Thanks to its diversified economy, well-developed transport infrastructure and strategic location, Italy is an attractive market for many businesses, including manufacturers of industrial and food products. However, freight transport to Italy requires careful planning. What should carriers pay attention to before setting off? What is worth knowing?

Freight transport to Italy — the most popular routes from Poland

Italy can be reached from Poland via the Czech Republic and Austria. The route runs along the D1 motorway from Ostrava to Brno, then through the A1 in Austria and the A23 in Italy. In transit countries, truck drivers are required to use electronic toll collection systems. The Czech Republic and Slovakia operate toll systems, while in Austria, the GO-Box device is used, with rates calculated based on the number of axles and the emission class of the vehicle. Failure to pay the required toll may result in a high fine. After entering Italy, motorway tolls are collected at toll gates, and the amount depends on the vehicle category and the length of the travelled section.

When the destination is Tarvisio, freight transport to Italy is most often carried out via Slovakia and Austria, more specifically through Žilina and Bratislava via the D1 and D2, then along the Austrian A6 and A2 motorways and the Italian A23. In turn, the most scenic and, at the same time, the shortest route to Italy leads to Modena, via the motorway to Dresden and Munich, through Innsbruck on the A93 and A13, and then across the Brenner Pass on the A22. This route runs through the Alps and is heavily congested in the summer season, which may cause delays. It is also worth noting that from 1 July 2024, all vehicles and vehicle combinations over 3.5 tonnes travelling on German motorways and federal roads are subject to the German road toll, known as Maut.

Freight transport to Italy — seasonality and ferries

Routes along the coast or deliveries to Italian islands require ferry crossings. In the case of Sardinia, ferries from the mainland operate all year round from Livorno, Civitavecchia, Genoa and Barcelona. For example, the Livorno–Olbia crossing takes approximately 7.5 hours and costs around EUR 22. On the Amalfi Coast, ferry services operate seasonally, from late March or early April until the end of October. Outside the season, crossings are available only on selected routes. It is worth booking ferry crossings in advance, as ticket prices usually increase as the departure date approaches. Availability also becomes more limited.

When planning freight transport to Italy, weather conditions must also be taken into account, especially in mountain areas, where they can change rapidly. Heavy rain, violent storms and fog in summer, as well as heavy snowfall and icy roads in winter, may make the journey more difficult. That is why it is advisable to check weather forecasts on regional meteorological services before departure.

Freight transport to Italy — time buffers and parking areas

Heavy traffic on Austrian and Italian motorways during the summer season increases the risk of delays. Registration in electronic toll systems or the use of telematics devices can speed up the journey and help avoid queues at toll gates. When transporting goods with vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, carriers must also take into account the Italian driving ban calendar. It is also worth checking current information about roadworks.

Freight transport to Italy also requires proper rest planning, in line with drivers’ working time regulations. In Italy and in transit countries, there are numerous parking areas and truck stops with infrastructure adapted to articulated vehicles. Located along motorways, truck stops offer dedicated areas for heavy goods vehicles, fuel stations, refrigerated trailer charging points, showers, laundry facilities and ATMs. A good example is the Sadobre parking area near Vipiteno on the A22. The first hour of parking is free of charge, hours 2 to 10 cost EUR 1.50, hours 11 to 15 cost EUR 1, and from the 16th hour onwards the fee is EUR 0.60.

It is important to remember that, unlike passenger cars, trucks in Italy cannot park in tourist centres or on streets marked with blue lines. Cities also have ZTL zones and weight restrictions, and entering them without authorisation may result in a high fine. Therefore, when planning a stop, carriers should use parking areas designated for heavy goods vehicles.

Freight transport to Italy with Express Heroes

A carrier cooperating with the freight forwarding company Express Heroes can count, among other things, on transport orders on Italian routes. These operations are carried out within a guaranteed mileage model, with at least 11,000 km per month. Since the freight forwarder not only builds a base of transport orders, but also negotiates rates and organises routes, the risk of delays is reduced, while the transport company saves time on planning. Carriers also benefit from reliable and fast settlements, paid even within 3 days.

Although freight transport to Italy requires planning and knowledge of local regulations, cooperation with a freight forwarding company makes the process much easier. Carriers receive support in choosing the best route, taking into account planned tunnel closures or current weather conditions. The freight forwarder also helps with parking planning and motorway toll calculations. Proper preparation for transport operations on Italian routes is an investment in road safety and helps ensure on-time delivery.