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The Port of Calais is one of the busiest freight ferry ports in continental Europe. Located in the Hauts-de-France region, it is a strategic gateway for road transport companies wishing to cross the English Channel to the UK. Thanks to its modern infrastructure, frequent connections and efficient management of HGV traffic, Calais is a popular choice for freight professionals.
Presentation of the Port of Calais (Freight Ferry Terminal)
Located at the strategic crossroads between France, the UK and Northern Europe, the Port of Calais is continental Europe’s leading freight ferry port for crossings to England. It handles more than 1.6 million heavy goods vehicles a year.
Infrastructure dedicated to freight
- Terminals dedicated to trucks and industrial vehicles
- Suitable waiting, control and customs areas
- Fast loading capacity and smooth boarding
Modern Infrastructure and Facilities
The Port of Calais boasts advanced infrastructure designed to handle high volumes of freight traffic efficiently.
Key Features:
- Berths: Eight berths equipped with double-deck linkspans, allowing simultaneous loading and unloading of two ship decks.
- Terminal Facilities: Spacious marshalling yards, secure parking areas, and dedicated freight lanes to streamline vehicle movement.
- Driver Amenities: Rest areas, shower facilities, dining options, and free Wi-Fi to ensure driver comfort during transit.
These facilities are designed to minimize turnaround times and enhance the overall efficiency of freight operations.
Calais Freight Ferry Services and Operators
Calais serves as a hub for several major ferry operators, offering frequent and reliable services tailored to freight transport needs.
Primary Operators:
- DFDS Seaways: Provides up to 30 daily sailings between Calais and Dover, with a crossing time of approximately 90 minutes.
- P&O Ferries: Offers up to 70 departures per day on the Calais-Dover route, ensuring flexibility for freight schedules.
- Irish Ferries: Operates multiple daily crossings, catering to various freight requirements.
These operators provide services for a range of freight types, including accompanied and unaccompanied trailers, hazardous materials, and temperature-controlled cargo.
Booking and Check-in procedures: Book your freight ferry with Smartferry
To book a freight ferry crossing from the Port of Calais, Smartferry saves you time and access to the best options available for transport professionals. The procedure is simple, fast and 100% online.
How do I book a Calais-Dover freight ferry with Smartferry?
- Access the Smartferry freight ferry platform: Visit smartferry.com to see all freight ferries departing from Calais.
- Compare schedules and prices: Smartferry aggregates offers from the main companies (P&O Ferries, DFDS, Irish Ferries) to enable you to choose the slot best suited to your logistics schedule.
- Book online: In just a few clicks, you can book your freight ferry crossing. You can add multiple vehicles, drivers and fill in cargo information if required.
- Receive your e-ticket immediately: A confirmation e-mail is sent to you with all boarding instructions.
On arrival at the port of Calais: check-in procedure
Check-in deadline:
Check in at the freight terminal at least 60 minutes before departure time (90 minutes recommended during busy periods).
Documents to present:
- ferry ticket received via Smartferry (paper or digital format)
- Vehicle registration document
- Driver’s ID
- Customs and transport documents (CMR, GMR code if UK destination, etc.)
Inspection and boarding:
After the documentary check, your vehicle will be directed to the boarding lane designated by the shipping operator.
Advantages of booking with Smartferry
- ✔ Centralized booking for multiple companies
- ✔ Access to the best freight prices in real time
- ✔ Dedicated customer support in the event of changes or unforeseen circumstances
- ✔ Interface designed for transport professionals and charterers
Services and practical information for carriers
The Port of Calais provides several services to optimize your transit:
On-site services
- Truck service stations nearby
- Sanitary facilities with showers
- Secure parking for waiting
- Customs and veterinary services available
Opening hours & practical advice
- Arrive 90 minutes before departure
- Check customs formalities (Brexit)
- Smartferry ticket can be presented via cell phone
Prices and payment methods (via Smartferry)
With Smartferry, you get transparent prices with no hidden charges. Freight prices vary according to:
- Vehicle type (solo truck, tractor + trailer)
- Vehicle length
- Number of drivers
- The schedule and company chosen
Secure online payment:
- Credit card (Visa, MasterCard)
- Payment to pro account (on request)
Why choose Smartferry to book your Calais freight ferry crossing?
- Interface dedicated to B2B transport
- Access to the best schedules and negotiated prices
- Assistance in several languages
- Ideal solution for independent carriers, charterers and fleets
Customs information and Brexit (Calais-Dover)
Documents required to enter the UK
- Transit number GMR
- Customs declaration
- Valid identity document
- Vehicle registration document + insurance
Smartferry tip
When booking, Smartferry reminds you of the documents required depending on your destination. You save time when boarding.
The Port of Calais is one of the busiest freight gateways to the UK. If you’re planning to cross the Channel with your truck or unaccompanied trailer, check out our Freight Ferry Booking platform to compare schedules, prices, and ferry operators in real time. All routes from Calais are available online for professional hauliers.
📍 Location and Access Routes
Address: Terminal Ferry, Gare Maritime Est, 62100 Calais, France
Situated just 34 kilometers (21 miles) from Dover, the Port of Calais offers unparalleled proximity to the UK, making it an ideal gateway for freight transport. Its prime location ensures minimal transit times and easy access to major European road networks.
- From the UK: Via the A16 and A26 motorways, connecting to the French autoroute network.
- From Belgium and the Netherlands: Through the E40 and E17 highways.
- From Germany and Eastern Europe: Accessible via the A2 and A3 motorways.
- PORT OF CALAIS, FRANCE
FAQ : Everything you need to know about freight ferries from the port of Calais
1. What types of cargo are accepted on freight ferries from Calais?
Freight ferries services from Calais accept a wide range of cargo, including industrial goods, perishables, vehicles and dangerous goods, all subject to regulatory compliance.
2. What are the maximum dimensions allowed for freight vehicles?
Maximum dimensions vary from freight ferry company. We recommend that you consult each operator’s specifications via Smartferry to ensure that your vehicle is compatible.
4. What documents are required for the transport of dangerous goods?
For the transport of dangerous goods, we require an IMDG-compliant declaration, together with safety data sheets (SDS) and any other documents required by current legislation.
5. How does the customs clearance process work at the Port of Calais?
The customs clearance process involves the presentation of the required customs documents, such as the customs declaration, commercial invoices and certificates of origin. We advise you to contact our customer care to assist you with this procedure.
6. What services are available for drivers at the Calais freight terminal?
The Calais freight terminal offers a range of services for drivers, including rest areas, sanitary facilities, catering outlets and Wi-Fi access.
7. What are the opening hours of the Calais freight terminal?
The Calais freight terminal operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, giving carriers maximum flexibility.
8. How do I get to the Calais freight terminal from the freeway?
The freight terminal is accessible via the A16 freeway, exit 47 “Port / Ferry”. Signs clearly indicate the direction to the terminal.
9. Is there assistance available in the event of problems during boarding?
Yes, in the event of a problem during boarding, you can contact Smartferry’s support service or that of the ferry company providing the service for assistance.
Book Your Calais Freight Ferry Now!
Simplify the management of your road haulage to the UK.
Book your Calais – Dover crossing via Smartferry now, and secure the best seat at the best price.
The port of Dunkirk is an excellent alternative for avoiding waiting times. It also offers freight departures to Dover, available 24 hours a day. If you’re shipping to the Netherlands or Scandinavia, check out the services available at the port of Rotterdam, Europe’s leading port in terms of freight volume. For the fastest connections to the UK, the port of Dover is directly connected to Calais, with departures every 30 minutes.
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