Freight forwarding Berlin: 5 key aspects for efficient transport in the German capital

24 February 2025
No Comments
Blog venax.net

Freight forwarding Berlin - Europe's key logistics centre

Berlin is one of the most important logistics centres in Europe and plays a strategic role in the international supply chain. Thanks to its location, the city is a natural transit point between Western and Eastern Europe, making it an extremely attractive location for transport and shipping companies.

Extended Transport infrastructure in Berlin includes modern motorways, a developed rail network, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and numerous logistics centres and intermodal terminals. It is these elements that make the forwarding Berlin is one of the most efficient and rapidly growing industries in the region.

Another important aspect is that Berlin transport is not limited to local transport. Thanks to excellent road and rail connections, goods from Berlin can be quickly and efficiently delivered to other German cities such as Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt am Main or Cologne, as well as to neighbouring countries such as Poland, France or the Netherlands.

Why choose Berlin as a freight forwarding centre?

Berlin offers a number of advantages for companies involved in transport and logistics:

Excellent international connections - The city is a transport hub for the whole of Europe, facilitating the export and import of goods.
Modern infrastructure - extensive motorways, advanced intermodal terminals and one of the most modern airports in Europe.
High quality transport services - Berlin has a number of companies specialising in forwarding and transport services, which allows for a flexible choice of carriers and cost optimisation.
Efficient city logistics - The city is developing technologies related to 'last-mile' deliveries, which improves the transport of goods to end users.

Planning transport to or from Berlin? Find out about the 5 key aspects

If your company is planning to transport goods to or from Berlin, it is worth considering a number of key factors that can affect the efficiency of shipping operations. These include:

Understanding the specifics of the Berlin transport market - local regulations, environmental zones and truck traffic restrictions can influence route planning.
Choosing the right means of transport - Berlin shipping includes road, rail, air and multimodal transport, allowing the service to be tailored to the specifics of the cargo.
Optimising "last mile" deliveries - particularly in the centre of Berlin, where the city's infrastructure needs to accommodate restrictions for large vehicles.
Choosing a reliable freight forwarder - working with a company that is familiar with the local market and experienced in handling international transport can make the logistics process significantly easier.
Transport cost and time planning - Well thought-out logistics avoid delays and unforeseen expenses.

With knowledge of these aspects forwarding Berlin can run smoothly and seamlessly, ensuring maximum operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The importance of Berlin in European logistics

Berlin is one of Europe's most important logistics centres and plays a key role in the international supply chain. Its strategic location makes it a natural transit point for shipments between the eastern and western parts of the continent. As Germany's capital and one of Europe's largest economic centres, Berlin provides excellent conditions for the development of the forwarding and transport both at national and international level.

The city has extensive transport infrastructureincluding motorways, rail terminals and the modern Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which handles freight and passenger traffic. Thanks to this forwarding Berlin enables cargo to be delivered quickly and efficiently to various parts of Europe, making the city an extremely attractive distribution point for many industries, including e-commerce, the automotive industry or the food sector.

Berlin as the transport hub of Europe

Berlin is one of the best-connected cities in Europe, offering a variety of transport options:

Road transport - Berlin is connected to key cities in Germany and Europe via a network of motorways, such as the A10 (Berliner Ring), A100 and A113to enable the smooth movement of lorries.
Rail transport - Modern rail terminals, including the GVZ Berlin Süd, allow goods to be transported as part of an intermodal system, making long-distance deliveries more efficient.
Air transport - Berlin Brandenburg (BER) handles cargo transport, enabling the express shipment of goods to other European countries and to other continents.
Waterborne transport - Although Berlin does not have direct access to the sea, it is connected to Germany's network of inland canals, making it possible to transport goods by water.

Growing importance of "last mile" deliveries

In addition to the traditional modes of transport, an increasingly important role in Berlin's logistics is being played by the last mile delivery. It is this delivery stage that is crucial for e-commerce companies, retail shops and distributors, as it involves the final transport of goods directly to customers or collection points.

In crowded urban centres such as Berlin, last mile delivery must be carried out quickly and in accordance with traffic regulations. Therefore Berlin transport is intensively developing new technologies, such as

Urban warehouses and microhubs - enabling faster distribution of goods in high-traffic areas.
Electric delivery vehicles - increasingly used in the city centre due to increasing environmental requirements.
The use of drones and autonomous vehicles - tested as alternatives to traditional delivery.

Berlin and the future of logistics in Europe

With every passing year, Berlin's importance as a logistics centre is growing, especially in the context of increasing demands for environmentally friendly transport and intelligent traffic management systems. The city authorities are investing in modern logistics technologiesto improve forwarding and transport both locally and internationally.

Companies that choose to carry out transport in Berlin can count on:

A wide range of transport services - for both large loads and express shipments.
Innovative logistics solutions - to reduce costs and increase transport efficiency.
Easy access to international markets - which is crucial for companies operating on a global scale.

Thanks to all these factors Berlin shipping remains one of the most attractive areas for transport companies, offering extensive opportunities for growth and expansion into other markets.

Berlin's transport infrastructure

Berlin boasts one of the most developed transport infrastructures in Europe, making it a key logistics hub. Connections by road, rail, air and intermodal terminals make the forwarding Berlin is extremely efficient and flexible. It is thanks to these solutions that goods can be transported quickly and efficiently both within Germany and to other European countries.

Motorways and motorways - Smooth transport in Europe

Berlin is connected to the most important cities in Germany and throughout Europe via an extensive network of motorways and motorways. The most important of these are:

A10 (Berliner Ring) - Berlin's motorway bypass, allowing a quick bypass of the city centre and a convenient connection to other German motorways such as the A2 (leading to Poland), A9 (to Munich) and A24 (to Hamburg).
A100 - the main road artery within Berlin, facilitating intra-city transport and 'last mile' distribution of goods.
A113 - a key route linking Berlin with Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), playing an important role in aviation logistics.

Thanks to these motorways Berlin transport is one of the best developed freight transport systems in Europe. They are what enable trucks to move quickly between Berlin and other cities, which is crucial for companies dealing with transport services and shipping.

Freight rail - modern intermodal terminals

Berlin is one of the main centres for rail freight transport in Europe. A key role in this is played by modern intermodal terminals, which enable the efficient transhipment of goods between different modes of transport.

The largest and most modern facility of its kind is the GVZ Berlin Südwhich integrates road and rail transportallowing costs and delivery times to be optimised. With such terminals, logistics companies can benefit from environmentally friendly and efficient transport solutions, minimising CO₂ emissions and reducing the burden on roads.

Rail transport is particularly important in the context of Berlin last milewhere goods need to be delivered quickly and efficiently to customers in the city, often using electric or low-emission vehicles.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) - gateway to international logistics

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is one of the most important transport hubs in Germany, handling both passenger and cargo traffic. Berlin air freight forwarding uses state-of-the-art cargo terminals that allow goods to be transported quickly and safely to other continents.

BER airport plays a key role for companies involved in the express transportas well as for the e-commerce industry and deliveries of products requiring fast turnaround. Thanks to modern logistics systems and connections to the world's largest airports, Berlin air transport is one of the fastest growing sectors in the freight forwarding industry.

Berlin ZOB - key point for passenger and general cargo transport

Berlin ZOB (Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof) is one of the largest bus stations in Europe and plays an important role in both passenger and general cargo transport. It is located in the western part of the city and serves numerous international bus routes.

Although the main function of the ZOB station is to transport passengers, many transport companies also use it to transport small parcels and cargo, making it important for the Berlin urban freight forwarding. In the context of 'last-mile' deliveries, the OC is often a transshipment point from which goods are delivered to the final recipients.

Summary - Berlin's transport infrastructure as the foundation for efficient logistics

Thanks to an excellently developed transport infrastructure Berlin shipping is one of the most efficient logistics systems in Europe. The motorway network, modern intermodal terminals, developed rail transport and Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BER) make the city a key point on the European transport map.

Companies involved in transport services in Berlin can take advantage of a variety of transport options, enabling them to tailor their services to individual customer needs. Combined with the growing role of green transport and innovative city logistics solutions, Berlin is consolidating its position as one of the world's most important logistics centres.

Forwarding services in Berlin

As one of Europe's most important logistics centres, Berlin offers a wide range of freight forwarding services to support both local businesses and multinational corporations. Thanks to its developed transport infrastructure, innovative technological solutions and convenient location, forwarding Berlin enables goods to be delivered quickly and efficiently to customers worldwide.

Companies operating in Berlin specialise in road, rail, air and maritime transportalso offering warehousing, distribution and comprehensive logistics services. By using professional logistics operators, companies can optimise their transport processes, minimising costs and delivery times.

Road transport - fast and flexible movement of goods

Road transport in Berlin plays a key role in the city's logistics and international transport. Thanks to its dense motorway network, Berlin is perfectly connected to the major cities of Europe, enabling the efficient distribution of cargo.

Shipping companies offer:
✅ National and international transport - deliveries made over both short and long distances.
✅ Express transport - for goods requiring urgent delivery, e.g. in the e-commerce or pharmaceutical sectors.
✅ Less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) transport - tailored to the needs of clients of different scale.
✅ Specialised transport - transportation of cargo requiring special conditions, e.g. refrigeration or oversize loads.

Advantages of road transport in Berlin:

Flexibility - the possibility of transporting goods to any location.
Short delivery time - especially for regional and national transport.
Cost effectiveness - a cost-effective solution for companies wishing to avoid the costs associated with air transport.

Thanks to these factors Berlin road transport remains one of the most common ways of transporting goods in the region.

Rail transport - an environmentally friendly alternative to road transport

In an era of increasing environmental awareness and the need to reduce CO₂ emissions, more and more companies are opting for a rail transport as an alternative to road transport. Berlin has modern intermodal terminals such as GVZ Berlin Südwhich allow efficient handling and integration with other modes of transport.

Benefits of rail transport:

Ecology - significantly lower emissions compared to road transport.
Cost-effectiveness - an advantageous solution for large loads transported over long distances.
Security - less risk of damage to goods during transport.

As part of the services Berlin rail freight forwarding, companies offer transport of containers, bulk cargo and goods requiring special storage conditions. Rail transport is particularly popular in the automotive, construction and chemical sectors.

Air and sea transport - global freight forwarding opportunities

For companies operating in international markets, air and sea transport are key elements of global logistics.

Air transport

Airport Berlin Brandenburg (BER) operates hundreds of cargo connections, enabling the rapid transport of goods to other continents. It is ideal for cargo requiring short delivery times, such as:
✈ Pharmaceutical products
✈ Electronics
✈ Luxury goods
✈ Express deliveries

Benefits of air transport:

Express delivery - the fastest way to transport goods over long distances.
High security - minimising the risk of damage or loss of cargo.
Global reach - connections to the world's major airports.

Maritime transport

Although Berlin does not have direct access to the sea, its proximity to ports in Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Rostock makes sea transport an extremely popular option. Cooperation between Berlin shipping companies and ports enables container transport worldwide.

Advantages of maritime transport:
🚢 The most economical solution for large loads
🚢 Possibility of transporting goods over long distances
🚢 High container load capacity

Companies offering Berlin maritime transport deal with the full freight service, including customs documentation and the organisation of transshipments.

Warehousing and distribution - modern logistics centres in Berlin

Berlin is not only the centre of transport, but also the home of the modern warehouses and distribution centresenabling companies to manage their supply chain efficiently.

The main storage services include:
📦 Short-term and long-term storage
📦 Order picking and packing
📦 Returns handling (e-commerce)
📦 Distribution for the "last mile"

Modern warehouse technologies, such as WMS (Warehouse Management System) and automated racking, allow for efficient management of the flow of goods and cost optimisation.

With these solutions Berlin warehouse forwarding enables fast and efficient delivery of goods to end customers, which is particularly important for the e-commerce, manufacturing and food industries.

Summary - comprehensive freight forwarding services in Berlin

With a developed infrastructure and a wide range of logistics services, forwarding Berlin is one of the most efficient transport systems in Europe. Whether you need transport by road, rail, air, seaor professional services storage and distribution, Berlin-based logistics companies offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs.

Companies choosing Berlin as their logistics centre can count on fast, safe and cost-effective transport of goods, as well as support with customs clearance and supply chain management.

If you are looking for a reliable logistics partner in Berlin, contact us!

Challenges and regulations in Berlin transport

Doing transport business in Berlin requires knowledge of local regulations and adaptation to certain restrictions:

Ban on truck transit - some neighbourhoods have restrictions on the entry of heavy vehicles.
Ecological zones - access for vehicles meeting emission standards.
Last-mile deliveries - a requirement for smaller delivery vehicles in the city centre.

How do I choose the right freight forwarder in Berlin?

When deciding to work with a shipping company, there are several factors to consider:

Experience and reputation - the company should have a positive reputation and many years of experience in the market.
Scope of services - check whether it offers multimodal transport and additional logistics services.
Knowledge of local regulations - The freight forwarder should be aware of the road and environmental restrictions in Berlin.

Table: Distances and travel times from Berlin to selected cities

City	Distance (km)	Travel time	Main roads
Warsaw	570 km	7h	A2
Krakow	650 km	8h	A2, A4
Wrocław	340 km	4,5h	A2, A4
Gdansk	500 km	6,5h	A2, S7
Amsterdam	650 km	8h	A2, A10
Paris	1050 km	13h	A2, A1

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main benefits of using freight forwarding services in Berlin?
Access to an extensive transport infrastructure, strategic location and professional services tailored to the needs of customers.

Are there truck restrictions in Berlin?
Yes, some neighbourhoods have transit bans and environmental zones requiring appropriate emissions standards.

What services do shipping companies offer in Berlin?
Transport by road, rail, air, warehousing, distribution and customs.

What are the key challenges in shipping in Berlin?
Last-mile management, route optimisation, compliance with environmental regulations and high competition in the logistics market.

Which cities are best connected to Berlin?
Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt am Main, Cologne and Düsseldorf - both by road and rail.

Summary - forwarding Berlin

Berlin is not only the cultural and business capital of Germany, but also one of Europe's most important logistics hubs. With its well-developed transport infrastructure, its location at the heart of Europe and its state-of-the-art logistics solutions, the city is a key point for the freight forwarding industry. Transport companies operating in Berlin have access to a wide range of services - from road, rail and air transport to warehousing and distribution of goods.

However, forwarding in Berlin presents certain challenges, such as truck traffic restrictions, environmental zones or the need to optimise deliveries for the so-called 'last mile'. Choosing an experienced logistics partner is therefore crucial for transport efficiency and operational success.

If you are looking for a reliable transport company in Berlin, it is worth betting on professionalism, experience and knowledge of local regulations. Working with the right freight forwarder allows for smooth delivery and optimised logistics processes.

Planning transport from Berlin? Get in touch with us!