Germany
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Ingolstadt
Ingolstadt is one of Germany's main car-making towns, with constant flows of urgent production parts.
Services in Ingolstadt
- Air freight in IngolstadtAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in IngolstadtFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in IngolstadtImport 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 Ingolstadt
- AirportMunich
MUC - SeaportSea freight via Hamburg, Bremerhaven or Koper
Ingolstadt has no commercial cargo airport of its own. Munich Airport (MUC), reached via the A9, is the main air gateway, with long-haul belly capacity on passenger flights. For main-deck freighters, shipments are trucked to Frankfurt (FRA). Sea freight for Ingolstadt moves via Hamburg, Bremerhaven or the Adriatic port of Koper, with rail connections into Bavaria. The choice between Munich belly space and a Frankfurt freighter depends mainly on piece size and destination.
The A9 between Munich and Nuremberg runs past Ingolstadt and is the city's main freight artery. The freight village (GVZ) Ingolstadt next to the Audi plant bundles supplier logistics and just-in-sequence deliveries, and rail links connect the region with the North Sea ports and Italy.
Industries in Ingolstadt and how we support them
Ingolstadt is home to Audi's headquarters and main plant, surrounded by suppliers, engineering service providers and logistics companies. Production runs on tightly scheduled parts flows, so a missing component can stop a line. Air freight typically covers production parts, prototypes, tooling and test equipment. Ziem Logistics supports these supply chains with Next Flight Out and On-Board Courier for production-critical parts, air freight under our own air waybills via MUC or FRA, sea freight for larger volumes, and import and export clearance by our own customs team, including inward processing where it applies.
Operational logistics facts for Ingolstadt
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Munich Airport (MUC) | Long-haul belly cargo | Main air gateway for Ingolstadt via the A9 |
| GVZ Ingolstadt | Supplier logistics and just-in-sequence deliveries | Delivery addresses well known to road partners |
| Automotive development and production | Prototypes, tooling and production parts | OBC for confidential or critical items |
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
How do you ship a critical part to or from Ingolstadt when a line is at risk?
We first check Next Flight Out via Munich (MUC) or Frankfurt (FRA) with customs pre-lodged. If the part must not be transferred between airlines or must stay in personal custody, an On-Board Courier carries it from door to door.
Can prototypes from Ingolstadt be shipped confidentially?
Yes. An On-Board Courier keeps the prototype in personal custody during the whole journey. We agree packaging, handover persons and customs documents with the shipper before departure.
Do you arrange pick-up in Ingolstadt and the surrounding districts?
Yes. We arrange pick-up in Ingolstadt, Neuburg, Eichstätt and Pfaffenhofen through trusted road partners and deliver the freight to Munich or Frankfurt for departure.
Can imported parts for vehicle production use inward processing?
If the goods are processed and the products re-exported, inward processing can suspend duties. This requires an authorisation and proper records. Our own customs team checks whether the procedure fits and prepares the declarations.
How are prototypes shipped temporarily abroad for testing cleared?
Prototypes sent abroad for testing and returned can use temporary export or an ATA Carnet, depending on the destination. We prepare the export declaration in ATLAS and the documents needed for re-import without duties where the conditions are met.
What do importers in Ingolstadt need for customs clearance?
An EORI number issued by German Customs, a commercial invoice, packing list and transport document. For automotive parts, a correct tariff classification is essential, and proof of origin can reduce the duty rate.