International buyers sourcing FMCG products from Europe need to plan delivery before confirming the order. Product prices are only one part of the transaction. Pallet dimensions, loading dates, transport responsibilities, customs procedures and destination requirements can all affect the final cost and timeline.
A reliable delivery plan begins with accurate information. The wholesaler, buyer, carrier, warehouse and customs representative should understand who is responsible for each stage.
This guide explains what importers, distributors and wholesale buyers should check when arranging European FMCG delivery by road or preparing goods for international export.
Provide the complete destination first
A transport quotation cannot be calculated accurately from a country name alone. The buyer should provide:
- Destination country
- Postal code, city and full delivery address
- Commercial delivery point or port
- Whether a truck can access the location
- Unloading equipment available
- Opening hours and booking requirements
- Contact person and telephone number
- Any restricted delivery days or time windows
A warehouse requiring a tail lift, timed booking or smaller vehicle can cost more than a standard business delivery with a loading dock. These details should be known before the freight price is accepted.
Choose the correct delivery term
The quotation should state where the seller’s responsibility ends and the buyer’s responsibility begins. This is commonly expressed through an agreed Incoterm and named location.
The International Chamber of Commerce publishes the official Incoterms rules, which clarify the allocation of delivery tasks, costs and risks.
Terms frequently discussed in FMCG trade include:
- EXW: the buyer arranges collection from the named location, subject to the agreed loading conditions.
- FCA: the seller delivers the goods to the agreed carrier or location under the stated conditions.
- DAP: the seller arranges transport to the named destination, while import clearance and duties normally remain with the buyer.
- FOB: used for sea shipments where the seller’s responsibility is linked to loading at the named port.
- CFR or CIF: used for relevant sea-freight arrangements to a named destination port.
Writing only “DAP” or “FOB” is incomplete. The named place or port must also be stated clearly.
Confirm the shipment size before requesting freight
Transport companies need physical shipment information, not only the commercial value. Confirm:
- Number of pallets
- Pallet length, width and height
- Gross weight per pallet
- Total gross weight
- Whether pallets are stackable
- Number and type of packages
- Whether the goods contain alcohol, glass or other specially handled products
Case and pallet data can vary between market versions. Buyers should use the confirmed figures for the offered stock. Our guide to FMCG packaging, barcodes and pallet configurations explains what should be checked before freight is booked.
Plan European road delivery
Road transport is commonly used for pallet and truckload deliveries from the Netherlands to approved European business destinations.
Depending on the order, the shipment can move as:
- A pallet or partial-load shipment
- A consolidated multi-pallet delivery
- A dedicated vehicle
- A full truckload
Partial loads can be suitable for smaller orders, but they can involve additional handling and terminal movements. Dedicated vehicles and full truckloads provide more direct control but require enough volume to justify the transport cost.
Buyers can review Ortu’s European FMCG wholesale delivery service for pallet, multi-pallet and truckload enquiries.
When a three-pallet order changed from DAP to DDP
One European buyer requested a three-pallet mixed order containing BIC, Dove, Domestos and OMO products. The delivery was initially discussed on a DAP basis and was later requested as DDP.
This was not simply a change to the delivery address. Under DAP, the commercial offer and transport plan needed to show delivery to the named place while the buyer remained responsible for import clearance and related import charges. A DDP request would place additional import-clearance, duty and tax responsibilities on the seller.
Ortu therefore had to separate the product value, mixed-pallet preparation and transport costs from the destination import responsibilities before confirming what could be offered. The example shows why buyers should select the delivery term early and state the exact named destination. Changing the Incoterm later can require a new cost calculation and responsibility check.
Mixed pallets and full pallets move differently
A mixed-pallet shipment requires additional handling because several SKUs must be consolidated, checked and arranged safely.
The warehouse needs to consider:
- Heavy and light cases
- Fragile packaging
- Food and non-food separation
- Glass bottles and alcoholic products
- Different pallet heights
- Labels and best-before dates for each SKU
- Final pallet count and weight
Full pallets can be faster to handle because the manufacturer’s configuration remains intact. Mixed pallets offer more assortment flexibility but should be allowed enough preparation time.
International buyers can learn more about mixed-pallet FMCG supply.
Delivery within the European Union
Goods moving from the Netherlands to another EU member state are handled differently from exports leaving the EU. Accurate commercial documents, transport evidence and buyer details are still required.
The Dutch government’s guidance on exporting goods within the EU covers topics such as VAT evidence, transport and product requirements.
For business-to-business deliveries, confirm the buyer’s legal company name, VAT details, delivery address and consignee information. The seller and buyer should also retain the appropriate proof that the goods moved to the destination.
Deliveries outside the European Union
When goods leave the EU, delivery planning must be coordinated with export customs procedures and the destination’s import requirements.
Possible requirements include:
- Export declaration
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport document
- Certificate or proof of origin when required
- Inspection or product-specific documents
- Container and seal information
- Destination import permits supplied by the buyer
Businesses involved in EU customs operations can require an EORI number. The European Commission explains that an EORI number is used for import, export and transit customs clearance.
Where goods move under a transit procedure, the European Commission provides guidance on EU customs transit.
Read Ortu’s FMCG export documentation guide before confirming products and transport.
Container delivery and sea freight
Container orders require the loading plan to be considered early. The buyer and seller should confirm:
- Container size and equipment type
- Palletised or floor-loaded arrangement
- Total case and pallet quantities
- Total cargo weight
- Loading location and available equipment
- Port of loading and destination port
- Freight term
- Container cut-off and documentation deadlines
- Inspection or seal requirements
A product list that fits commercially does not automatically fit physically. Case dimensions, pallet height and weight can change the number of products that can be loaded.
For overseas orders, Ortu offers container export and worldwide FMCG shipping support.
Confirm loading and delivery times realistically
Lead time should cover more than the driving time. The complete timeline can include:
- Stock allocation
- Supplier arrival
- Mixed-pallet preparation
- Labelling or inspection
- Document preparation
- Vehicle or container booking
- Warehouse loading appointment
- Export customs processing
- Transit and destination clearance
Do not book a vehicle before the products and loading date are confirmed. A missed collection can create waiting charges, rebooking costs or loss of the reserved loading slot.
Check cargo compatibility and handling
Not every FMCG product should travel in the same way. Review temperature exposure, odour, fragility, weight and regulatory conditions.
Examples include:
- Chocolate and confectionery can be sensitive to heat.
- Glass bottles require stable packing and careful handling.
- Heavy beverages and detergents affect axle and payload limits.
- Food should not be exposed to leaking or strongly scented cleaning products.
- Alcohol can involve excise procedures and additional controls.
- Baby products need accurate versions, labels and shelf-life information.
Relevant Ortu ranges include beverages, food and confectionery, cleaning and household products, baby products and beer, wine and spirits.
Information to send with a delivery request
- Company and contact details
- Collection or delivery requirement
- Complete destination address or port
- Requested products and quantities
- Number of pallets
- Pallet dimensions and weights
- Preferred Incoterm and named location
- Required loading or delivery date
- Unloading conditions
- Customs, certificate, inspection or labelling requirements
If the pallet information is not final, state that the freight price is provisional. The transport quotation should be updated when the final shipment details are available.
Frequently asked questions
Can Ortu arrange European FMCG delivery?
Delivery options can be reviewed for approved European business destinations. The available service depends on the products, pallet count, destination, timing and unloading conditions.
What information is needed for a transport quotation?
Provide the collection and delivery locations, pallet count, dimensions, gross weight, preferred timing and any special handling or unloading requirements.
What is the difference between EXW and DAP?
Under EXW, the buyer generally takes responsibility from the named collection location, subject to the agreed conditions. Under DAP, the seller arranges transport to the named destination while import clearance and duties normally remain with the buyer. The exact ICC rule and named place should be confirmed.
Can different FMCG products travel on the same shipment?
Yes, when the products are compatible and packed safely. Weight, fragility, odour, food separation, temperature exposure and regulatory conditions should be reviewed.
When should transport be booked?
Book transport after stock, pallet details and the loading date are confirmed. Booking too early can lead to waiting charges, missed slots or rebooking costs.
Arrange European FMCG delivery with Ortu
Ortu Wholesale BV works with importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers purchasing branded FMCG products from Europe. Orders can be prepared as mixed pallets, full pallets, truckloads or containers, subject to availability and destination requirements.
Before requesting delivery, review how to choose an FMCG wholesaler in Europe and how to buy FMCG products wholesale.
Send your product list, quantities, destination and preferred delivery terms through the Ortu wholesale quotation form. Ortu will review the available products, packing details and suitable transport options.
