As the volume of trade between China and Spain increases, various types of goods manufactured in China are exported to Spain, and the demand for container transportation has also increased. Container costs are of concern to every transporter. This article will introduce the container costs from China to Spain in detail.
Container Shipping from China to Spain
Sea Freight, as the world’s most important mode of international cargo transportation, is one of the core modes of trade between China and Spain. Especially in the exchange of bulk commodities, container shipping has significant advantages – 20ft and 40ft containers are the main form of carrying these goods.
Cost of shipping a 20ft container from China to Spain
| Cost Component | Estimated cost (US dollars) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Freight Cost | 1,800 – 4,200 | Base cost for shipping the container |
| Port Fees | 150 – 300 | Fees charged by ports in China and Spain |
| Customs Clearance Fees | 100 – 250 | Charges for processing customs paperwork |
| Insurance Services | 50 – 100 | Coverage for cargo loss or damage during transit |
| Handling Charges | 50 – 150 | Fees for loading/unloading the container |
| Total Estimated Cost | 2,150 – 5,000 | Overall cost estimate for shipping a 20ft container |
The volume of a 20ft container is 33 cubic meters and can carry about 20,000 kilograms of cargo. The cost of transporting a 20ft container varies depending on the port of departure and the port of destination, usually between $1,800 and $4,200, and there are generally the following additional charges:
- Energy surcharge (EBS): Shipping companies may charge this fee due to fluctuations in fuel prices.
- Terminal handling charges (THC): Fees associated with handling containers at ports.
- Customs clearance fee: Fees involved in customs clearance procedures, depending on the value and classification of the goods.
- Insurance: Insurance is provided to protect the goods against loss or damage during transportation.
Cost of shipping a 40ft container from China to Spain
| Cost Component | Estimated cost (US dollars) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Freight Cost | 2,300 – 4,800 | Base cost for shipping the larger container |
| Port Fees | 200 – 400 | Fees charged by ports in China and Spain |
| Customs Clearance Fees | 150 – 300 | Charges for processing customs paperwork |
| Insurance Services | 75 – 200 | Coverage for cargo loss or damage during transit |
| Handling Charges | 75 – 200 | Fees for loading/unloading the container |
| Total Estimated Cost | 2,800 – 5,900 | Overall cost estimate for shipping a 40ft container |
The volume of a 40ft container is 67.5 cubic meters, and the maximum loading weight is about 27,600 kg. Similar to a 20-foot container, a 40-foot container is also subject to fuel surcharges, terminal handling fees, customs clearance fees, and insurance premiums.
Generally speaking, the ocean freight for a 40-foot container is $500 to $1,500 higher than that for a 20-foot container. The cost of shipping a 40-foot container from China to Spain is $2,300 to $4,800. However, the capacity of a 40-foot container is twice that of a 20-foot container. For large-volume cargo transportation, it may be more cost-effective to choose a 40-foot container.
How Much does it Cost to Ship a Container from China to Spain
The shipping costs of 40ft and 20ft containers from China to Spain vary according to the changes in the shipping market and are mainly affected by the following factors:
- Cargo type: Different types of cargo (such as general cargo, dangerous goods, refrigerated cargo) have different freight rates.
- Cargo weight and volume: Freight is usually calculated by weight or volume, whichever is higher.
- Port of departure and port of destination: Freight rates between different ports vary depending on route distance and market competition.
- Seasonal factors: During the peak freight season, a peak season surcharge (PSS) may be charged.
The following is the general cost range for shipping 20ft and 40ft from China to Spain:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Barcelona | $1850-$2850 | $3000-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Barcelona | $1900-$2900 | $3150-$4750 |
| Qingdao | Barcelona | $1850-$2950 | $3150-$4750 |
| Ningbo | Barcelona | $1800-$2800 | $3250-$4650 |
| Shanghai | Valencia | $1850-$2850 | $3150-$4800 |
| Shenzhen | Valencia | $1800-$2900 | $3000-$5000 |
| Qingdao | Valencia | $1950-$2850 | $3150-$4900 |
| Ningbo | Valencia | $1900-$2750 | $3150-$4850 |
Documents Required for Customs Clearance from China to Spain
When transporting goods from China to Spain, the following documents are usually required for customs clearance:
- Commercial invoice: details the goods and transaction details.
- Packing list: lists the packaging details of the goods.
- Bill of lading: serves as a transportation contract and a receipt for the goods.
- Certificate of origin: proves where the goods were produced.
- Import license: For certain regulated goods, a special import license may be required.
- Insurance policy: If the goods are insured, proof of insurance is required.
How to Choose the Right Freight Forwarder?
When choosing a freight forwarder, it is recommended to consider the following factors:
- Experience and reputation: choose a forwarder with many years of experience and a good reputation.
- Service scope: make sure the forwarder provides one-stop services from export to import.
- Transparency of fees: choose a company with a clear fee structure and no hidden fees.
