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Freight loading onto the ferry at East Cowes

Freight Ferry Travel to & from the Isle of Wight

Reliable and flexible options for your freight requirements

Red Funnel’s flexible freight ferry service between Southampton and East Cowes makes it easy to transport your goods across the Solent. We operate the only dedicated Isle of Wight freight ferry, Red Kestrel, which allows us to offer a bespoke experience for freight operators and drivers, and additional year-round capacity.  We’ve developed solid relationships with many companies who trust us to move their goods across the Solent, and look forward to providing the solution to your freight transportation needs.

Bookings freight offers contact us TIMETABLE Abnormal & Wide Loads Dangerous Goods freight faq terms & conditions

Reasons To Book With Red Funnel

  • Friendly, efficient account management
  • Ports served by good road connections
  • Largest cross-Solent ferries, and dedicated freight ferry with no centre casing meaning easy loading and disembarkation
  • No weight restrictions up to 44 tonnes
  • Offer wide load crossings seven days a week
  • 365 days a year service with 24/7 timetable
  • Unmatched service reliability & punctuality, even in bad weather!
  • Dedicated hazardous sailings and DG advice team
  • Highly competitive rates
  • 50% Off hot food & drinks plus 25% off selected retail lines for freight drivers

red kestrel timetables

4 Nov 2025 - 26 Mar 2026 27 Mar - 2 Nov 2026

freight offers

  • Removal Offer: Save 20% on removal lorry travel when booking a sailing after 08:00. Call our Freight Centre on 01983 681336 and quote REMOV at time of booking.
     
  • Horsebox Offer: Save 25% on horseboxes and towed vehicle horse trailers. There are no limits on how many times you book and no time restrictions. To Book: Call our Freight Centre on 01983 681336 and quote LIVESTOCK26 at the time of booking.

How To Book

Fill out the form below or contact our Freight Centre on 01983 681336 to book your delivery up to 12 months ahead. Please ensure you have your account number (if applicable, preferred sailing dates and times, vehicle weight and length, and details of any dangerous goods at time of booking. 

red funnel vessel

Contact Us

Call: +44(0)1983 681336

Email: [email protected]

Sales Team Opening Hours

Monday - Friday: 07:30-17:30
Saturday: 06:00-14:00
Sunday: 08:00-16:00
Bank Holidays: 08:00-15:00

Red Funnel Freight Team, Suite E (North), First Floor, The Columbine, Venture Quays, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6EZ

Freight FAQ

Yes, booking in advance is strongly recommended but it is possible to book on arrival, subject to availability of  freight space.

You will need the outbound and return travel dates and times.  The total overall vehicle length (including tractor unit if applicable).  The payload and details of any dangerous goods.  Your account number and purchase order number (if applicable) or debit/credit card details for non-account bookings.

Vans/commercial vehicles up to 8m in length and 4.85m in height can be booked online. To book larger freight vehicles or make booking amendments/cancellations please contact the Freight Department on +44(0)1983 681336 or use our online booking enquiry form.

30-60 minutes before departure (no more than 60 minutes at peak times)

No, customers with adhoc shipments can make and pay for bookings using a debit or credit card by calling the Freight Department (there are no credit card surcharges). Credit account facilities are available for frequent customers.

Credit facilities are available for eligible customers, subject to meeting criteria. Please contact our Freight team for further details +44(0)1983 681336.

If you need to cancel or amend your freight booking, please call the Freight Department in advance of travel on +44(0)1983 681336 with your booking reference to hand.

Yes, Red Funnel carry a wide variety of dangerous goods, for more information please speak to our Hazardous Freight Co-ordinator on +44(0)1983 681252 (Direct Line) or +44(0)1983 681336 (Freight Department). 
 

For non-dangerous goods you will only require your booking reference number or e-ticket.
For dangerous goods you will be required to hand in a copy of your Dangerous Goods Note, fully completed and signed.

Please call our Freight team on +44(0)1983 681336 (freight bookings) or +44(0)1983 681252 (dangerous goods bookings).

Although an extra driver is included in the return vehicle cost, we would need to know in advance of travel. Please contact our freight team for more information.

If you are a cash customer, you can pay with a credit or debit card on arrival however please allow additional time for your transaction.

We would always recommend early booking to secure space; however, bookings can be made at any time before entering our Terminals.

Unfortunately, we do not offer parking at our Southampton/East Cowes Terminals.

Any vehicle that exceeds a width of more than 2.55 metres, a length over 19 metres, a weight exceeding 44 tonnes (44,000 kgs) or with a height over 4.85m will be classed as an abnormal load.  Please contact the Freight Department on +44(0)1983 681336 to discuss your requirements allowing at least 24hrs prior to travel.

We are pleased to offer Removal companies a discount for any freight vehicle booking.  Please contact the Freight Department on +44(0)1983 681336 for more information.

Yes, we offer a block booking service for account holders. For more information, please contact the Freight Department on +44(0)1983 681336.

Terms & Conditions

Dangerous Goods

  • Dangerous goods shipments should be declared at least 24 hours in advance. It’s a legal requirement for the haulier/shipper to advise Red Funnel Ferries of all dangerous goods / marine pollutants being carried to and from the Isle of Wight.

Terms & Conditions

  • All amendments are free of charge however a fare difference may apply if travelling on a more expensive sailing.
  • Any fare difference must be paid for in full at time of amendment.
  • If you move to a cheaper sailing no refund will be due as you have reserved a space, we can no longer guarantee re-selling.
  • Should your vehicle fall outside of the dimensions you have booked you will be required to pay the difference in fare and will not be guaranteed your space on the sailing.
  • Account Customers - amendments can only be accepted by the company/individual who own the account and an account number must be provided for any changes.
  • If the booking is cancelled at least 48 hours before travel, then there is no charge and the full balance is refunded.
  • If the booking is cancelled between 24-48 hours before travel, a 25% cancellation fee is applied and the remaining balance is refunded.
  • If the booking is cancelled within 24 hours of travel, no refund is due.
  • No amendments can be made to expired bookings. 
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