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Logistics in Strasbourg: European capital and major Rhine port

Strasbourg is the prefecture of the Bas-Rhin department and the seat of the Grand Est region, with around 290,000 inhabitants. It is one of the capitals of Europe: the European Parliament holds its plenary sessions here, and the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights are also based in the city. Institutions, embassies and associations generate a regular need for office furniture, IT hardware, event equipment and printed material.

The city's economy is also shaped by its position on the Rhine. The Port of Strasbourg is one of the largest inland ports in France, with container terminals and industrial zones along the river that link Alsace with Rotterdam and Antwerp by barge. Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical research are well established, supported by the university and hospitals, and Alsace has a long tradition of brewing and food production.

Automotive suppliers, engineering firms and distribution centres are spread across the metropolitan area and along the A35 motorway. With Germany just across the Rhine, many local companies work in two markets at once. For British exporters, Strasbourg is therefore a natural entry point for both eastern France and south-west Germany.

The route from the UK to Strasbourg and customs procedures

The Channel crossing usually takes place between Dover and Calais or via Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Coquelles. From the coast, the A26 leads south-east to Reims, where the A4 takes over and runs east via Metz and past Saverne to Strasbourg. The distance from Calais is roughly 630 km. Depending on the collection point and current traffic conditions, a route through Belgium and Luxembourg can also be planned.

Around Strasbourg, the A35 runs north towards the German border at Lauterbourg and south via Sélestat and Colmar to Mulhouse and Basel. The A355 western bypass takes through traffic around the city, and the Europe Bridge across the Rhine connects Strasbourg with Kehl and the German A5 motorway towards Karlsruhe and Freiburg.

Customs rules for goods sent to France

France is an EU member state, so goods from Great Britain need an export declaration in the UK and an import declaration in the EU. The exporter and the importer each need an EORI number. At Dover and the Channel Tunnel, GVMS links the declarations to the vehicle through a Goods Movement Reference. Please arrange all documents with your customs agent in advance, so that the vehicle can leave the port without waiting for paperwork. We do not handle customs clearance ourselves.

DAGO Express: cross-border transport for Strasbourg

Our network of more than 50,000 vehicles in 38 countries serves over 15,000 companies. If a vehicle breaks down, a replacement vehicle is dispatched at once and takes over the load. International transports are driven by verified partners with a valid EU licence and, where dangerous goods are involved, an ADR licence. We monitor shipments around the clock, including at weekends and on public holidays, and our processes are ISO 9001 certified.

Your goods are insured through the Schunck Group up to 8.33 SDR per kilogram of gross weight, and additional cover for higher-value items such as laboratory or IT equipment can be arranged at short notice. Temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products can travel with a temperature log. You receive a tracking link after booking and emails at collection and delivery, while the DAGO ShipperHub gives regular shippers an overview of all orders, ETAs and KPI reports.

Calculating the price takes seconds: enter the postcodes, dimensions and weight in the online calculator. You can also book in the DAGO app or request a quote by email. From Strasbourg, our network continues across the Rhine to Germany, Switzerland and the rest of Europe.