Heavy Haulage Poland → United Kingdom
Routes, costs & post-Brexit requirements 2026
The Poland → UK corridor is one of Europe's most important cross-Channel heavy haulage routes. British construction firms, energy companies and plant hire operators regularly source equipment transport from Poland — from 20-tonne excavators to 60-tonne mobile cranes and wind turbine components.
Since Brexit, the route requires customs clearance at the EU/UK border in addition to the standard permit chain: GDDKiA (Poland), VEMAGS (Germany — main transit), and ESDAL2 (UK). The Channel crossing adds a unique logistical dimension — Eurotunnel, Dover ferry, or Rotterdam–Harwich overnight ferry each suit different load profiles.
Gonera Transport has completed over 12,000 heavy transports since 2018, including regular runs to UK destinations. With our own low-loader fleet, escort vehicles and €500,000 OCP insurance, we handle every step — from loading in Poland to final delivery on a UK construction site.
All prices are exclusive of VAT and include continental tolls, Channel crossing and standard customs processing. Lead time: 5–10 working days for permit applications.
6 key routes Poland → UK
Guide prices for door-to-door low-loader transport (standard trailer up to 25 t). Channel crossing and continental tolls included.
| Route | Distance | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Warsaw → London | 1600+ferry | 3,200–4,200 € |
| Poznań → Birmingham | 1500+ferry | 3,000–4,000 € |
| Wrocław → Manchester | 1600+ferry | 3,200–4,200 € |
| Gdańsk → Edinburgh | 1800+ferry | 3,500–4,600 € |
| Katowice → Bristol | 1650+ferry | 3,300–4,300 € |
| Szczecin → Felixstowe | 1200+ferry | 2,600–3,400 € |
Channel crossings for heavy loads
Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel Le Shuttle)
35 min crossingThe fastest crossing: Calais → Folkestone in 35 minutes. Accepts loads up to 4.2 m height, 2.6 m width and 44 t GVW on standard shuttles. For abnormal loads, advance booking via the Oversize Load Desk is required — minimum 48 hours notice. Overnight slots available for wide loads. Consistently the quickest option for time-sensitive heavy haulage.
Calais → Dover (Ferry)
90 min crossingDFDS and P&O operate 40+ daily sailings. Crossing time: 90 minutes. More flexible than the Tunnel for wider/taller loads (up to 5.0 m height, 5.0 m width with prior approval). Ideal for overwidth machinery such as excavators with extended booms. Night crossings reduce traffic interaction.
Rotterdam/Hoek van Holland → Harwich (Ferry)
6.5 h overnightStena Line overnight ferry (6.5 hours). Avoids the Calais bottleneck entirely. Best for loads originating from northern Poland (Gdańsk, Szczecin) or destined for East Anglia and the Midlands. Accepts abnormal loads up to 4.95 m height, 4.5 m width with advance booking. Driver rests during crossing — compliant with EU drivers' hours.
Post-Brexit documentation
Since 1 January 2021, goods moving between the EU and the UK require full customs clearance. For heavy machinery transport, this means additional documentation at the Channel crossing point. Gonera Transport handles the entire customs process — you don't need to engage a separate broker.
EORI Numbers (EU + GB)
Economic Operator Registration & Identification — required on both sides of the border.
Export declaration (EXS) + Import declaration (ENS)
Filed electronically before departure. Includes HS tariff code, value and country of origin.
GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service)
Mandatory registration for all goods vehicles arriving at UK ports. Links the GMR (Goods Movement Reference) to your crossing.
ATA Carnet (for temporary imports)
If machinery is entering the UK temporarily (hire, exhibition, project work), an ATA Carnet avoids customs duty and VAT.
Commercial Invoice + Packing List
Full description, weight, dimensions, value and HS code for each item being transported.
Permit chain across four countries
🇵🇱 Poland — GDDKiA
Polish road authority permit for oversize/overweight vehicles. Categories I–VII based on dimensions and weight. Processing: 3–14 working days. Cost: 50–550 PLN.
🇩🇪 Germany — VEMAGS
Central online permit system for abnormal loads crossing German Bundesländer. One permit per state (typically Brandenburg, Niedersachsen, NRW). Processing: 5–10 working days. Cost: 180–800 € per state.
🇫🇷 France — DREAL (if routing via Calais)
For loads transiting through northern France to reach Calais, a French "transport exceptionnel" authorisation may be required. 1st category (self-declaration) for loads under 48 t and 3.0 m width. 2nd/3rd category via préfecture for larger loads. Processing: 10–15 working days.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom — ESDAL2
ESDAL (Electronic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads) is managed by National Highways. Notification is required for loads exceeding 2.9 m width, 4.3 m height, 18.75 m length, or 44 t GVW. For Very Heavy or Very Wide loads (Special Order), formal approval from the Secretary of State is needed — 10+ weeks' lead time. Cost: free for notification; Special Order fees vary. Gonera handles all ESDAL submissions.
What determines the transport price?
Weight & dimensions
Up to 25 t: standard low loader. 25–44 t: 3+2 axle step-frame. Over 44 t: modular hydraulic trailer with STGO Cat 2/3 rating. Width over 3.0 m requires escort vehicles on UK roads.
Channel crossing
Eurotunnel: ~200–350 € per crossing. Dover ferry: ~250–400 €. Rotterdam–Harwich: ~300–500 €. Pre-booked abnormal load slots add 50–150 €. Prices are per vehicle, one way.
Post-Brexit customs
Since 1 January 2021, a customs declaration (export from EU + import into UK) is required for every load. Documents needed: commercial invoice, packing list, EORI numbers (EU + GB). Temporary imports (machinery for hire) may use ATA Carnet.
EU & UK permits
Three permit sets: GDDKiA (Poland), VEMAGS (Germany, if routing via DE), and ESDAL2 (UK). For France transit via Calais: a French "transport exceptionnel" authorisation may also apply. Gonera handles all permit applications across all countries.
OCP Insurance up to €500,000
Every Gonera transport is covered by carrier's liability insurance (OCP) up to €500,000. Coverage includes damage from accidents, theft, fire and force majeure — from loading in Poland through the Channel crossing to final delivery on your UK site. No need to arrange separate cargo insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does heavy haulage from Poland to the UK take?
Standard low-loader transport (under 2.55 m wide, below 44 t) takes 2–3 days door-to-door. Warsaw–London via Calais/Eurotunnel is approximately 18–20 driving hours plus crossing. For abnormal loads with escort vehicles, speeds are restricted to 40–50 mph on UK motorways — add an extra day. Weekend transport on UK A-roads requires special Sunday permission from National Highways.
What is ESDAL2 and do I need it?
ESDAL (Electronic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads) is the UK's online notification and permit system managed by National Highways. You must notify via ESDAL if your load exceeds any of: 2.9 m width, 4.3 m height, 18.75 m length, or 44 t GVW. For Special Order moves (very heavy/oversized), a formal application is required with 10+ weeks' lead time. Gonera manages all ESDAL submissions and liaises with UK highway authorities directly.
What customs documents do I need post-Brexit?
Key documents: (1) Commercial invoice with full load description, HS code and value, (2) Packing list, (3) EORI number — both EU and GB formats, (4) Transit declaration (T1 for non-EU goods) or export declaration (EXS/ENS), (5) GVMS registration for arrivals at UK ports. For temporary imports (e.g., hired machinery), an ATA Carnet avoids duty/VAT. Gonera prepares all customs documentation.
Do I need escort vehicles in the UK?
Yes, for loads wider than 3.0 m, at least one escort vehicle is required. Over 5.0 m width requires two escorts plus police notification. The escort vehicle must be UK-registered with amber beacons, "WIDE LOAD" / "LONG VEHICLE" signs and two-way radio. Gonera works with DVSA-approved UK escort companies who meet all requirements.
Can you transport through the Channel Tunnel with oversized loads?
Yes, but with restrictions. The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle accepts loads up to 4.2 m height and 2.6 m width on standard wagons. Wider or taller loads must use the ferry (Dover or Harwich). For loads between 2.6 m and 3.5 m width, overnight Tunnel crossings may be arranged via the Oversize Load Desk — subject to availability. Gonera books the optimal crossing method for each load.
Free quote in 15 minutes
Tell us the machine type, weight, pickup and delivery locations — and receive a binding quote within 15 minutes (during business hours).