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Bringing goods from another country to Spain involves much more than just hiring a truck. The origin of the cargo, its transport conditions, the necessary documentation, and how it is received at its destination can completely change the logistics process.
When it comes to food products or goods that require temperature control, it is also necessary to ensure the proper conditions are maintained throughout the entire journey.
In this article, we review the key aspects a company must consider when organizing an import shipment by land to Spain.
What Should Be Considered for an Import transportation?
Before organizing the shipment, it is important to understand the specifics of the operation. Not all goods require the same type of vehicle or follow the same procedures.
Origin of the Goods
The first aspect to determine is where the goods come from. Importing goods from France or Germany is not the same as bringing in products from a country outside the European Union.
In transactions between European Union countries, goods circulate within the internal market, and no import clearance is required, unlike for products originating from third countries. Even so, the shipment must be accompanied by the appropriate commercial and transport documentation. When goods originate from outside the European Union, the necessary customs procedures for their entry into the EU must also be completed. Therefore, knowing the origin allows for proper planning of the transport and receipt of the cargo.
Type of Goods
The characteristics of the product also influence transportation. Dry goods may require a different approach than refrigerated food products. For the latter, maintaining the set temperature throughout the entire journey is essential to preserving the product’s condition. Transportation must be adapted to the type of goods, their volume, their storage conditions, and the loading and unloading requirements.
Transportation of Refrigerated Goods
When it comes to products that require temperature control, import transportation requires specific planning.
The use of appropriate refrigerated vehicles ensures that the necessary temperature conditions are maintained throughout the journey. In addition, control and tracking systems facilitate the monitoring of the goods during transit. The process does not end when the truck arrives in Spain. Having refrigerated facilities at the destination allows for the receipt and storage of the goods once the import overland transport is complete.
This is especially important for food products and perishables, where the cold chain must be maintained from pickup at the origin to delivery.
What documentation is required for transport?
The required documentation depends primarily on the origin of the goods and the type of operation.
For imports between European Union countries, the relevant commercial and transport documentation must be coordinated. For shipments originating from third countries, documents and procedures related to customs clearance are also required.
For this reason, before initiating transport, it is advisable to verify which documents must accompany the goods and which procedures must be completed prior to their entry into or receipt in Spain.
What happens once the import shipment is complete?
The truck’s arrival in Spain does not necessarily mark the end of the logistics operation.
Once the goods are received, they may proceed directly to distribution or require a period of storage, preparation, or subsequent shipment. For companies that import on a recurring basis, having logistics facilities in Spain can facilitate the management of goods after they are received.
In the case of certain goods originating from third countries, it may also be necessary to use a Customs Bonded Warehouse (DA) before completing the corresponding customs clearance.
Transportation and Storage After Import
Import transportation can be integrated with other logistics operations when a company needs to store or prepare its goods in Spain.
Operations may include:
- Pickup of goods at the point of origin.
- International ground transportation.
- Receipt at the destination facility.
- Storage and preservation.
- Order fulfillment.
- Subsequent distribution.
Coordinating these operations ensures continuity for the goods from pickup to their next destination.
Antonio Marco: Import Transportation and Storage
At Antonio Marco, we have our own refrigerated fleet and a network of logistics facilities totaling more than 50,000 m² in Alicante and Murcia.
We provide import transportation by road, connecting Spain with various destinations in Europe, including France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
Our infrastructure allows us to combine transportation and storage, including facilities equipped to handle temperature-controlled goods.
In addition, we offer Customs Bonded Warehouse (DA) and LAME services, which can support the handling of certain goods originating from third countries.
Learn more about our facilities and storage solutions in our blog post on warehousing for businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Import Transportation
1. How long does road transport take?
The duration of road transport depends primarily on the country and point of origin, the destination in Spain, and the selected route. The characteristics of the goods and the conditions of the operation can also influence transit times. Therefore, delivery times must be established for each specific route and service, taking into account route planning and the driving and rest periods established for drivers.
2. Is it possible to transport refrigerated goods for import?
Yes. To do so, it is necessary to use appropriate refrigerated vehicles and maintain the specified temperature conditions throughout the entire journey. Additionally, it is important to monitor the temperature and coordinate the receipt of the goods at the destination to maintain the cold chain.
3. What documentation is required to transport the goods?
It depends on the origin of the goods. For shipments within the European Union, the corresponding commercial and transport documentation is required, while goods from third countries are also subject to the necessary customs procedures.
4. What happens to the goods after importation?
Once it arrives in Spain, the goods can go directly to distribution or be received and stored before proceeding to the next logistics operation. Depending on the company’s needs, they can also be prepared for subsequent distribution or shipment. In the case of certain goods originating from third countries, a “Customs Warehouse (DA)” may be used to store them under the applicable customs procedure before customs clearance is completed.