Freight & haulage
Daily departures. No UK landbridge. Direct access to continental Europe, built around the needs of Irish hauliers since 2021.
Why this route
When the UK left the EU, Irish hauliers faced a choice: stick with the UK landbridge and deal with customs at both ends, or go direct to France. The Cherbourg–Rosslare route was the answer.
Since its launch in 2021, freight volumes on this route have grown 96% — from 3,945 units in the first year to 7,734 units by 2025. That growth reflects a fundamental shift in how Irish trade reaches continental Europe.
No UK customs. No landbridge delays. One direct overnight sailing, and your cargo is on the continent.
For hauliers
Drivers travel with their vehicles. You'll board in Rosslare (or Cherbourg), sleep in a cabin during the overnight crossing, and drive off at the other end. Check-in closes 2 hours before departure — no exceptions.
Drop your trailer at the port, and it crosses without a driver. Ideal for operators running shuttle services between Ireland and France. Reduces driver hours and costs.
Multimodal
Cherbourg connects to the Ferroutage rail-ferry network — a 970 km rail link from Cherbourg to Bayonne, near the Spanish border. Unaccompanied trailers travel the entire distance by train.
That means Irish freight can reach the Iberian Peninsula without a single truck on French motorways. It cuts emissions, eliminates toll costs, and avoids UK border paperwork entirely.
Booking
Freight bookings can be made through Brittany Ferries' commercial team. Whether you're shipping a single trailer or running regular services, the team can set up your account and schedule.
Check-in
Check-in closes 2 hours before departure. Arrive at the freight lane with your booking reference, vehicle documentation and any customs paperwork ready.
Accompanied drivers receive a cabin for the overnight crossing. Meals and refreshments are available on board.
If you're new to this route, the freight team can walk you through the process. Call the numbers above or ask at the terminal.
Freight booking
Daily departures between Rosslare and Cherbourg. Contact the freight team to set up your account.