Trucks lined up at a warehouse loading bay

Road and Inland Transport

First-mile, last-mile and cross-border road transport connecting ports, warehouses and final destinations, managed by people who keep you informed from collection to delivery.

Road transport that keeps the whole journey moving

Most international shipments start and finish on the road. A container collected late from the port, or a truck held at a border, can undo the time saved everywhere else in the journey.

We plan collections and deliveries around your timings and the rest of the shipment, arrange the right vehicle for the cargo, and keep you updated until the goods arrive.

Our road transport services

Shipping container ready for collection

Collection and delivery

First-mile collection from your supplier or premises and final-mile delivery to your door, including container haulage between the port and your site. Planned around the ocean or air leg so each stage connects.

Cargo being loaded at a warehouse dock

Cross-border road freight

Road freight between countries, with the documents needed at each border prepared before the truck sets off. Cross-border road transport suits regional trade where road is faster than ocean freight and more economical than air.

Full load or part load?

The right choice depends on your volume, budget, timing and the type of goods. As a general guide:

Full loadPart load
Best forLarger shipments and goods that should not be mixed with other cargoSmaller shipments that do not need a whole vehicle
CostOne price for the whole vehiclePay for the space your cargo uses
Transit timeUsually faster, as the vehicle goes direct from collection to deliveryUsually longer, as the vehicle makes other collections and deliveries
HandlingLoaded once and unloaded at destinationMay be handled again at a consolidation point

Where your shipment sits close to the point at which a full load becomes better value, ask us to compare both options.

Goods stored in a warehouse ready for onward delivery

What we handle

  • Collections from suppliers, factories and warehouses
  • Container haulage to and from ports
  • Delivery to your premises or your customer's
  • Border documentation, coordinated with our Customs Clearance service
  • Storage between legs, through our Warehousing and Distribution service
  • Updates from collection to delivery

How it works

  1. Tell us what you are moving.

    The goods, the weight and dimensions, the collection and delivery addresses, and when the cargo will be ready.

  2. We set out your options.

    Vehicle type, routing, cost and expected transit time, with any risks explained plainly.

  3. We book the vehicle and prepare the documents.

    Including the paperwork needed at any border crossing.

  4. We manage the journey.

    You get updates as the cargo moves. If there is a delay at a border or on the road, we tell you and set out the alternatives.

  5. We complete the delivery.

    To the agreed address, with confirmation once the goods have arrived.

Why ship with Seaboard Freight

Experienced people, senior involvement

You deal with people who know international shipping, and senior staff stay involved. You are a customer, not an account number.

Straight answers

We tell you the cost, the timing and the risks as they are, including when the news is not what you want to hear.

Updates before you chase

We manage your shipment actively and keep you informed, so you are not left calling to find out where your cargo is.

Options when plans change

Border delays, road closures and changes to collection times happen. When they affect your cargo, we look for alternatives and explain the trade-offs so you can decide.

Strong haulier and partner relationships

Our relationships with hauliers and partners give you more options on vehicles, routing and timing.

One team across every mode

Ocean, air, road, Customs and project cargo are coordinated by one accountable team, so you do not have to manage several providers.

Trucks ready for departure

Where we operate

We focus on road transport connecting ports, airports and inland destinations across the Middle East and GCC, the UK and Europe, and Pakistan.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a full load and a part load?

With a full load, the vehicle carries only your cargo and goes direct from collection to delivery. With a part load, your goods share the vehicle with other shippers' cargo and you pay for the space you use. A full load is usually faster. A part load is usually more economical for smaller shipments.

How long does road freight take?

It depends on the distance, the route and the number of border crossings. Border checks and document requirements can add time, so we build them into the expected transit time we give you with every quote.

Can you collect containers from the port?

Yes. We arrange collection of the container from the port, delivery to your site and return of the empty container afterwards.

What information do you need for a quote?

A description of the goods, the number of packages with their weight and dimensions, the collection and delivery addresses, the date the cargo will be ready, and any loading or access restrictions at either end.

What happens if my shipment is held at a border?

We tell you as soon as we know, find out what is needed for it to be released, and agree the next step with you.

Goods stored in a warehouse ready for onward delivery

Planning a road shipment?

Send us the collection and delivery details, and our team will come back to you with options.

Request a quote