Bookings
What is BAF?
BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) is a fuel surcharge added to the basic freight rate in sea, road and ferry transport. Its main purpose is to offset the risk arising from frequent fluctuations in fuel prices on global markets.
The surcharge protects haulage and freight-forwarding companies against losses in the event of a sudden rise in fuel costs, which make up a significant share of operating expenses. It is usually a percentage or a fixed amount added to the base rate.
The level of the surcharge is updated regularly – usually once a month, although during periods of high market volatility adjustments may be made more frequently (e.g. every two weeks). This allows the cost of the transport service itself to be separated from the variable cost of fuel, which makes budgeting easier for both carriers and shippers.
What does the ticket price include?
Exactly what a ferry ticket includes depends on the policy of the individual operator. In addition to the basic fare, ferry tickets usually include:
- Fuel surcharges (BAF): a cost adjustment reflecting changes in market fuel prices.
- Port charges: the cost of using port infrastructure, mooring services and inspections.
- Environmental charges (LSS / MARPOL): relating to regulations on sulphur emissions and the protection of the marine environment.
- Currency surcharges (CAF): applied when the operator's operating costs are incurred in a currency other than the ticket currency.
Can I book a ticket on the day of departure?
Yes, you can book a ticket at the port on the day of departure. However, to get the best prices and be sure that the service you need is available, we recommend booking in advance (especially on routes that do not offer open tickets).
What is an open ticket?
An open ticket is one that has no fixed date and time of crossing assigned to it. It can be used within a set number of days from the booking date.
Will the price be lower if I book a return ticket straight away?
No. For freight transport the price structure is fixed, and discounts depend on the regularity of your crossings rather than on buying a return ticket.
Will the driver receive a meal and a cabin as part of the ticket price?
On short routes of under 4 hours (e.g. Dover – Calais), no cabin is allocated. The driver does, however, have access to a dedicated rest area. Free meals during the crossing are also standard.
On crossings of more than 4 hours, whether during the day or overnight, a cabin and a meal are either included in the ticket price or can be selected as an option (on routes to Finland).
Is there an additional charge for a second driver or a passenger?
Each ferry operator has its own approach to charges for additional persons. When making your booking, select the appropriate number of persons and any additional charge will be displayed automatically.
What does the "Standby" or "waitlist" status on a booking mean?
This status means that at the time of booking the ferry is already fully booked and it is not yet possible to confirm the specific booking. Availability can change even at short notice, so the booking may remain on the waiting list right up until the day of the planned crossing.
Customer Service monitors the situation and keeps you informed of any changes. If the chosen booking ultimately cannot be confirmed, our staff will help you find an alternative travel option.
What should I do if I miss the ferry?
If you know you may not make the crossing you have booked, contact us as soon as possible. This will allow us to check the available solutions and, where possible, offer an alternative travel option.
If you miss the crossing or check-in has already closed, contact Customer Service. Please note, however, that if a booked crossing is not used, a place on the next one is not automatically guaranteed.
If a passenger does not turn up for check-in and does not cancel the booking, a "no-show" fee may be charged. Each operator has different cancellation rules – please read them when making your booking.
What information is needed to make a booking?
To prepare and register a booking, we need some basic information about the planned journey:
- the start and end points of the journey, the preferred date and time of the crossing,
- the type of vehicle, its length and registration number,
- the number of persons travelling,
- whether dangerous goods are being carried, if applicable,
- whether an animal is travelling, if applicable,
- details of the goods being carried and their weight.
Providing complete details allows us to prepare the booking correctly and select the right crossing option. On some routes more information is required, and we will let you know in our reply to your enquiry.
How long is my booking valid for?
For freight vehicle ferry crossings there are two basic types of ticket:
- Open ticket – usually valid for 1 to 10 days, depending on the ferry operator. With this type of ticket the driver can present at the port at any time during its validity period and will be directed to the first available ferry.
- Ticket for a specific date and time – this ticket is valid only for the specific booked date and time of crossing. If the date or other booking details need to be changed, please contact Customer Service.
Additional charges may apply to booking amendments, depending on the terms of the individual carrier.
What documents do I need for the crossing?
Before travelling, make sure that all drivers and passengers have the required identity documents, including a valid ID card and passport. Without the appropriate documents it may not be possible to make the ferry crossing.
Depending on the chosen route and the type of cargo being carried, additional documents may also be required, such as:
- a CMR document,
- customs clearance documentation,
- a DGN – the document required when carrying dangerous goods,
- a pet passport – when travelling with an animal.
Before departure it is worth checking the requirements for the specific route and making sure that all the necessary documents are ready. We can also provide this information if you contact Customer Service.
Are electrical connections available on board for refrigerated vehicles?
Most ferries have electrical connections for plugging in the refrigeration units of reefer vehicles. The standard voltage is usually 400 V, but requirements may vary depending on the operator and the specific route. Before travelling, check which connection parameters are required by the operator concerned.
What should I do if my vehicle is damaged during the ferry crossing?
Damage to vehicles during ferry crossings is very rare. However, if the driver notices any damage after the crossing, they should report it immediately to a representative of the ferry operator.
Before leaving the port, obtain a Damage Report, which will serve as confirmation that the damage was reported. If you have any further questions or need help establishing which documents are required, contact Customer Service.
Where can I check the ferry timetable?
Current ferry crossing times are available directly in our search engine when making a booking. Simply select the route you are interested in and your preferred date and time of travel – the system will automatically display the available crossings offered by the operators serving the selected route. If you have any questions, our Customer Service team will also check the available departures and current timetables for you.
Does the driver need to have a printed ticket before arriving at the port?
There is no need to print the ticket before arriving at the port. The driver will receive the travel document on site at check-in. To pass through check-in smoothly, the driver simply needs to have the booking number, which we will have sent in advance, when pulling up to the gate. On some routes boarding is based on the vehicle registration number, and we will let you know if this is the case when the booking is made.
Does the vehicle need to have lashing points for securing it to the deck?
So-called "lugs", i.e. lashing points, are used to secure the vehicle or trailer safely to the ferry deck. They are particularly important on crossings in rough weather, when the ship is subject to heavier rolling.
The requirement to have suitable lashing points may vary depending on the operator and the chosen route. They are most often required on longer ferry crossings. Before travelling, we recommend checking the requirements for the specific route to make sure the vehicle is properly equipped.
What is the Dublin Port Pass and who needs one?
The Dublin Port Pass is a mandatory two-stage training programme and access control system introduced by the port authority – Dublin Port Company (DPC). The pass is required for anyone wishing to enter or drive into the Common User Areas of Dublin Port. It is mandatory for lorry drivers (including those carrying out Ro-Ro ferry transport).
What does the PLUG IN service mean?
PLUG IN means connecting the vehicle to an electrical power supply during the crossing. The service is intended primarily for vehicles fitted with a refrigeration unit that must run continuously throughout transport.
If the vehicle needs to be plugged in, this service should be selected at the booking stage. PLUG IN is in most cases a chargeable extra, and its availability depends on the individual operator. For bookings with the PLUG IN service, the vehicle should arrive for check-in in good time, as it must be parked in a designated spot on the ferry deck where it can be connected to the power supply.
How far in advance can a booking be made?
The booking deadline depends primarily on the availability of space on the sailing in question. For standard heavy goods vehicles it is often possible to book even at short notice. For oversized, heavy or special loads, however, we recommend booking well in advance – this allows the transport conditions to be agreed beforehand.
What does check-in for a lorry at the port look like?
On arrival at the terminal, the driver should report to check-in with their documents and booking details. The vehicle may then undergo a security check and be directed to the appropriate waiting or loading area.
Please arrive for check-in in good time, in line with the operator's requirements. This will help avoid delays and ensure the whole procedure runs smoothly. If there are any problems or doubts, terminal staff will show the driver the way and tell them where to go.
Do non-standard vehicle dimensions need to be declared?
Yes. Any vehicle with non-standard or oversized dimensions must be declared before the booking is made. Whether it can be carried must be confirmed by the operator in each case. For oversized vehicles the crossing price is often set individually, depending on the vehicle dimensions, the cargo parameters and the conditions applying on the given route.
What happens if the sailing is delayed or cancelled by the operator?
If a sailing is delayed or cancelled, we inform the customer of the situation immediately and take steps to find the best available alternative connection. If the change of booking involves a difference in price, we also settle the resulting difference. If the crossing cannot be carried out at all, we can issue a full refund for the booking.
How can I get a quote for a ferry crossing that is not available on the website?
If the crossing you are interested in is not available in our online offer, you can send an enquiry via the relevant tab on the website or contact our Customer Service directly – by phone or e-mail. To allow us to prepare an accurate quote, it is worth providing all the relevant details of the transport, in particular:
- the crossing route,
- the dimensions and type of vehicle,
- the number of drivers,
- the planned date of travel,
- any additional or non-standard transport requirements.
Complete information allows us to check the available options quickly and prepare a suitable offer.
Can the crossing price change during the year?
As standard, rates apply for the whole year; however, operators reserve the right to introduce changes during the year. We keep customers informed of any changes as they occur.
Will I have a single-occupancy cabin on the ferry?
The type of cabin depends on the ferry line and the operator. On some routes the driver receives a cabin to themselves, while on others it is a twin or shared cabin. We are unable to guarantee this type of service when making a booking.
Will I get a refund if I cancel my booking?
Please refer to the terms and conditions you agreed to when making the booking. Any refunds you are entitled to under the cancellation policy must be claimed in writing within three months of the cancellation date.
What formalities are required before arriving at the port when carrying dangerous goods?
Before arriving at the port, the driver must provide:
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (Multimodal Dangerous Goods Declaration – DGD) – this should be submitted to the ferry operator no later than 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
- ADR transport document – the driver must have a physical copy in the cab at check-in.
- Container/vehicle packing certificate – required for closed loads, confirming that the goods are properly secured for sea transport.
Cargo documents and systems on the EU – UK route (and back)
Which customs and border systems are mandatory on this route?
- GVMS (UK): the UK system in which you must generate a GMR (Goods Movement Reference). Without a valid GMR the vehicle will not be allowed to board the ferry in either direction.
- ELO (France): the French "logistics envelope" (Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire). It is used to link the barcodes of all customs declarations. From April 2026 it is strictly mandatory for all Ro-Ro vehicles (including empty ones) passing through northern France.
- ICS2 (EU): the EU import control system, to which safety and security declarations (ENS) are submitted on entry into the EU.
- Portbase (Netherlands) / RX Seaport (Belgium): port systems required instead of ELO if you choose a ferry crossing to the Netherlands or Belgium.
What is needed on the EU to UK route (export from the EU / import into the UK)?
- ELO consolidated barcode: generated in the French system after uploading the EU export declarations.
- GMR number (GVMS): the UK barcode linked to the CDS import declaration (pre-lodgement) and the ENS safety and security declaration.
- Driver's passport: ID cards are not accepted at the UK border.
- Cargo documents: the international CMR consignment note, the commercial invoice and the packing list.
What is needed on the UK to EU route (export from the UK / import into the EU)?
- Export GMR number (GVMS): the barcode linked to the UK CDS export declaration.
- ELO / Portbase / RX Seaport consolidated barcode: the barcode containing the EU import declarations or transit documents.
- T1 document (if applicable): a transit document opened at a UK customs office if the goods are moving under the transit procedure.
- Driver's passport and CMR consignment note.
Which identification numbers must a haulage company have?
- EU EORI number: essential for all formalities on the EU side.
- GB EORI number: the UK EORI number (beginning with the letters "GB"), required for registration in GVMS and for handling customs clearance in the UK.
What about carrying food, plants or animals (SPS goods)?
- The consignment must be pre-notified in the UK IPAFFS system (for imports into the UK).
- The driver must carry original paper Health Certificates (EHC) or Phytosanitary Certificates.
- The goods must undergo inspection at a designated Border Control Post (BCP).
Invoices and payments
When will I receive the invoice for the ferry crossing?
Once the crossing has been completed, the invoice for the service will be available for download in the KSeF system, in accordance with the applicable rules for issuing and transmitting electronic invoices.
I have a question about an invoice. Who should I contact?
If you have any questions or problems concerning an invoice, please contact us by e-mail or telephone. Please quote the invoice number and describe the matter your enquiry relates to in detail. Once we receive your enquiry, we will do our best to respond and help resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Can the driver pay for the booking directly at the port during check-in?
No. Payment for the booking should be settled between us and the customer before the journey begins. We settle with the operators under individual terms of cooperation, so the driver cannot pay for the booking directly at the port. This means the driver does not have to worry about payment at check-in – all the driver needs to do is check in in accordance with the booking information received.
When does payment for a booking need to be made?
For new customers and one-off bookings, the standard form of settlement is prepayment. Payment must be settled before the crossing takes place.
Is it possible to obtain deferred payment terms?
Yes, customers can apply to settle services on the basis of invoices with deferred payment terms. Granting this form of settlement requires a prior financial verification of the company and may depend on the volume and regularity of the transports carried out. For detailed information on opening a credit account, please contact our Customer Service.
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