Transport to Croatia. Transport Poland Croatia

Freight transport connecting Poland and Croatia plays a significant role in the trade relations between the two countries, covering various product groups. Thanks to a well-developed road infrastructure and a favorable geographical location, road freight transport to and from Croatia is the most commonly chosen method of cargo transportation. As a member of the European Union, Croatia has efficiently functioning transport corridors that enable fast and effective delivery of goods to recipients.

Transport to Croatia includes a wide range of products and goods. From Poland to Croatia, the main transported goods include food products using refrigerated transport, such as fresh vegetables and fruits (apples, carrots, parsley, onions, and cabbage). A significant portion of transported goods also includes dairy products, poultry and pork meat, and confectionery products. In addition to food, furniture is highly demanded by Croatian buyers, along with household appliances, consumer electronics, industrial machinery, tools, and spare parts for various devices. The construction industry benefits from the transport of materials such as cement, structural steel, flooring panels, windows, and doors. The transport of Polish cosmetics and household chemicals is also gaining importance, as they are becoming increasingly popular in the Croatian market.

On the other hand, transport from Croatia to Poland includes wines, olive oil, fish, and seafood, as well as cheeses, including the internationally recognized Paški sir. A significant portion of the transported products consists of medicines and pharmaceutical goods, as Croatian pharmaceutical companies hold a strong position in the European market. Additionally, transport from Croatia involves plastics, specialized chemicals, and components used in industry. The Croatian yacht and boat production also finds buyers in Poland, leading to the transport of boat components and equipment in road freight.

Freight transport to and from Croatia operates within various international transport systems, tailored to the characteristics of the cargo. FTL (Full Truck Load) transport to Croatia is preferred for large deliveries, requiring full vehicle capacity utilization, ensuring direct delivery without transshipment. For smaller shipments, LCL (Less than Container Load) transport is used, allowing the transport of multiple shipments in one vehicle, reducing costs. Perishable goods and products requiring controlled storage conditions are transported in refrigerated vehicles, ensuring temperature control and product quality during transit. Hazardous materials, such as chemicals and certain pharmaceuticals, require ADR-compliant transport, meeting specific safety and labeling regulations.

The most important transport routes through Croatia include major highways connecting the country to other parts of Europe. Highway A1 runs from Zagreb southward to Split and Dubrovnik, crucial for southern regions. Highway A3 connects Bregana (border with Slovenia) to Serbia, facilitating trade with Southeastern Europe. Highway A4 links Zagreb to the northeastern regions and Hungary, while Highway A6 connects Rijeka to Zagreb, serving as a key corridor for maritime and land transport. Thanks to Croatia’s well-developed highway network, international transport runs smoothly, supported by modern logistics centers at strategic locations.

Road traffic regulations for freight vehicles traveling to and from Croatia include both speed limits and toll regulations. Highway tolls are charged based on distance traveled and vehicle category. Payments can be made at toll booths or through the ENC electronic system, allowing faster passage. Speed limits for trucks are 90 km/h on highways, 80 km/h on expressways, and 50 km/h in urban areas. On weekends and holidays, trucks over 7.5 tons face traffic restrictions to reduce congestion and improve safety.

A key regulation for drivers performing transport to Croatia is the EU driving time and rest regulations, defined by Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006. A driver cannot drive more than 9 hours per day, with an extension to 10 hours permitted twice per week. The weekly driving limit is 56 hours, and the biweekly limit is 90 hours. Mandatory breaks include a 45-minute rest after 4.5 hours of driving.

Another critical EU regulation is the EURO emissions standard, which sets pollution limits for trucks operating in EU transport. Current standards require vehicles to meet at least EURO 6, significantly reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate emissions. Non-compliant vehicles may face restricted access to environmental zones and higher road tolls.

The EU Mobility Package introduces regulations to improve driver working conditions and prevent unfair competition in the transport industry. It includes the mandatory return of vehicles to their base every 8 weeks, rules on driver wages in cabotage transport, and tachograph monitoring for better compliance with driving time and rest periods.

Freight transport between Poland and Croatia is a dynamic sector, primarily relying on road transport. Efficient logistics and forwarding, a modern infrastructure, and an extensive highway network enable the effective transport of a wide range of products. Carriers use cost-effective logistics solutions that optimize costs and shorten delivery times. These factors make Poland-Croatia transport a key element of economic cooperation between the two countries.

Transport routes from Poland to Croatia mainly pass through the Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovenia. The most commonly used border crossings include Gorzyczki–Ostrava, Mikulov–Laa an der Thaya, and Spielfeld–Šentilj. Freight traffic to Croatia operates mainly via highways, ensuring a smooth and fast transport process. In Croatia, the most crucial highways are A1 and A3, which connect the north and south, ensuring efficient distribution of goods across the entire region.