Correct vehicle type arranged before collection
- No failed collection or re-rating
- No transit damage
- No customs complications
- Delivery completed on schedule
- Customer avoided unnecessary delay and double-handling costs
What to Do vs What Not to Do
Do This
- Measure the entire loaded unit, not just the pallet base.
- Include overhang in both length and width.
- Provide photographs for unusual or oversized freight.
- Confirm forklift access at both collection and delivery.
- Request a special quote for non-standard loads.
Avoid This
- Do not assume “pallet-mounted” means network-compliant.
- Do not measure only the timber base.
- Do not ignore photo requests when asked.
- Do not assume a standard trailer can handle very wide or long loads.
Why It Matters
Oversized freight does not fail because it is large — it fails because it is inaccurately described.
Standard pallet-network vehicles are designed around defined width and height tolerances. When freight exceeds those tolerances, the right answer is not to “try and make it fit,” but to select the appropriate vehicle from the start.
In this case, a flatbed lorry was the correct and safest solution. Identifying that before dispatch avoided:
- Failed collection
- Additional vehicle charges
- Delivery delays
- Re-handling damage
One of the most common oversized-freight errors in UK–EU movements is measuring the pallet base instead of the loaded footprint. Catching that mistake early protects both timeline and budget.
If you are unsure whether your shipment requires oversized pallet handling, LTL / FTL services, or a flatbed solution, it is always safer to request advice before booking.
Getting the dimensions right at the quotation stage is significantly cheaper — and far less stressful — than correcting them on collection day.