How does the transit of dry goods to Germany or Ukraine work?

The transit of dry goods to Germany or Ukraine takes place via a combination of port handling, temporary storage, and cross-border transport with the associated customs formalities. Shippers often choose a specialized logistics partner in a strategically located port for this purpose, which forms the link between sea freight and inland transport. This article answers the most frequently asked questions about this transit process, from the nature of the goods to practical risks and the choice between in-house management and outsourcing.

Which goods are considered 'dry goods' in logistics?

Dry goods are products that do not require active temperature control and are stored and transported at ambient temperature, also known as ambient conditions. Examples include nuts, peanuts, seeds, grains, dried food products, consumer goods, and industrial raw materials. They constitute a broad category within logistics and place different demands on storage than refrigerated or frozen products.

In practice, the distinction between dry and refrigerated goods is relevant for the choice of storage facility, means of transport, and packaging. Dry goods are sensitive to moisture, pests, and temperature fluctuations that cause condensation, but do not require continuous refrigeration. This generally makes their storage simpler and cheaper than climate-controlled alternatives, provided the storage conditions are stable and dry.

For transit to Germany or Ukraine, in practice, this often involves bulk goods or palletized goods that are transported by container and subsequently transferred to truck or train for further distribution.

How does the transit process from port to destination work?

The transit process for dry goods begins upon the arrival of the seagoing vessel in the port, after which the containers are unloaded, checked, and temporarily stored. Subsequently, the goods are cleared through customs, potentially reloaded or consolidated, and forwarded by road or rail to the final destination in Germany or Ukraine.

The steps in the throughput process are typically as follows:

Unloading and receiving: The container is unloaded from the ship and transferred to the storage location. An initial check is performed on quantities, condition, and documentation.
Temporary storage: The goods are stored in a dry storage warehouse until customs formalities are completed and onward transport is arranged.
Customs clearance and transit procedure: Specific transit documents are drawn up for transit to non-EU countries such as Ukraine. Different procedures apply for transport within the EU, such as to Germany.
Transshipment or consolidation: Depending on the destination, goods are reloaded onto trucks or combined with other shipments for more efficient transport.
Inland transport: The goods are transported to the final destination by truck, train, or inland waterway.

The speed and smoothness of this process depend heavily on the quality of the documentation and the location of the storage site relative to the port.

Why do shippers choose Vlissingen as a transit port to Eastern Europe?

Vlissingen offers shippers a favorable geographical location, direct port access, and good connections to the European hinterland via road, rail, and inland waterways. The port is situated at the mouth of the Western Scheldt, making it easily accessible to seagoing vessels, while the distance to major destinations in Germany and further east is relatively short.

In addition to geographical advantages, the availability of specialized storage facilities plays a role. Shippers holding dry goods in transit require warehouse capacity that is readily available and can be deployed flexibly. Over the years, Vlissingen has developed into a port with a strong focus on agri-food logistics, making it attractive to importers of food products destined for the European market and the hinterland.

For transit to Ukraine, the connection via the Rhine-Danube Corridor and the Eastern European road infrastructure is relevant. In this context, Vlissingen serves as an efficient entry point for goods entering Europe from overseas markets and being distributed further east.

Which customs and transit documents are required for transit to Germany or Ukraine?

For transit to Germany, no import duties are payable within the EU, but a valid customs declaration is required if the goods originate from outside the EU. For transit to Ukraine, as a non-EU country, an external transit document is required, usually under the T1 procedure or via the TIR Carnet.

The most relevant documents for the transit of dry goods are:

Commercial invoice: Describes the value, quantity, and nature of the goods.
Packing list: Provides a detailed overview of the contents per package or pallet.
Bill of Lading or CMR consignment note: The transport document for sea freight and road transport, respectively.
Customs declaration (ENS/EX/T1): Depending on the destination and origin of the goods.
Certificate of origin: Required for certain product categories or trade agreements.
Phytosanitary or quality certificates: Relevant for plant-based products such as nuts and seeds.
TIR Carnet: For road transport to countries outside the EU, including Ukraine.

It is highly recommended to engage a recognized customs broker who is familiar with the specific requirements of the destination country. Errors in the documentation lead to delays at the border and can result in additional costs or seized shipments.

How much storage capacity is available for dry goods in transit?

Available storage capacity for dry goods varies by logistics partner and location, but modern dry storage warehouses in the port region typically offer thousands to tens of thousands of pallet spaces. A sufficiently large buffer is essential for shippers dealing with irregular supply or fluctuating delivery schedules to the hinterland.

When assessing transit storage capacity, it is relevant to consider the flexibility of the space. Some products, such as nuts and seeds, require separate storage areas due to odor transfer or the risk of cross-contamination. A warehouse that offers separate sections per product category provides greater assurance regarding the quality of goods during transit.

Capacity alone is not enough. The logistical throughput speed, the accessibility of the warehouse for trucks, and the possibility of 24/7 inbound and outbound processing all contribute to determining whether a storage location is suitable for goods in active transit.

What are the most common risks in the transit of dry goods and how are they mitigated?

The most common risks in the transit of dry goods are moisture damage, documentation errors, delays at the border, and loss of quality due to improper storage conditions. Each of these risks is manageable with the right precautions and a well-organized supply chain.

Moisture damage and loss of quality

Dry goods such as nuts and seeds are sensitive to moisture and temperature fluctuations that cause condensation. This risk occurs particularly during the transition from a cold sea voyage to a warmer storage climate. Good ventilation, dry storage conditions, and rapid transfer from container to warehouse significantly reduce this risk.

Documentation errors and border delays

Incomplete or incorrect customs documents are a common cause of delays, particularly during transit to Ukraine, where additional border controls apply. A structured documentation workflow, preferably supported by an experienced freight forwarder, prevents shipments from being held. Timely customs declaration and a correct T1 or TIR procedure are crucial in this regard.

When is dry storage via a third party better than in-house management?

Dry storage via an external logistics partner is more cost-effective than in-house management when storage needs fluctuate, when volumes are not large enough to make an on-site warehouse profitable, or when the company's core activity does not lie in logistics. For importers and traders holding goods in transit, outsourcing is generally the most efficient choice.

In-house management of storage space entails fixed costs for rent, personnel, security, and maintenance, regardless of usage. A third party typically charges per pallet space or per period, directly linking costs to actual usage. This makes outsourcing particularly attractive for seasonal goods flows or for shippers experimenting with new destinations such as Ukraine.

In addition, specialized logistics partners often offer supplementary services such as customs clearance, quality control, and coordination of onward transport, which further reduces the operational burden for the shipper. Choosing a partner with experience in agri-food logistics is an added advantage when it comes to plant-based products such as nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.

How ZZColdstores helps with the transit of dry goods

From Vlissingen, ZZColdstores offers a complete solution for shippers with dry goods in transit to Germany or further into Eastern Europe. With its own quay in the Port of Vlissingen and a dry storage warehouse with a capacity of 12,000 pallet spaces, ZZColdstores is equipped to meet the specific requirements of transit logistics for food products.

What ZZColdstores offers for dry goods in transit:

Direct transshipment from ship to warehouse via our own quay in Vlissingen, with minimal exposure to weather conditions
Separate storage areas for nuts, peanuts, seeds, and other dry food products
Flexible storage periods tailored to the sailing schedule and the shipper's logistics planning
Support with customs clearance and transit procedures via recognized partners
BRC, SKAL, and Demeter certification for quality assurance of food products

Would you like to know how ZZColdstores can support your dry goods throughput? Contact our team for a no-obligation discussion about your specific situation and logistical needs.

This article was written by Frans van der Maas, Operations Director at ZZColdstores.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an average transit process take from port to final destination in Germany or Ukraine?

The transit time depends on several factors, including the completeness of the documentation, customs congestion, and the chosen mode of transport. For transit to Germany, you can generally expect 2 to 5 working days from unloading at the port. For Ukraine, this increases to 7 to 14 days, partly due to additional border controls and the longer driving distance. A well-prepared set of documentation and an experienced freight forwarder can significantly shorten the transit time.

What happens if my shipment is held up at the border with Ukraine?

If a shipment is detained, the most common cause is a missing or incorrect document, such as an incomplete TIR carnet or a phytosanitary certificate that does not correspond to the cargo. In that case, your customs broker will contact the competent authorities to rectify the situation. Depending on the nature of the problem, this may involve the submission of additional documents or the temporary storage of the shipment in a bonded warehouse at the border. Prevention through a thorough documentation check before departure is always cheaper than correction afterwards.

Which certifications should I check when choosing a logistics partner for dry food products?

For dry food products such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, BRC (British Retail Consortium), FSSC 22000, and IFS Food are relevant quality certifications indicating that a warehouse complies with strict food safety standards. If you work with organic products, also check for SKAL or Demeter certification, which are required for the storage and processing of certified organic goods. The lack of the correct certification at your logistics partner can result in your own products losing their organic or quality status.

Can I also transport dry goods by rail to Eastern Europe, and what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Yes, rail transport is a serious option for transit to Eastern Europe, particularly for larger volumes towards Poland, Ukraine, and beyond. The advantage is that rail is generally cheaper than road transport for high volumes and is less dependent on driving times and driver shortages. The disadvantage is that flexibility is lower: departure times are tied to fixed schedules and transit time is more difficult to control than with road transport. For time-critical shipments or smaller volumes, road transport often remains the preference.

How is quality loss of dry goods monitored during the transit period?

Professional logistics partners use inbound and outbound quality controls in which the condition of the goods is recorded upon receipt and delivery, including visual inspection, humidity measurements, and temperature recording in the warehouse. For products such as nuts and peanuts, attention is also paid to potential cross-contamination or odor transfer from adjacent storage areas. It is advisable to make clear agreements regarding the monitoring frequency and the reporting of any deviations when concluding a storage contract.

What is the difference between a T1 procedure and a TIR carnet, and when do I use which one?

The T1 procedure is a European customs procedure for the transport of non-EU goods through the EU without import duties being levied; the goods are under customs supervision until they leave the EU or are cleared. The TIR Carnet is an international document used for road transport to countries outside the EU, such as Ukraine, and offers the advantage that the cargo does not need to be inspected again at every border crossing. In practice, the TIR Carnet is often used for transit to Ukraine by road, whereas the T1 procedure is more common for transport within or through the EU to a third country.

How do I determine how much storage capacity I need for my throughput?

A good rule of thumb is to multiply the average turnaround time of your goods in the warehouse by the weekly incoming volume in pallets. For example, if you receive 200 pallets per week and the goods remain in storage for an average of two weeks, you need a buffer of approximately 400 pallet spaces, excluding a margin for peak periods. Discuss your sailing schedule and delivery rhythm with your logistics partner so that capacity can be flexibly adjusted to seasonal fluctuations or unexpected delivery delays.