What is a CMR consignment note?

The CMR consignment note is the most important document in international road transport. It is based on the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR) of 1956 and has been ratified by 55 states. It governs liability, compensation and the obligations of sender, carrier and consignee.

How long can a truck driver drive continuously?

According to EU Regulation (EC) 561/2006, the maximum daily driving time is 9 hours (up to 10 hours twice per week). A driving break of 45 minutes must be taken after a maximum of 4.5 hours. Weekly driving time must not exceed 56 hours, and the two-weekly total must not exceed 90 hours.

What is the difference between FTL and LTL?

FTL (Full Truck Load) means one shipper uses the entire truck exclusively. LTL (Less than Truck Load) is a partial load where multiple shippers share a truck and pay only for their loading meters used. FTL is faster and more direct; LTL is more cost-effective for small shipments.

What is ADR and who needs it?

ADR is the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. It applies to all companies that transport, load or pack dangerous goods (classes 1–9). Drivers require an ADR certificate and vehicles must be specially equipped.

What does toll cost in Europe?

Toll costs vary greatly: Switzerland has the LSVA (distance-related heavy vehicle charge) for all trucks from 3.5t – approx. CHF 0.01–0.04 per vehicle km depending on weight and emission class. Germany has had a toll for all vehicles from 3.5t since 2023, with a CO2 surcharge since July 2024. France and Austria have their own toll systems.

What is cabotage in road transport?

Cabotage refers to the transport of goods within a foreign country by a transport company registered in another country. In the EU, a maximum of 3 cabotage operations within 7 days after an international delivery are permitted. After that, the vehicle must return to the home country.

What is GDP in refrigerated transport?

GDP stands for Good Distribution Practice. It is an EU guideline (2013/C343/01) that sets requirements for the transport and storage of medicinal products. Pharmaceutical companies must ensure that medicines are transported under controlled temperature conditions – typically +2°C to +8°C (cold chain) or +15°C to +25°C (ambient).

When does express transport pay off?

Express transport pays off for time-critical shipments (production stoppage, spare parts, perishables) where the higher costs are justified by the avoided damage. Same-day transport costs 3–10× more than standard groupage, but offers guaranteed delivery times of a few hours.

What is a tachograph?

A tachograph is a control device that must be installed in vehicles from 3.5t (EU regulation). It records driving speed, driving time, rest periods and driver activities. Since 2019, smart tachographs with GPS and GNSS are mandatory for new vehicles. From 2024/2025, older vehicles must be retrofitted with second-generation smart tachographs.

What documents do I need for international truck transport?

For international truck transport you need: CMR consignment note (mandatory for cross-border transport), delivery note, commercial invoice, customs documents (T1/T2 for non-EU), driver attestation (for third-country drivers in EU), and for dangerous goods all ADR documents (transport document, safety data sheet). For cabotage, also the proof documents of the preceding transport.

What is the difference between same day and overnight?

Same Day (express transport): pickup and delivery on the same calendar day, usually within 2–8 hours. Typically direct transport without transshipment. Overnight: pickup in the evening, delivery the next working day by morning (usually by 8–10am). More economical alternative to same day with slightly more lead time.

What does express transport cost compared to standard groupage?

Express transports cost significantly more than standard transports: same day approx. 5–10× more expensive than standard groupage, overnight approx. 2–4× more expensive, 24h express approx. 1.5–3× more expensive. The extra cost is justified by the guaranteed delivery time, direct transport and vehicle deployment flexibility. In cases of production stoppages or perishable goods, these costs can still be economical.

How quickly can an express truck be provided?

Professional direct courier services generally guarantee a response time of 30–90 minutes in urban centres. Light vans and Sprinters are often available within 30–60 min. Trucks from 7.5 t require 1–4 hours depending on availability. 24/7 availability of dispatch is important.

Which vehicle do I need for 1–2 euro pallets express?

1–2 euro pallets (up to approx. 800 kg) fit in a large box Sprinter (payload 900–1,200 kg, load space ~370×180 cm). For heavy weight or difficult unloading, a Sprinter with tail lift is recommended. For 3–6 pallets, a 7.5 t truck is the more economical choice.

Can an express transport also carry dangerous goods (ADR)?

Yes – direct transports with ADR-certified driver and appropriately equipped vehicle are also possible express. In express LTL networks, ADR transports are restricted and not offered by all carriers. Important: ask early whether the ADR class and quantity are accepted by the carrier.

What is the difference between express transport and courier service?

Courier services (CEP: Courier, Express, Parcel) transport standardised parcels up to approx. 70 kg with fixed networks and transit times. Express transports / direct runs are designed for pallets, bulky goods, dangerous goods or sensitive goods. They are more flexible, can also handle ADR and chilled goods, but do not have the parcel tracking standard of courier services.

Same-Day · Overnight · Direkttransport · OBC

Express Transport & Same-Day Delivery

Vehicle types from Caddy to semi-trailer, same-day and overnight definitions, decision matrix, price surcharges, direct transport vs. network, on-board courier and special transport – everything for time-critical shipments in Europe.

Express vehicle Sprinter on motorway – same-day direct transport Europe

Courier with parcel – time-critical shipment, express handover

⚡ Express Definitions at a Glance

Same-Day

Pick-up & delivery on the same calendar day. Usually pick up by 10am, deliver by 6/8pm. Typical: direct run without stop.

Next-Day / Overnight

Pick-up afternoon/evening, delivery next working day by 8am–12pm. Overnight via hub or direct runner.

48h Express

Faster alternative to standard LTL (3–5 days). Direct run or prioritised hub routing in groupage network.

Express vehicle fleet: Caddy, Sprinter, 7.5t truck and semi-trailer compared

Express Vehicle Types & Dimensions

Express Vehicle Types: Dimensions & Payload

Vehicle Type	Load Space (L×W×H)	Payload	Volume approx.	Typical use
Caddy / Microvan up to 3.5 t	120×85×100 cm	300–450 kg	~1 m³	Very small loads, documents, express parcels up to 1 euro pallet
Light van (VW T5/T6, Ford Transit Custom) up to 3.5 t	175×120×130 cm	650–900 kg	5–7 m³	2–4 euro pallets, catering delivery, medical/pharma
Box van / Jumbo van (Mercedes Sprinter, Iveco Daily) up to 3.5 t	370×180×185 cm	900–1 200 kg	10–17 m³	Up to 6 euro pallets, furniture, machinery, pharma, trade fairs
Curtainsider van / Flatbed van up to 3.5 t	380×200×200 cm	900–1 200 kg	12–15 m³	Side loading, machine parts, general cargo with forklift
Sprinter / Van with tail lift up to 3.5 t	350–370×180×185 cm	700–1 000 kg*	10–15 m³	Senior delivery, equipment, furniture without on-site forklift. *Tail lift costs ~200 kg payload
Rigid truck 7.5 t 7.5 t	610×240×220 cm	2 500–3 500 kg	30–40 m³	Up to 15 euro pallets, city centre delivery, construction, assembly
Rigid truck 12 t 12 t	720×240×240 cm	5 000–6 500 kg	40–50 m³	Medium loads, industrial deliveries, more flexible than semi-trailer
Rigid truck with drawbar trailer up to 26 t	1 300–1 500×240×240 cm	8 000–12 000 kg	80–100 m³	Large express loads when no semi-trailer available; flexibly separable
Semi-trailer (solo direct run) 40 t	1 360×245×270 cm	22 000–24 000 kg	80–90 m³	Full truckload in express mode (FTL Direct), no intermediate stops

* Dimensions are guideline values depending on body and manufacturer. Tail lift variants: payload reduced by approx. 150–250 kg; tail lift load capacity typically 300–750 kg.

Decision Matrix: Which Service Fits?

Criterion	Standard LTL	Express LTL	Same-Day	Courier service
Transit time	3–5 working days	1–2 working days	Same day	Hours
Price (relative)	€	€€	€€€	€€–€€€
Typical volume	0.5–13.5 LDM	0.5–6 LDM	up to ~13.6 LDM	small (< 70 kg)
Cold chain possible	✅ (with surcharge)	✅ (limited)	✅ reefer run	❌ / cooling box
ADR dangerous goods	✅	✅ (limited)	✅ direct run	❌ mostly no
Cross-border	✅ EU + CH/NO	✅ EU + CH/NO	⚠️ local area	⚠️ limited

Express Transit Times Europe (Main Routes)

Route	Standard LTL	Express LTL	Same-Day possible?
DE → CH	2–3 working days	1 working day	⚠️ border region
DE → FR	3–4 working days	1–2 working days	⚠️ border region
DE → IT	3–5 working days	2 working days	❌
DE → PL	2–3 working days	1 working day	⚠️ border region
DE → NL	1–2 working days	1 working day	✅ possible
DE → AT	2 working days	1 working day	⚠️ border region
FR → ES	3–4 working days	2 working days	❌

* Transit times are guideline values and may vary depending on service provider, route and season. No warranty.

Price Calculation & Typical Surcharges

Express transports are more expensive than standard LTL – but by how much exactly? The most important price drivers and surcharges at a glance.

Surcharge / Factor	Typical amount	Note
Express surcharge (vs standard)	+30–60 %	Depending on lead time; same-day up to +200%
Night/weekend surcharge	+25–45 %	From 6pm / Sat–Sun / public holidays
Waiting time (loading/unloading)	50–80 €/h	From approx. 30 min wait; day rate from 6h
Fuel surcharge	8–18 %	Varies monthly; on base price
Customs handling (CH/UK/TR etc.)	80–150 €	Per border crossing; CH additionally LSVA
Tail lift (deployment)	30–60 €	Per stop; vehicle must be equipped accordingly
Overnight surcharge (driver stays overnight)	100–150 €	Per night abroad; incl. hotel/allowances

* All figures are guideline values. Binding prices only via individual quote. Kilometre direct rates international: approx. CHF 1.20–2.20/km; within Switzerland (CH–CH) approx. CHF 2.20–4.00/km – depending on vehicle type, distance and time of day.

Direct Transport vs. Express Network – What is the Difference?

🚐 Direct Transport (Charter / Solo Run)

One vehicle drives exclusively for your shipment – without intermediate stops, without other customers. Maximum control and speed.

✅ Fastest option: no hub, no transshipment
✅ Bookable 24/7, including public holidays
✅ Ideal for ADR, chilled goods, oversized cargo
❌ Expensive for small shipments (pay for whole vehicle)

🔗 Express Network (prioritised LTL)

Your shipment is routed in the existing groupage network with highest priority. Cheaper than direct transport for small quantities.

✅ Cheaper for 0.5–6 LDM / small weights
✅ European network reachable in 24–48h
❌ Hub transshipment: slightly higher damage risk
❌ Cold chain and ADR only partially possible

💡 Rule of thumb: Under ~4 LDM → express network. Over 4 LDM or with ADR/chilled/oversized → direct transport usually cheaper. For cross-border direct runs (e.g. DE→IT) calculate with overnight stay.

On-Board Courier (OBC) & Special Transports

What is an On-Board Courier?

An OBC is a specialised courier who personally accompanies your shipment as hand luggage on the next available flight. Reachable worldwide in 10–24h. Maximum 32 kg per piece (IATA regulation for hand luggage).

🫀

Organ transport

Strict time windows, cold chain, special permits, police escort, 24/7 availability

💊

Pharma / Clinical samples

GDP-compliant escort, temperature logger, quarantine protocol, ADR class 6.2

🎨

Art & antiques

Air-conditioned vehicles, special packaging, insurance, white-glove handling, customs formalities

💰

High-value goods & documents

Cash, securities, original documents, signatures, emergency documents with escort

🏎️

Automotive / Just-in-Sequence

Production stoppage transport, JIT/JIS deliveries, special parts direct to production line, 1–4h lead time DE/AT/CH

🎪

Trade fair & event logistics

Hard deadline, no alternative. Exhibit escort, ATA carnet customs, setup/teardown coordination

When Does Express Transport Make Sense?

Production stoppage: missing spare parts or components on the production line
Pharma & medical: time-critical medicines, samples, organ donations (with special protocol)
Perishable goods: food requiring cold chain that cannot wait
Trade fairs & events: exhibition goods, equipment or displays with hard deadline
E-commerce: premium shipping for retail or B2B supply chains with SLA commitment

Frequently Asked Questions about Express Transport

Key Terms in Glossary

Just-in-Time (JIT)Delivery Pre-notification Loading metre (LDM)

Further Links

→ Refrigerated Transport & GDP → ADR Dangerous Goods Transport → Transport Cost Calculator → FTL full truck load → LTL partial load & general cargo → CMR consignment note

⚡ Express Definitions at a Glance

Same-Day

Pick-up & delivery on the same calendar day. Usually pick up by 10am, deliver by 6/8pm. Typical: direct run without stop.

Next-Day / Overnight

Pick-up afternoon/evening, delivery next working day by 8am–12pm. Overnight via hub or direct runner.

48h Express

Faster alternative to standard LTL (3–5 days). Direct run or prioritised hub routing in groupage network.

Vehicle Type

Load Space (L×W×H)

Payload

Caddy / Microvan

up to 3.5 t

120×85×100 cm

300–450 kg

Light van (VW T5/T6, Ford Transit Custom)

up to 3.5 t

175×120×130 cm

650–900 kg

Box van / Jumbo van (Mercedes Sprinter, Iveco Daily)

up to 3.5 t

370×180×185 cm

900–1 200 kg

Curtainsider van / Flatbed van

up to 3.5 t

380×200×200 cm

900–1 200 kg

Sprinter / Van with tail lift

up to 3.5 t

350–370×180×185 cm

700–1 000 kg*

Rigid truck 7.5 t

7.5 t

610×240×220 cm

2 500–3 500 kg

Rigid truck 12 t

12 t

720×240×240 cm

5 000–6 500 kg

Rigid truck with drawbar trailer

up to 26 t

1 300–1 500×240×240 cm

8 000–12 000 kg

Semi-trailer (solo direct run)

40 t

1 360×245×270 cm

22 000–24 000 kg

Decision Matrix: Which Service Fits?

Criterion	Standard LTL	Express LTL	Same-Day	Courier service
Transit time	3–5 working days	1–2 working days	Same day	Hours
Price (relative)	€	€€	€€€	€€–€€€
Typical volume	0.5–13.5 LDM	0.5–6 LDM	up to ~13.6 LDM	small (< 70 kg)
Cold chain possible	✅ (with surcharge)	✅ (limited)	✅ reefer run	❌ / cooling box
ADR dangerous goods	✅	✅ (limited)	✅ direct run	❌ mostly no
Cross-border	✅ EU + CH/NO	✅ EU + CH/NO	⚠️ local area	⚠️ limited

Express Transit Times Europe (Main Routes)

Route	Standard LTL	Express LTL	Same-Day possible?
DE → CH	2–3 working days	1 working day	⚠️ border region
DE → FR	3–4 working days	1–2 working days	⚠️ border region
DE → IT	3–5 working days	2 working days	❌
DE → PL	2–3 working days	1 working day	⚠️ border region
DE → NL	1–2 working days	1 working day	✅ possible
DE → AT	2 working days	1 working day	⚠️ border region
FR → ES	3–4 working days	2 working days	❌

* Transit times are guideline values and may vary depending on service provider, route and season. No warranty.

Surcharge / Factor

Typical amount

Express surcharge (vs standard)

+30–60 %

Night/weekend surcharge

+25–45 %

Waiting time (loading/unloading)

50–80 €/h

Fuel surcharge

8–18 %

Customs handling (CH/UK/TR etc.)

80–150 €

Tail lift (deployment)

30–60 €

Overnight surcharge (driver stays overnight)

100–150 €