Poland has become central Europe’s logistics engine. It is a major manufacturing base for furniture, appliances, automotive components, batteries and food, and its Baltic ports now handle a substantial share of trade that once moved through northern Germany.
IFN is a vetted freight network for independent forwarders, and it already works with companies in Poland. Below you will find the gateways, the cargo mix and the practical detail that matters on this lane. Forwarders based in Poland can review the logistics network pages to see how membership works.
Its position also makes it a natural bridge between the EU and Ukraine, Belarus and the wider eastern neighbourhood, which has grown in importance for road freight and warehousing.
What drives freight demand in Poland
Polish freight demand is driven by:
- Manufacturing for export. Furniture, white goods, automotive parts, batteries and electronics are produced for German, French, Dutch and Scandinavian customers.
- Baltic port growth. Gdansk and Gdynia have grown strongly as deep sea container and ro ro gateways for central Europe.
- Road freight across the EU. Poland has one of the largest road haulage fleets in Europe and dominates intra EU groupage and full truck load services.
- Ukraine corridor traffic. Cross border road freight and transshipment to and from Ukraine has expanded significantly.
Ports, airports and gateways
The main Polish gateways:
- Gdansk: the largest Polish container port and a major Baltic hub with deep sea services from Asia
- Gdynia: a key ro ro, container and bulk port serving Scandinavia and the Baltic
- Szczecin and Swinoujscie: the western ports handling bulk, project cargo and ferry traffic to Sweden and Germany
- Warsaw, Katowice and Wroclaw: major air cargo and road and rail logistics platforms serving the industrial south and centre
What moves in and out of Poland
Main exports: furniture, domestic appliances, automotive parts, batteries and electrical equipment, food products, chemicals, machinery and paper.
Main imports: machinery, electronics, textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, vehicles and agricultural commodities.
Poland is frequently used as an entry point for goods destined further into central and eastern Europe. If your delivery is not in Poland itself, the inland leg matters as much as the port choice, so ask for a door to door comparison.
Practical notes for Polish freight
Groupage from Western Europe is well developed
Poland has excellent scheduled groupage to and from Germany, France, the Netherlands and the UK, which suits smaller consignments at good cost.
Border queues affect eastern lanes
Road freight to and from Ukraine can face long border waits. Build realistic transit expectations and confirm your forwarder monitors the queue live.
Gdansk suits deep sea, TriCity serves the north
For Asian deep sea cargo, Gdansk is usually the strongest option. For Baltic and Scandinavian trade, Gdynia and Szczecin often work better.
IFN members based in Poland
We currently have 2 IFN members in Poland, all individually vetted before admission and covered by our cargo payment protection programme:
- Pol-Mare Sp. Z O.O. Sp. Komandytowa (pol-mare.pl) – IFN GOLD FOUNDER
- BTS-SERWIS SP. Z O.O. (btsserwis.eu) – IFN GOLD FOUNDER
Further partners can be found in the full member directory, and new Polish members are added as they pass vetting.
Why Polish freight forwarders join IFN
- Global partners without the guesswork. Access more than 235 vetted companies in over 93 countries through the freight network, so you can quote lanes you do not cover yourself.
- Protected payments. Cargo payment protection covers member to member transactions up to $30,000, which removes the biggest risk in cross border freight.
- Inbound cargo. International partners route requests to the Polish member who can handle them, so membership brings work in rather than only sending it out.
- Visibility. A verified profile in the member directory and promotion through the IFN marketing channels.
- Face to face business. Members meet each year at IFN Global Connect, where most long term partnerships actually start.
- Clear rules. Every member accepts the code of ethics, and breaches are published, so quality is enforced rather than promised.
Membership runs from $750 a year. You can compare the tiers on the membership plans page, and the logistics network overview explains what the network does day to day.
Related country guides
You can also visit our freight network page for Poland, which explains what IFN membership gives companies based there.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a reliable freight forwarder in Poland?
Work through a vetted network. IFN members are screened for experience and financial standing, covered by cargo payment protection and bound by a published code of ethics.
Is Gdansk the best port for Polish imports from Asia?
For most deep sea container cargo yes, because direct Asian services call there. For Scandinavian, Baltic and some bulk traffic, Gdynia, Szczecin or German ports may be more practical.
Do Polish forwarders cover Ukraine?
Many do, as the cross border corridor has become a significant part of the market. Ask about border waiting times, customs documentation and whether they have partners on the Ukrainian side.
Need a Polish freight partner?
Share your lane and cargo details and we will introduce the Polish member that fits. Polish forwarders with central European or Ukraine corridor strengths are welcome to apply.
Apply for IFN membership or compare the membership plans. You can also browse the member directory first, or contact the IFN team with your lane and we will tell you who covers it.
Source note: market and gateway details in this guide are compiled by the IFN editorial team from public trade and port data, and refreshed as members and coverage change.
