Ocean Freight to Spain

Spain is strategically positioned in Europe with a long coastline, major container ports, and strong import demand for industrial goods, consumer products and e-commerce. Shipping ocean freight to Spain allows access to the EU market via gateways like Port of Valencia, Port of Barcelona and Port of Algeciras. Using iContainers, you can obtain quotes, compare transit times, and manage your shipments seamlessly into Spain.

Why Ship to Spain with iContainers?

Spain's logistics and trade environment combine Mediterranean routes, Atlantic access and strong EU integration. With iContainers you get digital ease plus deep market-knowledge.

EU-Integrated Trade Corridor Expertise

• Spain participates fully in the EU customs union - simplifying documentation if you export from outside the EU.
• We understand trade lanes from North America, Asia and Latin America into Spain and onward distribution into Europe.
• Our platform gives you visibility of key Spanish ports, inland links and services.

Competitive Freight Rates from Key Origins

Whether you are shipping from the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Asia or Africa, we enable you to compare FCL and LCL options into Spain's well-connected ports.

You benefit from volume-based pricing, well-managed sailings and surcharge transparency.

End-to-End Service with Local Spanish Support

From pick-up at origin to sea voyage and final delivery in Spain or Europe, we cover:

• Door-to-door or port-to-port services into Spain
• Guidance on Spanish/EU import regulations, VAT, customs formalities
• Online tracking and coordination with Spanish-local partners

Ocean Freight Services to Spain

Choosing the right service type is important given Spain's port capacity and inland distribution network.

FCL Shipping to Spain

Full Container Load is ideal when:

• You have large volumes of goods (e.g., industrial equipment, retail stock)
• You want dedicated container for better security and speed
• You are importing into major Spanish distribution hubs

LCL Shipping to Spain

Less than Container Load is suitable when:

• You have smaller volume shipments (e-commerce inventory, small batches)
• You want flexibility and lower upfront cost
• You plan to distribute within Spain or into EU markets over time

Shipping Costs to Spain

Understanding cost drivers ensures you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost? (distance, mode, container type, surcharges, seasonality)

Key factors when shipping to Spain include:

• Origin & route: Europe-Spain routes shorter and cheaper; Asia-Spain longer and more costly.
• Container type/size: 20′, 40′, 40′ High Cube, special equipment all differ in cost.
• Weight, volume & density: Spain's ports handle high volume and efficiencies matter.
• Destination port charges: Spain has multiple major ports - e.g., Port of Valencia, Port of Barcelona, Port of Algeciras - costs vary.
• Seasonality & capacity: Tourism peak seasons, holiday periods, port congestion may raise prices.

With iContainers you'll get transparent breakdown of all charges up-front.

Transit Times to Spain

Transit time matters for inventory planning, especially when distributing into Spain and beyond into Europe.

Average Transit Times from & to the U.S

• From Spain to the U.S. usually takes 15 to 50 days.
• From the U.S. East Coast to Spain usually takes 2-4 weeks, depending on origin and whether service is direct or via transshipment.
• From the U.S. West Coast or Asia the transit will be longer.

Transit Times from Europe & Asia

• Europe → Spain: often 1-2 weeks for nearby origins.
• Asia → Spain: typically 3-5 weeks, depending on routing and transshipments.
• Latin America → Spain: competitive time frames often 2-3 weeks depending on origin port.

Factors That Affect Delivery Speed

• Number of transshipments and route efficiency
• Port congestion at Spanish terminals (peak times)
• Inland transport from port to final destination within Spain or Europe
• Customs & import clearance (Spain/EU regulations apply)

Main Ports in Spain

Spain offers a network of major ports with both Mediterranean and Atlantic access - selecting the right one impacts cost, transit and distribution.

Port of Valencia

One of the busiest container ports in Spain; strong Mediterranean linkages and excellent hinterland connectivity.

It handles high traffic and is efficient for import-distribution into Spain and Southern Europe.

Port of Barcelona

Major hub with excellent infrastructure and proximity to Spain's industrial and consumer markets. Well suited for high-value imports, retail stock, and direct distribution.

Port of Algeciras

Located on the Strait of Gibraltar, strong for Atlantic access, not only Spain but also transshipment and North-Africa/Europe links. Good for goods entering Europe via Spain.

Which Port Should You Choose?

Consider your final destination in Spain or Europe, your cargo type, container size and preferred route. If most of your final market is in Northern Europe, a port like Algeciras might make sense; for Spanish-domestic distribution, Barcelona or Valencia may be more efficient. Through iContainers you can compare port-specific options.

How to Book Your Shipment to Spain

Booking efficiently means being prepared with correct documentation, choosing service type and coordinating steps.

Required Documents

Typical import requirements into Spain/EU include:

• Commercial Invoice & Packing List with accurate HS codes
• Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill
• Importer's VAT and tax ID (for Spain)
• Certificates of origin or special certifications depending on goods (electronics, textiles, chemicals)
• Conformity with EU packaging, labelling and safety standards

Customs & Regulations Overview

Spain is part of the EU customs union, meaning:

• Standardised import rules across EU countries
• Duty and VAT may apply, though intra-EU shipments differ
• Customs clearance can be faster than non-EU countries, but you must ensure accurate HS codes and documentation to avoid delays

Step-by-Step Booking Process

• Request an online quote via iContainers: input origin, destination Spain, cargo size/weight, desired service (FCL/LCL).
• Compare available options: cost, transit time, port and route.
• Select the service and confirm booking.
• Upload required documents and coordinate pick-up at origin.
• Track your shipment: loading, sea voyage, arrival at Spain port, customs clearance.
• Final delivery to consignee in Spain (or onward Europe).