The cost depends on pallet size, weight, collection and delivery postcodes, and the service type selected. Economy road freight is typically the most cost-effective option, while express road or air freight offers faster transit. Use the Instant Quote Tool to see live pricing.

Economy road freight is usually the lowest-cost option for pallet shipments between the UK and Portugal.

Yes. Pallet2Ship offers economy road freight for cost-efficient shipping and faster express services, including air freight, for urgent deliveries.

Yes, provided all weight, dimension, and access details entered during booking are accurate. Additional charges only occur if shipment details are incorrect or incomplete.

Yes. You can obtain a quote and book shipments without registering.

No. All charges are displayed before you confirm the booking. Optional extras such as tail-lift or residential delivery are clearly itemised.

Often yes. Shipping several pallets together usually reduces the average cost per pallet.

Yes. Deliveries to Madeira and the Azores cost more and take longer than mainland Portugal due to additional sea or air transport legs.

Payment is made securely online during the booking process.

Typical transit times are:

Most shipments travel via European road freight networks through France and Spain before reaching Portugal.

Yes. Shipments to Madeira and the Azores require additional sea or air transport, so transit times are longer than mainland deliveries.

Yes. Summer holidays, particularly in August when many businesses reduce operations, can affect delivery schedules. National holidays such as Portugal Day (10 June), Liberty Day (25 April), and the Christmas period may also cause delays.

Yes. Delays may occur if documentation is incomplete or goods are selected for inspection.

Air freight is best for urgent shipments such as spare parts, samples, or time-critical deliveries. Road freight is more economical when timing is flexible.

Use a strong pallet base, secure goods with straps and stretch wrap, and ensure the wrap binds both pallet and goods together. Heavy items should sit at the bottom. See our Pallet Packing Guide.

Standard UK pallets (120 × 100 cm), Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm), square pallets (100 × 100 cm), and oversized pallets are accepted.

Standard pallet services typically accept up to 1,200 kg per pallet. Heavier shipments may require LTL or FTL services.

Forklifts are usually required for pallets above 750 kg or oversized freight that cannot be safely handled by tail-lift.

Yes. Tail-lift vehicles are typically used for pallets under 750 kg.

Yes. Oversized or overhanging pallets are accepted when declared correctly. See our Oversized Pallets guide.

Since Brexit, ISPM-15-compliant wood packaging is technically required for shipments between the UK and EU, including Portugal. In practice enforcement varies, but using heat-treated pallets is strongly recommended to avoid inspection delays.

Yes. Plastic pallets are acceptable and do not require ISPM-15 treatment.

Drivers may refuse collection if a pallet is unsafe to transport, and carrier liability may be reduced if poor packaging causes damage.

Yes. Photos provide useful evidence if a claim is required and help confirm packaging quality.

Measure the loaded pallet including any overhang and record full length, width, height, and weight.

Yes. Portugal is in the EU, and the UK is outside the EU customs area, so customs documentation is required for all shipments.

You will usually need:

It depends on the service. Courier carriers such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS can handle B2C shipments without an EORI for the recipient, but groupage networks require EORI numbers for both exporter and importer. See our EORI guide.

HS codes classify goods for customs and determine duties and VAT. They must appear on your commercial invoice. See our Commodity Codes guide.

Common terms include DAP and DDP. See our Incoterms guide.

Under DAP terms the Portuguese consignee usually pays duties and VAT. Under DDP the sender pays.

Portugal’s standard VAT rate is 23%. Reduced rates apply to certain goods categories. Madeira and the Azores have slightly different tax regimes with reduced VAT rates compared with mainland Portugal.

Portugal uses the euro (EUR).

No. All UK–Portugal shipments require a Commercial Invoice (or a proforma invoice for personal effects).

Some carriers require signed copies of the invoice attached in a document wallet on the pallet. Check the booking requirements for your selected service.

Usually 1–2 working days when documentation is correct.

Our team will contact you if customs require additional information. Holds are usually caused by missing or incorrect documents

Yes. All UK–EU shipments now require customs declarations and invoices with HS codes and values. Our system generates much of the required paperwork automatically.

Certain items are restricted or prohibited. Always check our Prohibited & Restricted Items guide before booking.

No. Pallet2Ship does not handle alcohol shipments on any service.

Yes, but only ambient, non-perishable food products. Chilled or frozen goods are not supported. Details must appear on your commercial invoice.

Yes, on selected services and subject to carrier approval. Lithium batteries must comply with UN packaging rules. See our Dangerous Goods guide.

Yes, with correct ADR documentation and carrier approval. Not all carriers accept dangerous goods.

Yes, if fully drained of fluids, cleaned, and securely mounted to a pallet. Collection must usually be from a business address.

Yes. Machinery and industrial equipment can be transported when correctly packed and declared.

Yes. Personal effects are handled via DHL only and require a detailed inventory list and correct customs documentation.

Yes, but professional packaging and insurance are strongly recommended.

Yes, if securely wrapped and strapped to a pallet.

Yes. Samples must still be declared with correct customs values and documentation.

Collections normally take place Monday–Friday between 08:00 and 18:00.

Sometimes, depending on location and booking time.

Yes, across most UK postcodes.

Yes. We deliver across mainland Portugal as well as Madeira and the Azores.

Yes, through courier carriers such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS. Standard pallet networks serve business addresses only.

A local contact number is strongly recommended for smooth delivery coordination and depot updates.

Yes, for pallets under 750 kg. Declare the requirement at booking.

Inform us during booking — narrow streets, height restrictions, or delivery appointments — so the correct vehicle can be arranged. Smaller vehicles may cost extra.

The pallet may return to the depot and redelivery charges may apply.

Timed deliveries are usually only available on dedicated vehicles. Groupage services deliver during normal business hours.

Yes. National holidays such as Portugal Day (10 June), Liberty Day (25 April), and the Christmas period can affect transit. Many businesses also reduce hours during August.

Yes. Insurance can be added during booking for goods valued between £100 and £50,000. For higher values, contact our team for tailored cover.

Loss or damage during transit when goods are correctly packed and declared.

Coverage for used personal items is limited. See the policy terms on our Insurance page.

Only limited carrier liability applies, calculated per kilogram under CMR rules. This is usually significantly lower than the value of your goods.

Notify us immediately with evidence — photos, invoices, delivery notes. Claims are handled under CMR rules and any additional insurance purchased. See our Claims Process page.

Pallet2Ship provides economy and express road freight, air freight, parcel services, and LTL & FTL options.

We work with DHL, FedEx, and UPS for premium courier services, and European freight networks including DSV, DB Schenker, Kuehne+Nagel, Hellmann, Pallex, and Palletways for B2B freight.

Yes. LTL shipments share trailer space with other freight, making them cost-effective for smaller volumes.

FTL is suitable when shipping more than 20 standard pallets or when a dedicated vehicle is required.

Automated tracking may not always be available on LTL/FTL moves, but live updates can be provided by our operations team.

Yes. Pallet2Ship supports both exports and imports. Select Portugal as the collection country in the Instant Quote Tool.

Yes. Parcel courier services are available for smaller consignments.

Yes. Your account dashboard allows you to save addresses, view past bookings, check invoice history, store payment details, and re-book quickly.

Enter shipment details in the Instant Quote Tool, select a service, complete documentation, and confirm your booking.

Sometimes, but changes after dispatch may incur delays, fees, and documentation updates.

Cancellation depends on timing and whether collection has occurred. Contact us immediately if needed.

Usually 24–48 hours for standard services. For larger loads or time-critical moves, book earlier.

No. Each delivery address requires a separate booking.

Return transport and storage fees may apply.

The shipment may be re-rated and additional charges may apply.

Yes, with appropriate insurance and secure packaging.

Yes. Pallet2Ship services are designed for both occasional shippers and regular exporters.

Yes, if the selected service supports mixed consignments and all items are declared correctly.

Yes. Someone must be available to hand over the goods.

Yes. A signature is normally required on delivery.

Yes. Multi-pallet bookings are supported and often reduce the per-pallet cost.

Incorrect documentation, missing EORI details, inaccurate dimensions, customs inspection, or seasonal disruption.

Our UK-based operations team is available before and after booking.