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The Port of Bilbao is one of Spain’s most important Atlantic gateways and a major logistics hub for northern Spain, the Basque Country, the Ebro Valley, Castilla y León, Madrid-linked corridors, and southwest France. Located on the Bay of Biscay in Biscay, the port supports importers, exporters, manufacturers, retailers, food distributors, automotive companies, steel producers, energy companies, customs brokers, freight forwarders, logistics providers, and businesses moving cargo through northern Spain.


Bilbao is especially important for containerized freight, RoRo cargo, breakbulk cargo, steel, wind energy components, machinery, automotive cargo, food products, beverages, refrigerated cargo, chemicals where permitted, fuels, LNG, bulk cargo, industrial inputs, retail inventory, and general commercial freight. The port includes a dedicated container terminal at Dock A1, operated by CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal, and other terminals for RoRo, breakbulk, liquid bulk, solid bulk, perishable products, and industrial cargo.


The port’s UN/LOCODE is ESBIO. Shippers should confirm the exact terminal, carrier service, cargo type, customs requirements, documentation, inland delivery plan, container availability, reefer requirements, and terminal cut-off times before booking.


Port of Bilbao Overview


Port DetailInformation
Port namePort of Bilbao
CountrySpain
Province / cityBiscay / Bilbao metropolitan area
RegionBasque Country / Bay of Biscay / Northern Spain
UN/LOCODEESBIO
Port typeSeaport / container gateway / RoRo port / industrial port / multipurpose cargo port
Main container terminalCSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal
Main container areaDock A1 container terminal
Port authorityAutoridad Portuaria de Bilbao / Port Authority of Bilbao
Main cargo focusContainers, RoRo cargo, steel, wind energy components, breakbulk, machinery, automotive cargo, food products, beverages, refrigerated cargo, chemicals where permitted, fuels, LNG, bulk cargo, industrial inputs, general freight
Main terminal typesContainer terminal, RoRo berth, breakbulk terminals, liquid bulk terminals, solid bulk terminals, reefer areas, bonded warehouse, truck gates, rail terminal, customs zones, warehousing and logistics facilities
Cargo typesContainers, pallets, cartons, refrigerated cargo, RoRo cargo, vehicles, machinery, steel, windmill parts, food products, beverages, chemicals where permitted, industrial cargo, bulk cargo, general freight
Suitable forImporters, exporters, manufacturers, automotive shippers, steel companies, food companies, industrial suppliers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, northern Spain and southwest France supply chains

Why Ship Through the Port of Bilbao?


Bilbao is strategically located for cargo moving to and from the Basque Country, northern Spain, the Ebro Valley, Castilla y León, Madrid-linked inland corridors, and southwest France. For many shippers in northern Spain, using Bilbao can reduce inland trucking distance compared with routing cargo through Mediterranean or southern Spanish ports.


For importers, Bilbao provides access to one of Spain’s strongest industrial and manufacturing regions. The port supports automotive supply chains, steel and metal industries, machinery importers, energy companies, food distributors, retail cargo, industrial suppliers, and businesses serving northern Spain and nearby European markets.


For exporters, the port supports Spanish and European cargo moving to northern Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia through transshipment networks, and other global markets.


Bilbao is especially relevant for businesses that need access to:


  • Northern Spain’s Atlantic container gateway
  • CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal container operations
  • Basque Country, Ebro Valley, Castilla y León, Madrid, and southwest France inland routes
  • RoRo, breakbulk, steel, wind energy, industrial, and project cargo capabilities
  • Refrigerated cargo and temperature-sensitive shipments
  • Food, beverage, machinery, automotive, steel, chemical where permitted, and industrial cargo flows
  • Customs, bonded warehousing, trucking, rail, CFS, and inland delivery services
  • Trade routes connecting Spain with northern Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Americas, the Mediterranean, Africa, Asia, and global shipping networks

Container Shipping Through Bilbao


The Port of Bilbao supports containerized import and export cargo through CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal at Dock A1. Container services through Bilbao can support FCL shipments, LCL shipments, refrigerated containers, food products, retail inventory, consumer goods, machinery, industrial cargo, automotive parts, steel-related cargo, chemicals where permitted, and general commercial freight.


Businesses use Bilbao for:


  • Import containers into Bilbao, Barakaldo, Santurtzi, Vitoria-Gasteiz, San Sebastián, Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Madrid, and southwest France
  • Export containers from Spanish manufacturers, automotive suppliers, steel companies, food producers, beverage companies, machinery suppliers, chemical companies where permitted, and industrial producers
  • Full container load shipments
  • Less than container load shipments
  • Refrigerated cargo and temperature-sensitive freight
  • Food products, beverages, frozen goods, chilled goods, seafood, dairy products, meat products, and perishables where permitted
  • Consumer goods, retail inventory, household goods, furniture, and eCommerce stock
  • Machinery, spare parts, tools, and industrial equipment
  • Automotive parts, vehicles, and supply chain cargo where service is available
  • Steel, metal products, industrial components, and construction materials
  • Chemicals, plastics, resins, and industrial materials where permitted
  • Wind energy components and project cargo where terminal compatibility is confirmed
  • Cargo moving to or from Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, San Sebastián, Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Madrid, Santander, Asturias, La Rioja, Navarra, and southwest France
  • Shipments connected to Valencia, Barcelona, Algeciras, Vigo, Santander, Gijón, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Felixstowe, Liverpool, Dublin, Cork, Lisbon, Sines, Genoa, La Spezia, New York/New Jersey, Houston, Miami, Veracruz, Cartagena, Colón, Santos, Buenos Aires, Singapore, Busan, Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen, and other global gateways

For larger shipments, FCL shipping is usually suitable when cargo can fill a 20ft or 40ft container. For smaller shipments, LCL shipping allows businesses to move partial container loads without paying for a full container.

Bilbao Freight Rates

Freight Shipping Cost from & to Bilbao for a 20-foot Container

Port Capacity and Terminal Infrastructure


The Port of Bilbao is a multipurpose Atlantic port complex with infrastructure for container cargo, RoRo cargo, breakbulk, liquid bulk, solid bulk, steel, wind energy components, perishable products, general cargo, bonded storage, customs procedures, truck gates, rail connections, warehousing, and inland logistics.


The port’s container activity is centered on CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal. The terminal supports container handling, storage, rail connections, customs warehouse services, and terminal services for cargo owners moving goods through northern Spain and wider inland corridors. The wider port complex also includes specialized areas for LNG, fuels, biofuels, chemicals, iron and steel, windmill parts, RoRo cargo, breakbulk, solid bulk, perishable products, ferries, and bonded warehousing.


The port’s infrastructure supports:


  • Container handling
  • FCL and LCL cargo
  • Import and export container flows
  • Refrigerated and frozen cargo handling
  • Food products, beverages, seafood, and temperature-sensitive shipments
  • Consumer goods, retail cargo, furniture, and eCommerce inventory
  • Automotive cargo, vehicles, and auto parts where service is available
  • Steel, metals, wind energy components, and industrial cargo
  • Machinery, spare parts, and project cargo
  • Chemicals, plastics, resins, fuels, and industrial materials where permitted
  • Liquid bulk and solid bulk cargo where service is available
  • Breakbulk and heavy cargo where terminal compatibility is confirmed
  • Yard and gate operations
  • Customs and border inspection procedures
  • Trucking connections across northern Spain
  • Rail links to inland Spanish and European logistics corridors
  • Bonded warehouse, warehousing, distribution, and logistics support in the Bilbao region

This infrastructure makes Bilbao suitable for shippers that need an Atlantic container gateway, industrial cargo capacity, RoRo and breakbulk options, refrigerated cargo handling, steel and automotive supply chain support, and inland access to northern Spain and southwest France.


Main Cargo Handled Through Bilbao


The Port of Bilbao handles a broad mix of containerized cargo, refrigerated cargo, RoRo cargo, steel, wind energy components, machinery, industrial inputs, automotive cargo, food products, beverages, chemicals where permitted, fuels, LNG, bulk cargo, breakbulk, project cargo, and general commercial freight.


Cargo TypeExamples
Containerized importsConsumer goods, machinery, food products, beverages, retail inventory, industrial inputs, auto parts, general cargo
Containerized exportsManufactured goods, food products, beverages, machinery, steel products, chemicals where permitted, industrial cargo, general cargo
Refrigerated cargoFrozen food, chilled cargo, seafood, meat products, dairy products, fruit, vegetables, perishables, temperature-sensitive products where service is available
RoRo cargoVehicles, trailers, rolling machinery, auto units, project units where service is available
Steel and metal cargoSteel products, coils, plates, pipes, beams, metal components, industrial steel
Wind energy cargoWindmill parts, turbine components, project cargo, oversized industrial units where terminal compatibility is confirmed
Food and beverage cargoPackaged foods, drinks, wine, ingredients, frozen products, fresh products where permitted
Retail and consumer goodsStore inventory, household goods, furniture, electronics, clothing, seasonal products
eCommerce cargoMarketplace inventory, DTC products, consolidated stock, fulfillment cargo
Machinery cargoEquipment, spare parts, tools, industrial machinery, production equipment
Automotive cargoVehicles, auto parts, components, spare parts, accessories, rolling equipment where service is available
Industrial cargoManufacturing inputs, components, tools, materials, production supplies
Chemical and plastic cargoPackaged chemicals, resins, plastics, industrial materials where permitted
Bulk cargoLiquid bulk, solid bulk, fuels, LNG, raw materials, industrial bulk where terminal compatibility is confirmed
General cargoPallets, cartons, mixed commercial freight, samples, packaged goods

Bilbao is especially relevant for shippers that need access to northern Spain distribution, Atlantic trade lanes, refrigerated cargo services, steel and industrial cargo, RoRo operations, automotive cargo, wind energy components, and multimodal inland logistics.


Shipping to Bilbao, Spain


Importers ship cargo to Bilbao from northern Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Mediterranean, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and other global trade regions. Imported cargo may support manufacturing, automotive supply chains, steel and metal industries, retail distribution, food supply chains, energy-sector operations, construction projects, wholesale markets, and inland delivery across northern Spain and southwest France.


Common imports to Bilbao include:


  • Consumer goods and retail inventory
  • Electronics and household goods
  • Food products and beverages
  • Frozen and chilled cargo where service is available
  • Machinery and spare parts
  • Industrial equipment and production inputs
  • Auto parts and automotive components
  • Steel, metals, and construction materials
  • Chemicals, plastics, and resins where permitted
  • Energy-sector equipment and industrial supplies
  • Project cargo and heavy equipment where permitted
  • General commercial freight

When shipping to Bilbao, importers should compare total landed cost rather than only the ocean freight rate. Total landed cost may include origin charges, ocean freight, destination charges, EU customs duties, Spanish VAT, terminal handling, customs broker fees, documentation fees, inspection fees, storage, demurrage, detention, trucking, rail movement, inland delivery, bonded warehousing, cold storage, warehouse handling, and cargo insurance.


Use the iContainers ocean freight calculator to estimate shipping costs and compare available freight options.


Shipping From Bilbao, Spain


Exporters use Bilbao for cargo moving from the Basque Country, northern Spain, the Ebro Valley, Castilla y León, Madrid-linked corridors, and southwest France to international markets. The port can support containerized exports, food products, beverages, wine, manufactured goods, automotive parts, steel products, machinery, industrial cargo, chemicals where permitted, refrigerated cargo, RoRo cargo, project cargo, and general commercial freight.


Common export cargo from Bilbao and northern Spain includes:


  • Manufactured goods
  • Machinery and spare parts
  • Industrial components and tools
  • Automotive parts and vehicles where service is available
  • Steel products and metal cargo
  • Food products and beverages
  • Wine and packaged drinks
  • Frozen and chilled cargo where service is available
  • Chemicals, plastics, and resins where permitted
  • Wind energy components and project cargo where permitted
  • Retail and consumer goods
  • General containerized freight

For exporters, the best shipping option depends on cargo volume, commodity type, destination, Incoterm, carrier service, terminal cut-off, container availability, reefer equipment availability, export documentation, inland pickup location, inspection requirements, commodity restrictions, and required transit time.


FCL is usually more efficient for larger commercial volumes, while LCL can work well for smaller shipments, samples, cartons, pallets, and partial container loads moving through consolidation networks.


FCL vs LCL Shipping Through Bilbao


Shipping OptionBest ForMain AdvantageConsideration
FCL shippingFull 20ft or 40ft container loadsDedicated container and fewer cargo touchpointsBest when shipment volume justifies a full container
LCL shippingSmaller shipments, cartons, pallets, samples, partial loadsPay only for the space usedMay involve consolidation or deconsolidation through Bilbao, Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, or another regional hub
Reefer containerFood products, seafood, meat, dairy, frozen goods, chilled cargo, perishablesMaintains controlled temperature during transitRequires reefer equipment, plug availability, temperature settings, and documentation
RoRo cargoVehicles, rolling equipment, trailers, machinery on wheelsUseful for vehicle and rolling cargo movementsRequires terminal compatibility, vehicle documentation, and handling coordination
Steel and metal cargoSteel products, coils, beams, pipes, industrial metal cargoStrong fit for northern Spain industrial flowsRequires weight checks, packing, lifting plans, and accurate cargo descriptions
Wind energy cargoWindmill parts, turbine components, oversized project unitsUseful for energy-sector and project cargoRequires terminal approval, lifting plans, route planning, and dimensional checks
Food and beverage cargoPackaged foods, beverages, wine, ingredients, frozen productsUseful for import and export flowsRequires product classification, permits where applicable, and inspection planning
Retail and eCommerce cargoStore inventory, marketplace stock, household goods, fashion goodsUseful for northern Spain and inland distributionRequires SKU planning, carton labeling, commercial invoices, and customs data accuracy
Machinery and industrial cargoEquipment, spare parts, tools, production machinerySupports manufacturing and industrial supply chainsRequires weight checks, packing, permits where applicable, and accurate cargo descriptions
Chemical and plastic cargoPackaged chemicals, resins, plastics, industrial materialsSupports manufacturing, energy, and industrial cargo flowsRequires classification, permits, safety documentation, and terminal compatibility
General cargo shippingConsumer goods, machinery, retail goods, packaged cargoFlexible for standard commercial freightRequires accurate packing, labeling, documentation, and cargo details

For shippers comparing route options, iContainers’ transit time calculator can help estimate shipping times before booking.


Customs Clearance at Bilbao and Spain


Cargo imported or exported through Bilbao must comply with Spanish customs, EU customs, and border inspection requirements. Importers, exporters, freight forwarders, customs brokers, manufacturers, retailers, food distributors, automotive companies, steel companies, chemical companies where permitted, industrial suppliers, and logistics providers should prepare accurate shipment data before cargo arrival, customs entry, inspection, release, inland delivery, or vessel departure.


Required data may include product descriptions, HS codes or TARIC classifications, customs value, country of origin, shipper details, consignee details, importer of record information, exporter information, EORI number, permits where applicable, and supporting documentation.


Commercial shipments through Spain may require documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or sea waybill, customs declaration, import declaration, export declaration, certificate of origin when required, import permit or export license when applicable, insurance certificate, and product-specific certificates or inspection documents.


Regulated goods such as food products, agricultural goods, meat, seafood, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, electronics, batteries, hazardous cargo, chemicals, plants, animals, vehicles, textiles, dual-use goods, and restricted items may require additional permits, inspection, testing, agency approval, safety documentation, sanitary or phytosanitary clearance, or product compliance records under Spanish and EU rules.


For more general guidance, read iContainers’ guide to customs clearance.


Documents Needed for Shipping Through Bilbao


Most commercial ocean freight shipments to or from Bilbao require:


  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list
  • Bill of lading or sea waybill
  • Customs declaration
  • Import declaration, when importing
  • Export declaration, when exporting
  • HS code or TARIC classification
  • EORI number, when applicable
  • Importer of record details, when importing into Spain or the EU
  • Exporter details, when exporting from Spain or the EU
  • Consignee and shipper details
  • VAT number or tax identification details, when applicable
  • Certificate of origin, when required
  • Import permit, when applicable
  • Export license, when applicable
  • Product inspection documents, when applicable
  • Delivery order or cargo release documents
  • Insurance certificate, when applicable
  • Food safety documents, when applicable
  • Sanitary or phytosanitary certificates, when applicable
  • Fumigation or wood packaging documentation, when applicable
  • Food, agricultural, automotive, chemical, battery, pharmaceutical, textile, machinery, steel, project cargo, or dual-use documentation, when applicable
  • Dangerous goods declaration, when applicable
  • Safety data sheet, for chemicals or hazardous cargo
  • Battery documentation, when applicable
  • Customs broker authorization or power of attorney, when using a customs broker
  • Inland transport documents, when cargo moves by truck, rail, warehouse transfer, bonded storage, cold storage, distribution center, or final delivery

Documentation should be complete and consistent before cargo arrival, customs release, inland transfer, export gate-in, or vessel departure. Incorrect HS codes or TARIC classifications, incomplete product descriptions, missing permits, inaccurate invoices, inconsistent consignee details, late customs filings, missing inspection documents, unclear cargo values, or missing agency approvals can delay customs clearance and increase costs.


Common Shipping Routes for Bilbao


Bilbao connects northern Spain with northern European, UK, Irish, Mediterranean, North American, Latin American, African, Asian, and global trade lanes through container services, RoRo services, feeder networks, trucking, rail, warehousing, customs services, bonded logistics, and inland distribution networks.


Trade LaneCommon Cargo
Northern Europe to BilbaoMachinery, chemicals where permitted, consumer goods, food products, industrial inputs, automotive cargo
Bilbao to Northern EuropeManufactured goods, steel products, machinery, food products, beverages, automotive cargo, general freight
United Kingdom and Ireland to BilbaoRegional cargo, retail goods, food products, beverages, machinery, industrial goods
Bilbao to United Kingdom and IrelandAutomotive cargo, machinery, steel, food products, beverages, retail cargo, general freight
Mediterranean to BilbaoFood products, beverages, machinery, industrial cargo, consumer goods
Bilbao to MediterraneanFood products, machinery, steel, retail cargo, industrial goods, general freight
North America to BilbaoMachinery, chemicals where permitted, retail cargo, food products, industrial inputs
Bilbao to North AmericaManufactured goods, machinery, automotive parts, steel products, food products, general freight
Latin America to BilbaoFood products, beverages, refrigerated cargo, consumer goods, industrial inputs
Bilbao to Latin AmericaMachinery, industrial goods, retail cargo, food products, general freight
Asia to BilbaoConsumer goods, electronics, machinery, retail cargo, industrial inputs, textiles
Bilbao to AsiaMachinery, industrial goods, food products, automotive cargo, steel products, general cargo
Bilbao to northern SpainImports moving by truck, rail, bonded storage, warehouse transfer, cold storage, and regional distribution
Bilbao to inland Spain and southwest FranceRetail inventory, machinery, food cargo, automotive cargo, industrial inputs, steel, and general commercial freight

Routing may involve direct ocean services, feeder services, trucking, inland pickup, bonded warehousing, cold storage, rail movement, transloading, or transshipment through Bilbao, Valencia, Barcelona, Algeciras, Vigo, Santander, Gijón, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Felixstowe, Liverpool, Dublin, Cork, Lisbon, Sines, Genoa, La Spezia, New York/New Jersey, Houston, Miami, Veracruz, Cartagena, Colón, Santos, Buenos Aires, Singapore, Busan, Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen, and other hubs depending on carrier schedule, cargo type, terminal availability, and destination.


When Should You Use Bilbao Instead of Another Spanish Port?


Bilbao can be suitable when:


  • The cargo origin or destination is in Bilbao, the Basque Country, Navarra, La Rioja, Cantabria, Castilla y León, the Ebro Valley, Madrid-linked corridors, or southwest France
  • The shipment benefits from access to Spain’s Atlantic coast and northern European trade lanes
  • The cargo involves containers, refrigerated cargo, RoRo cargo, steel, wind energy components, machinery, automotive cargo, food products, beverages, chemicals where permitted, industrial inputs, project cargo, or general commercial freight
  • Inland delivery is more efficient through Bilbao than through Valencia, Barcelona, Algeciras, Vigo, Santander, Gijón, or another Spanish gateway
  • The shipment needs access to CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal, RoRo services, breakbulk capacity, reefer support, bonded storage, rail connections, trucking routes, or Bilbao-area distribution networks
  • Carrier schedule, terminal availability, trucking cost, customs process, cargo type, equipment availability, and landed cost are better through Bilbao

Another Spanish port may be more suitable when cargo is closer to a different gateway or when a specific carrier service, inland corridor, terminal, or commodity flow provides a better total cost. Valencia and Barcelona may be better for some Mediterranean, eastern Spain, and high-frequency Asia flows. Algeciras may be better for transshipment and Strait of Gibraltar connections. Vigo, Santander, or Gijón may be better for certain Atlantic, automotive, RoRo, or northern Spain cargo flows depending on inland location and service availability.


The right port choice should be based on total landed cost, cargo origin, inland distance, terminal availability, current operational status, sailing schedule, commodity type, customs requirements, reefer needs, service frequency, trucking capacity, rail capacity, warehouse availability, and required delivery date.


How to Get an Ocean Freight Quote for Bilbao


To get a freight quote to or from Bilbao, prepare the following details:


  1. Origin and destination
  2. Port-to-port, door-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-door requirement
  3. Cargo weight and dimensions
  4. Number of pallets, cartons, boxes, containers, or shipment units
  5. FCL, LCL, reefer, general cargo, hazardous cargo, machinery cargo, chemical cargo, industrial cargo, food cargo, automotive cargo, RoRo cargo, steel cargo, project cargo, or temperature-controlled cargo preference
  6. Commodity description and HS code or TARIC classification, if available
  7. Cargo ready date
  8. Incoterm
  9. Supplier, warehouse, factory, production site, bonded facility, distribution center, cold storage, or inland pickup address, if exporting
  10. Final delivery address, if importing or arranging door delivery
  11. Customs clearance requirements
  12. Spanish or EU import permit, export license, sanitary, phytosanitary, regulatory, or agency requirements, if applicable
  13. Product inspection, safety, customs, food, agricultural, chemical, battery, textile, machinery, automotive, steel, project cargo, or other agency requirements, if applicable
  14. Special handling requirements, such as reefer cargo, hazardous cargo, chemicals, lithium batteries, food cargo, steel cargo, RoRo cargo, oversized cargo, customs inspection, product testing, high-value cargo, bonded warehousing, warehouse delivery, rail delivery, transloading, or final-mile appointment
  15. Preferred carrier, terminal, trucking provider, rail provider, customs broker, warehouse, bonded facility, cold storage provider, consolidation provider, or transshipment hub, if already specified

With iContainers, businesses can compare ocean freight options online, review available rates, and manage international shipments through a digital booking process.

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FAQ About the Port of Bilbao

Where is the Port of Bilbao?

The Port of Bilbao is located in the Basque Country in northern Spain, on the Bay of Biscay.

What is the UN/LOCODE for Bilbao?

The UN/LOCODE for Bilbao is ESBIO.

What cargo is commonly shipped through Bilbao?

Bilbao handles containerized cargo, RoRo cargo, steel, wind energy components, breakbulk, machinery, automotive cargo, food products, beverages, refrigerated cargo, chemicals where permitted, fuels, LNG, bulk cargo, industrial inputs, and general commercial freight.

What is the main container terminal in Bilbao?

CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal is the main container terminal operator at the Port of Bilbao.

When should I use Bilbao instead of Valencia or Barcelona?

Bilbao may be more suitable when cargo is linked to northern Spain, the Basque Country, Atlantic trade lanes, northern Europe, the UK, Ireland, or southwest France. Valencia or Barcelona may be better when cargo origin, destination, carrier service, inland routing, or total landed cost is more favorable through Mediterranean routes.

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