Vehicle Transport and Transshipment for OEMs

SCL Rotterdam offers comprehensive services in vehicle transport and transhipment, ideal for manufacturers looking to optimise their logistics processes. Thanks to our excellent geographical location, right in the Rotterdam port delta and only 30 minutes from Europe’s largest container and Ro-Ro terminals, we are strategically positioned to efficiently import and distribute your vehicles. Every customer receives a tailor-made solution — we adapt everything to your logistics needs. Our scalability makes us suitable for both ad-hoc transports and structural, large-scale import flows.

Strategic location

Our location is perfect for importing vehicles produced in, for example, North or South America or the Far East. Thanks to our proximity to the main terminals, we can act quickly and handle your vehicles smoothly and efficiently. This reduces waiting times and ensures faster lead times in your logistics processes. Our position in the Port of Rotterdam makes us the logistics hub for vehicles from the US, Canada and Asia. With short communication lines, we can quickly anticipate changes in planning or volumes.

Connections to the hinterland

From our favourable location on the waterfront, we have excellent connections to the European hinterland. Our facilities are ideally situated for distributing vehicles across Europe, both by road and by water. This means we can not only load and unload quickly but also guarantee seamless and efficient onward transport to final destinations. Through road, rail, inland shipping and shortsea, we create a multimodal network across Europe.

Multimodal transhipment

At SCL Rotterdam, we provide the capability to transfer vehicles between transport modes. Whether it is unloading vehicles from containers, temporary storage, and onward transport by barge or road, we offer a flexible and efficient transhipment process. This ensures that your vehicles are quickly and safely transported to their next destination. For electric vehicles, we take DG regulations into account during transhipment. Where required, we handle the necessary DG declarations internally. Some shipping lines impose requirements on the transport of used EVs — such as maximum age of the vehicle or battery. We actively advise and support you in this.

Complete logistics package

SCL Rotterdam offers a full logistics package for vehicle transport and transhipment, including:

• Transport of vehicles to and from the port
• Secure and careful vehicle transhipment
• Processing of customs formalities and clearance
• Options for temporary storage

With our years of experience and extensive network, we relieve you of the logistics burden and ensure that your vehicles arrive safely and quickly at their destination. We arrange the entire process, including import documentation. Would you prefer to handle part of it yourself? That’s possible too: we adapt to your workflow.

For whom and when is this suitable?

• OEMs, car manufacturers and dealers with EU distribution needs
• Importers from the US, Canada, Asia, and wholesalers receiving vehicles in batches

Thanks to our flexible approach, we are suited for both smaller dealers and large international manufacturers with complex delivery models.

What makes SCL unique?

• Tailor-made solutions for each client — transport options adapted to your vehicle type and volume
• Large volumes & complex workflows — suitable for both single vehicles and large batches
• Strategic location in Rotterdam — with fast transhipment options
• International expertise — years of experience with transport from the US, Canada and Asia
• Technology-driven — real-time track & trace via customer portal
• Team of car enthusiasts — personal service with passion and attention to detail

At SCL, we combine passion for cars with technical expertise and logistical strength. That makes us more than just a transporter: we are your strategic partner. Through our customer portal, you also have 24/7 access to the location, status and documents of your vehicles.

What SCL arranges for you

• Transport modes: container (with transhipment), Ro-Ro, air freight, inland shipping, road and rail — with adjustable modal split
• Scaling capacity: quickly add capacity based on your planning
• Import documentation: full handling or partial self-management, including DG declarations for electric vehicles
• EV-specific expertise: dedicated processing for batteries and age restrictions
• Combination packages: transport + storage (LTSM) + PDI (ready-for-delivery preparation)
• Licence plate registration: optional, especially for private customers. Popular combinations include transport + LTSM storage + PDI, providing a full service from arrival to delivery.

After transport: PDI & storage

Immediately after transhipment, you can have vehicles prepared for delivery via our PDI service. For temporary safe storage or maintenance, we also provide car storage and LTSM maintenance services. After transhipment and PDI, you can also choose additional services such as overseas car sales.

Ready for the next step?

Contact us for a non-binding quotation or a personal consultation. Visit our page for manufacturers for more information, or get started right away with optimising your logistics.