Luc van Hensberg
Sales
+31 (0)77 327 5574
saleslandvracht@seaconlogistics.com
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Spain
Transport Spain with Seacon Logistics
Seacon Logistics is your logistics service provider and central point of contact for transport to and from Spain. From strategic locations and together with our worldwide network of agents and partners, we quickly, smoothly and cost-effectively take care of your transport. From full loads (FTL), part loads (LTL), pallets, intermodal to special transport.
Spain is located on the so-called Iberian Peninsula (also known as Iberia) and is part of Southern Europe. The country borders Portugal to the west and France and Andorra to the north. Spain has exclaves on the African continent, bordering Morocco. Furthermore, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands are also part of Spain's national territory.
The Spanish logistics market is undoubtedly one of the most important in Europe and for international transport. As one of the largest European economies, Spain has developed into an important economic force. This comes as a result of the favourable location on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coast, transport of goods and production in Europe. Due to the traditional relationship with Latin American countries, strong economic ties still hold. This makes Spain an important transit country in world trade.
The most important trade goods are: petroleum, chemical products, car parts, cars, machines and clothing from the textile industry. The strongest economic sectors are construction, IT, metalworking and tourism. Spain maintains close ties with Germany, France, China, Portugal and countries in South America.
For transport to and from this interesting transport country, it is only logical for you as a company – together with Seacon as your professional partner – to take your logistics to a higher level. On this page, you can read more about our transport solutions for Spain.
Important transport routes Spain and your benefits
As one of the largest economies in the European Union, Spain has not only developed itself economically, but has also invested heavily in infrastructure development. One of the longest motorway networks in the world, very good conditions for truck transport, cross-border freight transport by rail, major European airports and the location on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea are ideal features your company could make use of.
Spain has more than 40 million inhabitants and covers an area of about half a million square kilometres. The country also has the longest road network in Europe, which means that road freight can be carried out quickly and efficiently. Given the central location of the capital Madrid – only 500 to 700 kilometres from the coast and the connections with important neighbouring countries – it is not surprising that the majority of goods are transported in this manner.
Rail transport is very well developed in Spain, but does not play as big a role as other modalities in the field of freight transport. Due to climate change and reductions in emissions, major investments are being made for rail transport, especially for high-speed routes. One of the main links is the Perpignan (France) - Figueres (Spain) route, which acts as a bridge between the Iberian and Central European freight transport network.
Another important transport option is air freight. Madrid International Airport (Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas) has developed into a major cargo hub in Europe. Other important airports can be found in Barcelona and Valencia. Easy intermodal transport can be organised from the airports.
With almost 5000 kilometres of coastline and being located on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, it is not surprising that Spain has more than ten deep-sea ports. The main and most convenient port is located in Algeciras on the Bay of Gibraltar, followed by the ports of Valencia and Barcelona. Thanks to the wide choice of ports, there is always a solution that suits your sea freight shipments. We are happy to assist you in this.
Important cities for freight transport in Spain
Thanks to its central geographical location and its special connection with African and Latin American countries, Spain has developed into an interesting logistics hub and hub for global transport. Most cities in Spain have good conditions for industry and transport. Nevertheless, there are some locations that stand out and that can be regarded as special.
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is the largest logistics centre with an area of almost six million square kilometres. The logistics park 'Madrid Plataforma Logistica' is very popular due to its central location. Transport shipments reach the main parts of the country within 24 hours thanks to good connections by road, rail and air.
Barcelona also plays a critical role. ZAL Port de Barcelona is an important platform within the city's port. It is only 150 kilometres from France and lies on the Mediterranean Sea, making the conditions ideal. Intermodal transport is also easy from this location.
Seville is also an important logistics centre for Spain. It is located in the south of the country and is ideally placed for freight transport with the Canary Islands, Portugal and North Africa. There are also direct connections by road, rail and air.
Furthermore, the logistics platform in Saragosa is also noteworthy, which finds itself exactly within the transport triangle between Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao. With a total area of more than thirteen million square kilometres, it is one of the largest logistics complexes in Europe.
Transport solutions from Seacon Logistics
We offer different types of transport to and from Spain. Whether it concerns general cargo, less-than-truckload or full-truckload shipping, air freight, sea freight or freight transport – we will ensure that your goods arrive at their destination safely and on time. Below you will find our transport solutions to and from Spain:
- Groupage transport to Spain
- Pallet shipment
- Partial loads (LTL / LCL)
- Full loads (FCL / FTL)
- Rail transport
- Deliveries in the city centre
- Delivery with tailboard
- Express delivery to Spain
Groupage Spain - LCL and LTL
The term LTL (Less Than Truck Load) is used in freight transport to indicate that only part of the available cargo space of the truck is filled. In the logistics industry, it is therefore common to combine several partial loads at one loading point or to add a partial load. In short, groupage or LTL is therefore the merging of several smaller loads into one larger load. This optimises the use of the freight container during road freight.
The abbreviation LCL stands for Less than Container Load and in sea freight refers to shipments that do not fill an entire container and are combined with other general cargo in a consolidated container. LCL transport mainly offers price advantages and some benefits in practical handling and stowage. For general cargo, only proportionate transport costs are incurred for the use of the container volume.
Full loads Spain - FCL or FTL
The abbreviation FCL (Full Container Load) is used in sea freight for full container loads. Unlike LCL: a load that only partially fills a container. With FCL loads, the container is loaded by a shipper and unloaded at the destination by a consignee.
With an FTL delivery (Full Truck Load), the shipment fills the entire available cargo space. The truck transports this shipment to its destination without reloading. This is for one recipient. This completely utilises the truck’s transport capacity.
Fast delivery is the main advantage of FTL. This is because there is no need for transhipment or extra route planning to different recipients. The truck drives directly to one destination. It is the most effective method of transporting goods by road to a final destination.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO REQUEST A PRICE INDICATION OR DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?
Special transport Spain
In our wide range of transport services, we also offer special transport to and from Spain. This is the worldwide transport of long, high and heavy goods that do not fit in a container or truck. We believe it is important to comply with all international regulations and guidelines in this type of transport. Especially when transporting dangerous goods, regardless of whether they are transported to or from Spain to abroad. Below you will find an overview of all goods that Seacon Logistics transports:
- Long goods
- Dangerous goods (ADR)
- Boxes (KTN)
- Boxes (BOX)
- Bundles
- Heavy load
- Pallets (PLT)
- Gitter boxes (GIBO)
- Barrels (FSS)
- Other loose goods
Transport options Spain: to and from Asia, America, Europe and Africa
At Seacon Logistics we understand that, in addition to the quality of your products, fast shipping and associated satisfied customers are of great importance. That is why we facilitate the worldwide transport of your goods in all aspects. Goods transport within Europe is usually handled via road freight, but for shipments to and from Asia, North or South America and Africa, we of course also have sea freight and air freight at your disposal.
From our locations at strategically located terminals, we supply all major consumer markets. By outsourcing your transport to and from Spain to Seacon Logistics, you benefit from the advantage that you do not have to worry about complicated coordination across different continents and time zones. With us, you are guaranteed – partly thanks to the excellent cooperation with our partner network – a fast, efficient and well-organised shipment.
Transit and delivery times for transport to Spain
To satisfy you and meet all your requirements, reliability and speed are paramount at Seacon Logistics. That is why we work closely with a worldwide partner network and can plan, execute and organise your transport efficiently.
It is also possible to send express shipments, we arrange this in collaboration with our network. Fast transport services and our in-house customs clearance ensure that your transport from Spain arrives at your customer faster than usual.
For daily updated information and reliable transport planning, please contact us directly. Our specialists are always ready to help you.
Customs: the correct import and export documents
Our focus is always on the entire logistics chain. To serve you even better, our in-house customs department takes care of the necessary import and export documents and transport certificates. Our Compliance Desk checks whether your goods comply with all guidelines and sanction regulations at the place of destination. This way you will not be faced with unpleasant surprises and you can concentrate on your core business. Thanks to our status as Authorised Economic Operator (previously AEO-certified) and 'preferred supplier', we can minimise delays. An important advantage for you as a customer.
Want to know more about how we unburden you in terms of customs and customs declarations?
Incoterms®: Protect your international trade with Spain
As a global logistics chain director, Seacon Logistics deals a lot with Incoterms®. Although we are not involved in the commercial agreements between buyer and seller, we are often consulted about the dangers and consequences of the various Incoterms® before a transaction is concluded. In practice, many companies still underestimate the risks.
To ensure that contractual formulas in the trade of goods are interpreted equally by buyer and seller, we have created a white paper and an infographic.
Important additional information: Public holidays, driving bans and local details
A number of regulations must be followed in Spain. The reason for this lies mainly in the preservation and further development of the transport network and the guarantee of fair transport between international companies. In the following overview you can read about the special circumstances you will have to consider in Spain:
- Driving bans in freight transport: In Spain, there are no general bans on driving on public holidays or Sundays. However, parts of the country can decide to implement driving bans themselves. For example, special rules apply in the Basque Country. We will completely take care of this matter for you.
- Toll: In Spain, tolls must be paid for certain routes. This applies to both passenger cars and trucks. The fare is calculated based on the distance traveled and the vehicle class.
- EU membership: Depending on the project, you need an EU permit or CEMT permit for international transport. See also bilateral licenses between Hungary and third countries.
- International legal bases: Spain maintains close economic and logistical ties with Africa and Latin America. Do you want to take advantage of this? We can inform you about the legal situation between the different countries and continents.
- Digital consignment note: From September 2024, the digital consignment note will be mandatory in Spain. The Spanish government has implemented this anticipating future European legislation. From 2025, the digital consignment note will be mandatory everywhere in the EU.
If you have more detailed questions about the specifics or rules in Spain, please feel free to contact our team. In a joint logistic analysis, we examine which aspects are relevant for your goods transport.
The strength of Seacon: logistics at its heart since 1985
Since the establishment of Seacon Logistics, we have been building our organisation as a leading logistics chain director. Today, Seacon Logistics has over 700 employees at various strategic locations throughout Europe. Yet the origins of the family business can still be felt in our organisation. And that is precisely where our strength lies. Logistic services from the heart, that's what we are all about!
With a strong we-feeling, we take on logistical challenges and work together to serve you as our customer in the best possible way. With innovative and efficient solutions, we take your logistics to a new level. Transparent communication, personal approach and entrepreneurship are the basis of our customers' trust.
Are you interested in a transport solution to a country other than Spain? Then take a look at one of our many other partner countries:
Would you like to receive a quote or do you have other questions?
Then please do not hesitate to contact us. We know the logistical challenges of our customers and have been optimising their logistics chains for decades. No distance is too far or challenge too great. Are you ready to take your logistics chain to the next level? Then be sure to get in touch with us.