Why does the shipment go through Klaipeda instead of directly to Odesa?

Sea freight to Black Sea ports carries elevated war-related risk, which makes vessel and container insurance significantly more expensive, and some shipping lines don't call at Ukrainian ports at all. Klaipeda is a major, reliably operating EU port with direct sea lines from the USA; from there the car is delivered to Ukraine by truck. This route is more reliable and often faster.

How long does shipping take on the USA to Klaipeda to Ukraine route?

The full journey usually takes 45-60 days: 3-7 days to move the car from the auction to a US port, 25-35 days for the ocean crossing, and another 5-10 days for port handling in Klaipeda and truck delivery to Odesa. Exact timing depends on the shipping line's schedule and port congestion.

Do I have to pay EU customs duties while transiting through Klaipeda?

No. The car is processed under a customs transit procedure (a T1 document), which allows the cargo to move through EU territory without paying EU duties or VAT. All customs payments are made once, when the car is cleared in Ukraine.

How does customs clearance work in Ukraine after shipping via Klaipeda?

Once the truck arrives at the Ukrainian border or a bonded warehouse, the car is declared under the standard procedure: an electronic customs declaration is filed, duty, excise tax, and VAT are paid, and the car undergoes conformity certification. Our brokers manage the process from filing the declaration through to handing you the finished documents.

How can I track the car at every stage of the route?

As soon as the car is loaded at the US port, you receive the container number and vessel details, which you can use to track the shipment on the carrier's website. During the truck leg from Klaipeda, our manager gives you an estimated arrival date and keeps you updated at each key stage.

Container service Odesa port 2026: situation and alternatives

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Odesa port has been operating in a special regime. Container service, which was previously one of our key areas of work, is currently temporarily suspended.

We understand that for many of our clients — especially those involved in foreign trade who are used to receiving cargo by sea — this is a significant limitation. That is why we decided to write this article: so that you understand the situation and know that we are keeping a close eye on developments.

What is happening with container service

Odesa port remains a strategic facility and continues to operate. However, the regular container lines that previously called at the port on schedule have now suspended sailings or significantly reduced their frequency. This decision is made by the shipping companies themselves — based on their risk assessment and insurance conditions for vessels operating in a war zone.

We will not sugarcoat the situation. The resumption of full container service depends on the overall security situation — and we, like you, very much hope for this.

What we are doing in the meantime

Logistics has not stopped — it has restructured. Our clients continue to receive their cargo via alternative routes:

Road transport — across land borders with EU countries
Rail logistics — for large and heavy cargo
Air freight — for urgent and high-value shipments
Alternative seaports — Constanta (Romania), Gdańsk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany)

Yes, this takes longer and is sometimes more expensive. But we find a solution for each client individually — depending on the type of cargo, urgency and budget.

You will be the first to know

As soon as container service at Odesa port resumes — our clients will be the first to know. We are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contacts with shipping agents and port operators.

Follow our Facebook page or save our number — we will notify you as soon as there is concrete information about the resumption of sailings.

If you have cargo — contact us

Don't wait. Even if your standard route is currently unavailable — we will find an alternative. In 20 years of work we have seen many different crises and always found a solution.

📞 +38 067 441 55 33
📧 office@startranslog.com.ua
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