Germany
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Dortmund
Dortmund is one of Germany's main logistics locations in the Ruhr area, with large distribution centres.
Services in Dortmund
- Air freight in DortmundAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in DortmundFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in DortmundImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Dortmund
- AirportDortmund
DTM - AirportDüsseldorf
DUS - SeaportDortmund inland port, sea via Rotterdam and Antwerp
Dortmund Airport (DTM) is a passenger-focused airport with little cargo, so air freight from Dortmund is normally routed via Düsseldorf (DUS) for belly cargo, Cologne Bonn (CGN) for freighter and express services, or Frankfurt (FRA). Sea freight uses Rotterdam and Antwerp, and Dortmund has a large canal port on the Dortmund-Ems Canal with container terminals and rail connections, so containers can reach the city by inland waterway.
Dortmund is one of Germany's best-connected road locations, with the A1, A2, A40, A44 and A45 converging on the city. The Port of Dortmund, one of Europe's largest canal ports, links the region with the North Sea ports by barge, and its container terminals are connected to the rail network.
Industries in Dortmund and how we support them
Dortmund has turned from coal and steel into a logistics, IT and machinery location. Many large distribution centres for retail and e-commerce operate in and around the city, supported by research at TU Dortmund and the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics. Machinery makers and IT companies complete the picture. Ziem Logistics supports Dortmund shippers with air freight under our own air waybills via DUS, CGN or FRA, sea freight via Rotterdam and Antwerp, Next Flight Out for spare parts, and import and export clearance by our own customs team.
Operational logistics facts for Dortmund
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Dortmund | Canal port with container terminals | Barge and rail connections to Rotterdam and Antwerp |
| Distribution centres in the eastern Ruhr | Retail and e-commerce fulfilment | Imports delivered to distribution centres after clearance |
| Düsseldorf (DUS) and Cologne Bonn (CGN) | Belly, freighter and express capacity | Two major air gateways within the region |
Customs clearance in Germany
In-house customs team
Customs clearance in Germany is handled by our own in-house customs team.
For air freight to and from Germany we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in Germany need an EORI number issued by German Customs.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport do you use for Dortmund air freight?
Dortmund Airport (DTM) has limited cargo services, so we usually route via Düsseldorf (DUS) or Cologne Bonn (CGN), or via Frankfurt (FRA) for wider freighter choice. We decide per shipment and confirm the cut-off times.
Can you deliver imported air freight directly to a distribution centre near Dortmund?
Yes. After import clearance we deliver from the arrival airport directly to the distribution centre, with delivery slots agreed with the consignee in advance.
Do you collect in Bochum, Hagen and Unna?
Yes. We arrange pick-up across Dortmund, Bochum, Hagen, Unna and the eastern Ruhr area through trusted road partners and deliver to the departure airport.
Can you clear containers bound for the Port of Dortmund?
Yes. Containers can travel from Rotterdam or Antwerp under an EU transit procedure and be cleared in Germany. Our own customs team files the import declaration in ATLAS. Release depends on complete documents.
How are retail imports for Dortmund distribution centres classified?
Each product needs a correct tariff code, which determines duty rates and any restrictions. For mixed shipments we review the product list and descriptions before filing, as incorrect classification can lead to queries and delays.
Do you handle export clearance for machinery from Dortmund?
Yes. We prepare the export declaration in ATLAS, check export control requirements and provide the documents the consignee needs, such as proof of origin.