How much does transport add to timber cost?

Transport typically adds 10–25% to the ex-mill timber price for deliveries within Northern Europe (500–2,000 km). Breakdown: road transport costs €0.05–€0.12 per tonne-km; rail is €0.02–€0.05 per tonne-km; sea freight is €0.01–€0.03 per tonne-km.

Transport typically adds 10–25% to the ex-mill timber price for deliveries within Northern Europe (500–2,000 km). Breakdown: road transport costs €0.05–€0.12 per tonne-km; rail is €0.02–€0.05 per tonne-km; sea freight is €0.01–€0.03 per tonne-km. A typical delivery of structural timber from Scandinavia to the Netherlands (1,200 km by sea + road) adds approximately €30–€60 per m³ to the ex-mill price. Consolidating orders into full truck loads (24–26 m³) significantly reduces per-unit transport cost.

Why this matters

This question relates to Timber Pricing Factors: What Drives Cost in 2026, which covers the broader topic in detail. Understanding this specific aspect helps architects, builders, and timber dealers make informed specification decisions.

For full context and additional technical detail, see our comprehensive guide:

→ Timber Pricing Factors: What Drives Cost in 2026

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About this answer

This answer is part of the PuurModulair Knowledge Base — comprehensive timber specification guidance for architects, builders, and dealers across the UK, EU, and Scandinavia. All technical content is reviewed by qualified timber technologists before publication.