Shipping from Turkey to Italy: 2026 Rates, RoRo Routes and Service Guide

Italy is one of Turkey's largest trading partners. Demand for Italy freight services grows year on year across a wide range of sectors, from textiles and food to automotive and machinery. Gökay Transport, since 2010 Turkey–Italy freight route — providing uninterrupted service with road and RoRo options.

In this guide you will find Italy freight rates for 2026, RoRo routes, transit times, LTL and full TIR options, and customs procedures. Comprehensive international freight guide — on our page covering 14 countries in our service network, the Italy route holds a unique position thanks to the RoRo alternative.

Italy Freight Rates 2026

Italy freight rates vary according to the city of origin, transport type (road or RoRo), cargo volume and season. Prices are valid as of 2026 and may fluctuate depending on fuel prices, seasonal demand and exchange rates. Istanbul–Italy freight via RoRo can deliver a 10–15% cost advantage over road transport.

Import Rates from Italy to Turkey

Thanks to the backhaul advantage, import rates are 15–25% lower than export rates.

To receive an up-to-date quote tailored to your cargo, contact us via WhatsApp or call us directly on +90 533 302 33 10 to place your order.

Shipping Routes from Turkey to Italy

Italy road freight and RoRo are the two main options available. Italy–Turkey road freight route passes through the Balkans, while the RoRo route reaches Trieste directly by sea.

Which Route Does Road Transport from Turkey to Italy Follow?

1. Kapıkule Border Gate (Edirne) — entry point into Europe
2. Bulgaria (via Sofia, approx. 500 km) — Bulgaria transit
3. Serbia (Niš–Belgrade, approx. 400 km)
4. Croatia/Slovenia (approx. 350 km)
5. Italy (Trieste entry point — total approx. 2,000 km)

The total road distance is approximately 2,000–2,200 km with a transit time of 4–6 business days. Albania transit route via the southern corridor to southern Italy is also an option, and a ferry connection to Bari via the Greece sea route can be considered as well.

RoRo Route

Mersin, Pendik or Çeşme port to Trieste — a direct sea crossing that eliminates the multiple border crossings required by road. Due to Italy's position in the European network, Germany freight connections and northbound European distribution can also be planned via Italy.

What Is Italy RoRo Shipping?

Italy RoRo shipping is a combined road–sea transport method in which the TIR or trailer is driven onto the vessel and transported directly from the ports of Mersin, Pendik or Çeşme to the port of Trieste. Compared to road transport, it reduces driver costs, saves fuel, cuts the number of border crossings and shortens transit time to 3–4 days. Italy freight — this is the key feature that sets the route apart from other countries.

The main advantages of RoRo over road: lower driver costs, fuel savings, fewer border crossings and the elimination of driver fatigue. All our RoRo shipments are carried under CMR insurance; if you would like information about additional coverage for the sea leg, please see our RoRo insurance coverage guide.

Mersin – Trieste RoRo Route

Mersin–Italy RoRo route is our busiest corridor. It is the ideal choice for exporters in the Mediterranean Region and South-East Anatolia. Sailings operate 2–3 times per week and the sea crossing takes approximately 65 hours. Mersin–Trieste RoRo freight route total transit time is 3–4 business days. Citrus fruit, food products and textiles are among the most frequent cargo types on this route.

Pendik – Trieste RoRo Route

Pendik–Italy RoRo sailings are the most practical option for exporters in the Marmara Region. For Istanbul-origin cargo, they provide a 1–2 day time advantage over road transport. 2–3 sailings per week are available. Easy access to Pendik port provides logistics convenience particularly for factories and warehouses on the Asian side.

Çeşme/Izmir – Trieste Connection

Izmir–Italy RoRo connection is the most suitable route for exporters in the Aegean Region. Çeşme–Italy RoRo sailings carry marble, agricultural products and textiles directly to Trieste. Regular weekly sailings operate from Çeşme port.

Road or RoRo — Which Is More Advantageous?

Important Note: Mersin and Izmir departures generally favour RoRo. For cargo from Istanbul and Ankara, road transport can also be competitive. Contact us to determine the best option for your specific cargo.

For detailed information and a quote on Italy RoRo sailings, write to us.

Italy LTL Freight Rates 2026

Italy LTL freight is an economical solution for shipments that do not fill a complete TIR load. Italy LTL freight companies — among these, Gökay Transport stands out with a regular weekly Italy LTL loading programme. LTL rates vary according to cargo volume, weight and destination. For detailed information, please visit our LTL freight service page.

If you are unsure whether to choose LTL or full TIR, LTL is recommended for cargo under 10 m³ and full TIR for cargo over 30 m³. For volumes in between, our full TIR vs LTL guide will help you decide.

To receive the best price quote for your LTL cargo, request a free quote now.

Italy Full TIR (FTL) Freight

Full TIR service is operated with a 13.6 m curtainsider or mega trailer. With a capacity of 90 m³ and 24 tonnes carrying capacity, cargo belonging to a single shipper is delivered directly. Trailer types available on the Italy route:

• Curtainsider: Standard cargo, textiles, furniture, machinery — works in conjunction with our textile export logistics operations
• Flatbed: Out-of-gauge and heavy cargo, construction materials
• Refrigerated Trailer: Temperature-controlled food, pharmaceutical and chemical products
• Lowbed: Industrial machinery and construction equipment

Minivan Express service provides delivery within 1–3 pallets capacity vehicles in 2–3 days for urgent and small-volume shipments. The price range is 2,800–3,500 EUR making it the fastest solution for time-critical consignments.

How Long Does Shipping from Turkey to Italy Take?

Italy freight transit times vary depending on the city of origin and transport type. RoRo transit is 1–2 days shorter than road transport. Italy enforces a TIR ban at weekends (Saturday 14:00 – Sunday 22:00); for shipments planned for Friday or Monday delivery, 1 day of additional lead time may be required. Guaranteed-departure weekly sailings ensure these processes are planned optimally.

For detailed information about your Italy freight route, call us: +90 533 302 33 10.

How Much Do Italy Refrigerated Freight Rates Cost?

Italy refrigerated freight rates are determined by adding an 500–800 EUR refrigeration surcharge on top of the standard TIR rate. ATP-certified vehicles carry fresh food at +2/+4 °C and frozen food at -18 °C. Italy refrigerated freight companies — among these, Gökay Transport guarantees delivery without any break in the cold chain.

• Fresh food (fruit, vegetables, dairy products): +2 / +4 °C
• Frozen food: -18 °C
• Pharmaceutical and chemical products: Product-specific temperature range

The most frequently shipped refrigerated cargo from Turkey to Italy: olive oil, citrus fruit, fresh fruit and vegetables, and seafood. The refrigeration surcharge is applied at an additional 500–800 EUR on top of the standard TIR rate. For detailed information on food export procedures, please see our Italy refrigerated freight guide.

What Documents Are Required for Shipping to Italy?

1. ATR movement certificate — mandatory for EU customs exemption
2. CMR consignment note — international road transport contract
3. Commercial invoice — documents the value of the goods
4. Packing list — contents of the shipment and packaging details
5. Certificate of origin — documents the country where the goods were produced
6. T1 transit document — required for transit of non-customs-cleared goods
7. Insurance policy — proves that the cargo is covered

Since Italy is an EU member state, customs union preferential trade applies. ATR movement certificate provides exemption from customs duties. For comprehensive information on document preparation, please see our Italy export documents guide. Door-to-door household removal to Italy may additionally require a personal effects declaration and passport copy; see our moving to Italy guide for details.

How Does the Italy Customs Process Work?

1. Export declaration and ATR movement certificate inspection at the Kapıkule exit customs gate
2. Issuing a T1 transit document and placing the cargo under customs supervision
3. Free transit through Bulgaria, Serbia and Slovenia under the T1 document
4. T1 clearance at the Italian destination customs office
5. Application of customs duty exemption via the ATR certificate and delivery

Since Italy is an EU member state, Turkey–Italy trade benefits from free circulation under the ATR certificate. The customs process differs for RoRo transport: cargo is cleared at the port and loaded onto the vessel, and the T1 is closed at the port of Trieste in Italy. For comprehensive information on customs procedures, please see our Italy customs procedures guide. Professional customs brokers manage all your declaration processes.

Why Gökay Transport? — What Sets Us Apart in Italy Freight

Italy freight companies — concrete reasons to choose Gökay Transport:

• L2 Authorisation Certificate (U.NET Registered): This is the highest-level international haulage authorisation issued by the Republic of Turkey's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. It ensures speed and reliability at port entry and customs crossings.
• CMR Insurance (All Shipments): All your cargo on the Italy route is carried under insurance coverage. In the event of loss or damage, 8.33 SDR/kg (~11 EUR/kg) guaranteed compensation is available.
• Live GPS Tracking: All our vehicles are equipped with a live GPS tracking system. You can check the real-time location of your cargo whether it is on the road or aboard the RoRo vessel.
• 16 Years of Experience: Since 2010, we have completed thousands of shipments on the Turkey–Italy route. Our experienced team provides reliable service in both road and RoRo operations.
• Extensive Network Covering 14 Countries: Including Italy, we carry out regular shipments to 14 countries across Europe, the Balkans and the Caucasus. Our own-fleet vehicles and wide partner network enable door-to-door delivery.
• Regular Weekly Sailings: On the Italy route we operate guaranteed-departure weekly sailings. Our LTL loading programme runs on a regular weekly basis.

Italy freight companies — when making your choice, the authorisation certificate, insurance coverage and RoRo operational capacity are critical criteria. Carriers operating to Italy — firms holding an L2 certificate and U.NET registration are a step ahead in terms of legal assurance. Italy road freight companies and Italy logistics companies — be sure to consider Gökay Transport in your evaluation. Italy–Turkey freight companies — among those offering both road and RoRo services, we are one of the industry leaders in the sector.

Italy freight requirements — to speak with our expert team, request a quote via WhatsApp.

How to Choose an Italy Freight Company

Italy freight companies — use the following criteria to make the right choice:

1. L2 Authorisation Certificate: Check whether the company holds an L2 certificate from the Republic of Turkey's Ministry of Transport.
2. CMR Insurance: Ask whether all shipments are carried under CMR insurance coverage.
3. RoRo Operational Capacity: Companies offering a RoRo option on the Italy route provide a cost advantage.
4. GPS Tracking: Being able to track your cargo in real time is important for transparency and trust.
5. Regularity of Sailings: Regular weekly sailings are critical for planned shipping processes.
6. Price Transparency: Prefer companies that provide a clear quote with no hidden costs.
7. Customs Clearance Service: Companies that manage document preparation and customs procedures simplify operations.

Companies shipping to Italy — use these 7 criteria to find the most reliable partner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does shipping from Turkey to Italy cost?

Shipping rates from Turkey to Italy in 2026 range from 3,200 to 4,500 EUR for a full TIR load. For road shipments departing Istanbul the range is 3,500–4,500 EUR; via Mersin RoRo it is 3,200–4,000 EUR. For LTL shipments, the rate is approximately 150–350 EUR per pallet. The RoRo option can offer a 10–15% price advantage over road transport.

How many days does a TIR from Turkey to Italy take?

The road transit time for a TIR from Turkey to Italy is on average 4–6 business days. By RoRo this drops to 3–4 days. The RoRo sea crossing from Mersin to Trieste takes approximately 65 hours, giving a total transit of 3–4 days. For loads departing Istanbul, road takes 4–5 days and RoRo via Pendik takes 3–4 days. Customs procedures and seasonal congestion may affect the duration.

How does Italy RoRo shipping work?

In RoRo shipping to Italy, the TIR or trailer is driven onto the vessel and transported directly from the ports of Mersin, Pendik or Çeşme to the port of Trieste. Sailings operate 2–3 times per week and the sea crossing takes approximately 65 hours. Driver cost and fuel savings deliver a 10–15% cost advantage over road transport. Domestic distribution within Italy is completed by road after Trieste.

What documents are required for shipping to Italy?

An ATR movement certificate (for EU customs exemption), a CMR consignment note, a commercial invoice, a packing list, a certificate of origin, a T1 transit document and an insurance policy. The ATR certificate is particularly important under the EU customs union. For detailed information, please review our export documentation guide.

How does Italy LTL shipping work?

Cargo from multiple shippers is consolidated in a single vehicle. Pricing is applied per pallet and per m³. A regular weekly loading schedule is in place. A minimum of 1 pallet or 1 m³ of cargo is accepted. For detailed information, please visit our LTL shipment options page.

How do you choose a company for Italy freight?

You should check for the L2 authorisation certificate and U.NET registration, CMR insurance coverage, live GPS tracking capability, customer references, regularity of sailings, and price transparency. The company's RoRo operational capacity and whether it offers a customs clearance service should also be evaluated.

What does CMR insurance cover in Italy freight?

Under the CMR convention, the carrier is liable for loss, damage or delay to the goods being transported. The compensation limit is set at 8.33 SDR per kilogram (approximately 11 EUR). Gökay Transport carries all shipments with CMR insurance. For cargo requiring higher coverage, freight insurance coverage guide — you can find information on All Risks additional insurance.

Which ports are used for Italy RoRo?

RoRo ports on the Turkish side:

• Mersin — main port for cargo departing the Mediterranean Region
• Pendik (Istanbul) — for exporters in the Marmara Region
• Çeşme (Izmir) — for cargo departing the Aegean Region

RoRo ports on the Italian side:

• Trieste — main destination port, 2–3 sailings per week
• Bari — connection to southern Italy
• Ancona — connection to central Italy

The Mersin–Trieste route is the busiest RoRo corridor and the sea crossing takes approximately 65 hours.

Is road or RoRo more advantageous?

RoRo transport reduces driver costs, saves fuel and cuts the number of border crossings. Road transport, on the other hand, offers more flexible scheduling and direct door-to-door delivery. For cargo from Mersin and Izmir, RoRo is generally more advantageous; for cargo from Istanbul and Ankara, road transport can be competitive.

How much is Italy cargo freight?

Italy cargo rates for LTL shipments are 150–350 EUR per pallet; for a full TIR load the range is 3,200–4,500 EUR. The RoRo option can offer a 10–15% advantage over road transport. The exact price is determined based on your cargo details; request a quote now.

Is door-to-door household removal to Italy available?

Yes, door-to-door service includes packing, loading, customs clearance and delivery to address. Pricing ranges from 1,500–2,500 EUR for a one-bedroom flat and 2,500–4,000 EUR for a two-bedroom flat. For details, please review our international home relocation guide.

How much does Italy refrigerated freight cost?

A refrigeration surcharge of 500–800 EUR is applied on top of the standard TIR rate. ATP-certified vehicles carry fresh food at +2/+4 °C or frozen food at -18 °C. Olive oil, fruit, vegetables and dairy products are the most frequently shipped refrigerated cargo to Italy. For detailed information, please review our cold chain transport guide.

Do you have more questions about Italy freight? Write to us on WhatsApp or +90 533 302 33 10 — call our line. Our expert team will get back to you as soon as possible.