The background: an urgent request for an Irish industrial plant
At the beginning of the month, one of our clients in the industrial sector contacted us with a request that was as urgent as it was complex: to ship from Vicenza to Dublin a precision machine, weighing about 550 kg, with delivery strictly within 5 working days.
Destination?
A facility in east Dublin, which is subject to restrictive rules for trucks, between permits to apply for and mandatory use of the Dublin Port Tunnel.
In addition, the cargo required dedicated handling and full traceability.
Insped solution: double ferry and customs coordination in 3 countries
To meet the tight schedule and local regulations, we designed a mixed route, combining:
– Dedicated road transport from Vicenza to Calais (France)
– First ferry Calais – Dover
– Transit in UK with post-Brexit document handling
– Second ferry Holyhead – Dublin
– Delivery by appointment in the 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. range, with permit obtained for transit in urban area and Port Tunnel
Each route was monitored in real time, with updates to the customer via digital reporting.
Critical issues overcome: timing, regulations, and access to Dublin
Here are the main complexities addressed:
🔁Time constraints: the route covers more than 2,000 km, crossing 3 nations, with at least two maritime hubs.
📑 Post-Brexit customs: Full documentation for EU-UK-Ireland freight transit, with advance electronic declaration.
🛣 Dublin permits: Obtaining daily permit for trucks with 5+ axles, city center access and mandatory tunnel.
⚙️ Special handling: lifting and unloading of machinery by certified hydraulic tailgate and trained personnel.
H2 – The result: delivery tracked in 5 days
Despite the logistical complexity, the shipment was completed 6 hours ahead of the agreed limit.
The client received:
– ✅ Active tracking for each route
– ✅ Full customs assistance pre and post delivery
– ✅ A technical report with all steps documented for their internal audit
What we learned (and how we can help other clients)
This experience confirms how crucial it is:
– know the strategic routes between Italy, the UK and Ireland
– have direct contact with ports and local authorities
– know how to anticipate post-Brexit regulatory complexity
Any company exporting or importing to/from Ireland can count on Insped for precise, technical and surprise-free handling.
Also check out our landing dedicated to shipping to Ireland
International shipping to Ireland: routes, timeframes and B2B benefits
A comprehensive in-depth review with FAQs, local regulations and services.