The cheapest transportation method from China to Spain: A complete guide to saving money on bulk trade logistics
In the global trade map, freight exchanges between China and Spain are becoming increasingly frequent. For merchants dealing in bulk goods, logistics costs often account for a large proportion of total expenses. Looking for the cheapest transportation method from China to Spain is not only about finding low prices, but also about finding the optimal balance between cost, timeliness and safety.
This article will delve into logistics strategies for medium and large cargo to help bulk traders optimize their supply chains.
- Comparison of core logistics models: Which method is the cheapest?
When handling bulky cargo over 200kg, traditional air freight is often ruled out due to its high freight costs, and merchants often make a trade-off between sea freight and rail transport.
Sea transportation: the first choice for bulk cargo
Sea shipping is currently recognized as the cheapest shipping method from China to Spain. Depending on the volume of cargo, shipping is divided into two main forms:
LCL (Less Container Loading): Applicable when the cargo volume is greater than 2CBM but not enough to fill the entire container. As space is shared with other shippers’ goods, costs are spread, making it ideal for mid-sized traders.
FCL (Full Container Loading): If you have cargo in excess of 15-20CBM, leasing an entire 20-foot (20GP) or 40-foot (40HQ) container is usually cheaper per unit and provides greater security. Bringing you FCL vs. LCL shipping: A cost and strategy guide for small and medium-sized businesses.
China-Europe freight trains: a compromise between timeliness and cost
If the 35-45 day turnaround for sea freight is too long, rail transport offers a compromise. Although rail freight is slightly higher than ocean freight, its delivery time is usually around 20-25 days and is less affected by weather, making it ideal for bulk goods with replenishment pressure. Here are China to Europe Rail Freight: Bulk Cargo Customs and DDP Instructions.
- Key factors that determine shipping costs
To achieve "cheapest", you must understand the underlying logic that affects shipping costs. For shipments above 2CBM, the following factors are critical:
Billing weight and actual weight: In bulk freight, the freight forwarder will charge based on the larger of the volumetric weight and the actual weight. Optimizing packaging and reducing unnecessary gaps are ways to directly reduce the unit price.
Choice of departure ports: China’s major ports such as Guangzhou, Ningbo, Shanghai, Qingdao, Tianjin and Xiamen have different route densities. Choosing a port that is closest to the factory and has a large cargo volume can effectively reduce the towing charges for domestic inland transportation.
Customs clearance efficiency at destination port: Barcelona and Valencia in Spain are the main ports of entry. Choosing the right customs clearance point can avoid expensive port demurrage.
- Guide to avoiding bulk cargo pitfalls: compliance and procedures
Seeking low prices doesn’t mean sacrificing compliance. Once problems arise in the customs process, the fines and storage fees incurred will far exceed the freight savings.
List of documents that must be prepared
Commercial Invoice: The name of the goods, unit price and total price must be specified in detail.
Packing List: Accurately record the gross weight, net weight and size of each piece of goods (ensure accurate declaration of items over 200kg).
Bill of Lading: A document of property rights, which is very important.
Certificate of Origin (CO / Form F): According to China-EU trade policies, certain products may enjoy tariff preferences.
Tips to avoid extra fees
Confirm trade terms (Incoterms): Try to choose DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) or CIF, and let a professional freight forwarder handle the complex compliance links to avoid unforeseen additional fees in Spain.
Palletizing operations: For goods above 2CBM, standardized pallet packaging is recommended. Although this takes up a small amount of space, it can greatly reduce the breakage rate during loading and unloading and reduce claims costs.
- Spanish import compliance requirements
Goods entering Spain must comply with EU standards.
EORI Number: When exporting to Spain, the consignee must have a valid and activated EORI number.
CE certification: If it is a large piece of machinery, electronics or building materials, it must have the CE mark, otherwise the goods will be detained or even destroyed.
Value Added Tax (VAT): The standard VAT rate in Spain is 21% and this tax must be taken into account when calculating the total logistics costs.
- Efficiently solve bulk freight challenges: your professional logistics partner
When handling large cargo over 200kg, simply comparing quotations is not enough. Real "saving money" comes from professional route planning, precise customs clearance operations and strong ground execution.
As a leading international freight forwarding brand, Presou has been deeply involved in Chinese and Western logistics routes for more than 10 years, and is committed to providing one-stop logistics guarantee for global bulk traders. Our operational structure ensures an efficient connection from the source in China to the destination in Spain:
Implementation ability: Shenzhen Dayuanjun, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Presou, is responsible for all specific implementation details. From factory pick-up, reinforced packaging to export customs declaration, we do it ourselves.
Full territory coverage: We have branches in China’s major trade hubs (Guangzhou, Ningbo, Shanghai, Qingdao, Tianjin, Xiamen) to ensure that no matter where your goods are sourced, we can provide the lowest-cost nearby warehousing solution.
Core advantages:
Focus on medium and large cargo: We do not deal with small packages and parts. This focus gives us a very high cost advantage in heavy cargo stowage and consolidation.
DDP/DDU experts: With a deep global cooperation network, we are good at handling complex door-to-door services to solve your local distribution and customs clearance problems in Spain.
Ten years of industry accumulation: After ten years of hard work, we are well versed in Chinese and Western trade regulations and can avoid various logistics risks in advance to ensure that your goods arrive in compliance, safety and low cost.
When looking for the cheapest shipping method from China to Spain, it is more important to choose a partner who understands bulk shipments than choosing a simple quote.
If you’d like to learn more, Revealing the air freight rate: Why is the unit price of heavy cargo lower? click to read further.
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