How does a heavy transport from Switzerland to Almaty work?
A heavy transport from Switzerland to Almaty starts with a particularity: as Switzerland is not an EU member, customs clearance begins already at the Swiss border. From there, the Middle Corridor runs via Austria, the Balkans, Turkey and Georgia, by Caspian ferry to Kazakhstan and on to Almaty. The distance is around 6,500 to 7,500 km, the transit time runs to several weeks, without Russian transit.
Customs from the Swiss border onwards
Unlike a start within the EU, the consignment is placed under a customs procedure as soon as it crosses the border out of Switzerland. The usual approach is to open a T1 transit procedure or a common transit procedure, frequently supplemented by a TIR carnet for the further non-EU borders. Export from Switzerland and import into the EU at the Austrian border must be cleanly documented so that no waiting times arise.
Corridor and border crossings
From Switzerland, the route runs via one of the crossings into Austria – such as St. Margrethen or through Vorarlberg – and on across the Balkans to the Turkish border at Kapıkule. It then continues via Sarp or Türkgözü into Georgia, across the “Red Bridge” into Azerbaijan as far as the port of Baku, and by ferry to Aktau. From there, the Kazakh overland stages run straight across the steppe to Almaty in the south-east of the country.
The Caspian ferry as the critical pacemaker
The Baku–Aktau ferry sails on demand without a fixed timetable. Ferry windows, weather and capacity for heavy items largely determine the schedule; we plan generous buffers and settle excess dimensions and excess weight bindingly with the shipping line in advance. The overland permits are timed so that they do not expire if the crossing is delayed.
Permits across several countries
Switzerland, Austria, the Balkan countries, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan each require their own national special permit. §29 StVO (German road traffic regulations) applies only to any German section of the route; on the classic Austria–Balkans variant, Germany is generally not touched, so the respective national permits are the decisive ones.
Equipment, securing and escorting
For the steppe and mountain sections, robust low-bed and modular axle vehicles are standard, with particular attention to lashing during the ferry crossing. Load securing follows recognised engineering standards. Depending on the dimensions, a BF3/BF4 escort and, in individual countries, an official escort are deployed.
Almaty as a destination in Central Asia
Almaty lies close to the borders with Kyrgyzstan and China and is a central transhipment point for the region. Country details and requirements can be found on our page on heavy haulage to Kazakhstan.
Feasibility and planning from a single source
Before dispatch planning, we record weight, dimensions and centre of gravity, define the axle load concept and vehicle type and clarify ferry capacity in Baku for the specific item. Customs from the Swiss border, ferry windows and the permit chain are planned as one closed project. Oversize Transports – a brand of HSNK s.r.o. from Prague – organises the lane independently; send us your project by phone or via the form.
Typical cargo types on this lane
Consignments moving to Almaty along the Middle Corridor frequently include plant components for mining and energy, transformers, vessels, construction machinery and industrial modules. Such goods often involve excess weight, excess height or an unfavourable centre of gravity that shape the equipment concept and the ferry loading. We match trailer, axle lines and securing equipment precisely to each item and document condition and dimensions before departure, so that the cargo survives the land and sea legs undamaged.
Oversize Transports as an independent project partner
Oversize Transports – a brand of HSNK s.r.o., Prague – executes the Switzerland–Almaty lane as a closed project, independently and without network ties. The Middle Corridor with the Caspian ferry is our core competence for Central Asia, precisely because it opens up the route without Russian transit. From opening customs at the Swiss border through the ferry booking in Baku to unloading in Almaty, responsibility stays in one hand. Across the entire route we stay in close contact with the driver and the border posts, so that deviations are identified early and permit windows can be readjusted in good time.