FREIGHT FERRY BOOKING
BEST FREIGHT FERRY SERVICE FOR YOU
Book your freight ferry with Move Expert, a ferry expert since 2012. You can create your profile directly on the Move Expert ferry freight application and make your reservations online 24 hours a day in complete autonomy. You can also choose to be helped by our customer service, available 7 days a week. To complement our freight ferry service, for UK destinations, we offer the possibility to help you with all mandatory documents that you will need.
MANDATORY DECLARATIONS TO BE MADE IN ADDITION TO FREIGHT FERRY RESERVATIONS
When you book a freight ferry for a truck transporting goods to the United Kingdom, it is not enough to simply have a ticket: there are several mandatory formalities that must be completed in advance to ensure that your truck can legally cross the border and avoid being refused boarding or experiencing delays.
GMR
Goods Movement Reference: a mandatory reference that proves your goods are correctly declared for crossing into the UK.
ICS2
Import Control System 2: the EU system where importers submit safety and security data for goods entering the EU from the UK.
ENS GB
Entry Summary Declaration UK: a security declaration required before entering the UK to ensure all goods are properly registered.
ELO
Entry Logistics Envelope: a single code that consolidates all your customs formalities for a smooth and fast port crossing.
other services
HGV TAX
Road User Levy: a mandatory tax that allows your heavy goods vehicle to legally use UK roads.
BAF
Bunker Adjustment Factor: an extra charge added to your ferry booking to cover fluctuations in fuel costs.
WHY BOOK YOUR FERRY WITH US?
Move Expert is an expert on ferry crossings. It offers a complete service dedicated to haulers. A 360° service with assistance for customs and certificates. You can book your freight ferry tickets online 24/7 or have our customer service department assist you every step of the way. Our ferry service for freight carriers allows you to make your ferry freight crossings with peace of mind.
Online booking
and help for customs processes
Cost-saving
with rates without intermediaries
Multilingual
customer care available at every step
Compare all the prices of ferry tickets from all ferry companies for different crossings: Calais to Dover, Newcastle to Amsterdam, Dover to Dunkirk, Calais to Folkestone, Hull to Europoort, Toulon to Ajaccio.
DO YOU TRAVEL FROM EUROPE TO UK?
To travel from the EU to the UK by ferry freight, you will need the following:
- Goods Movement References (GMR)
- Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)
- Vehicle and driver documentation
Make sure all these steps are completed for smooth ferry freight transit.
PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES
For coach operators
Our ferry service is designed to meet the specific needs of coach operators, providing reliable and efficient transport for coaches across major European routes. We offer flexible booking options, competitive pricing, and seamless ferry crossings that ensure minimal delays.
SmartFerry - passenger services
SmartFerry is an online platform dedicated to travelers that allows you to easily compare and book ferry crossings across Europe and North Africa.
OUR PARTNER FERRY COMPANIES
Move Expert - A reliable partner
The combination of our ferry freight service makes us a practical choice for international transport.
- Clients from 35+ countries
- 14 000+ transport companies trusted us
- 2 million+ declarations issued
FREIGHT FERRY FAQ FOR TRANSPORT COMPANIES
What documents do I need before boarding a freight ferry to or from the UK?
Before arriving at the port, transport companies must ensure the ferry booking is confirmed and all mandatory customs and security filings are completed, including GMR (for UK movements), ENS GB or EU ENS via ICS2, valid MRN numbers, an active EORI number, and HGV Road User Levy payment where applicable. Missing or incorrect documents are the main cause of refused boarding.
Does booking a freight ferry include customs clearance?
No. A ferry freight booking only secures space onboard the vessel. Customs compliance (ENS filings, GMR generation, ICS2 submission, levy payments) must be handled separately. Move Expert helps transport companies manage both the booking and the compliance process together.
What is the difference between ENS GB and ICS2 for ferry freight?
ENS GB applies to goods entering the United Kingdom and must be filed before arrival, while ICS2 is the EU Import Control System requiring pre-arrival safety and security data for goods entering the European Union. The required system depends on the direction of transport.
How early should a truck arrive at the ferry port?
For accompanied freight, drivers are usually required to arrive 1-2 hours before departure. For unaccompanied trailers, cut-off times may be earlier. Arriving after the cut-off often results in missed sailings and additional fees.
What is BAF and why does it affect my freight ferry rate?
BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) is a fuel surcharge applied by ferry operators to reflect fluctuations in marine fuel prices. It is added to the base freight rate and can vary depending on route and market conditions.
What happens if my ENS or ICS2 filing is rejected?
If safety and security data is incomplete or rejected by customs authorities, the vehicle may be blocked at the port, sent for inspection, or denied entry at the border. Early validation of declarations reduces operational risk and delays.
How can transport companies reduce delays and compliance risks when using freight ferries?
Transport operators should verify all customs references before departure, ensure vehicle and trailer details match the booking, submit ENS/ICS2 filings within required timelines, pay the HGV levy in advance, and work with a partner like Move Expert who centralizes ferry booking and compliance services.
CONTACT OUR TEAM
For more information regarding our ferry service or any other question you may have regarding MOVE EXPERT, contact our local team who are here to help you.
