Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From Spain to the United States

Spain and the United States share a dynamic trade relationship rooted in a long history of diplomatic and economic exchanges. In 2021, Spain exported $17.8 billion worth of goods to Spain, a 6.02% annualized increase rate from 1995. 

This bilateral trade relationship covers various goods and services, from agricultural products to automobiles and technology. Aside from helping foster mutual economic growth, the economic ties between Spain and the United States also facilitate innovation, job creation, and sustainable development for both nations.

Spain's and the US's trade relationship is expected to continue to adapt to global economic landscapes, making it a profitable venture for shippers and exporters. If you want to take advantage of the dynamic partnership between Spain and the US, here’s your complete guide to your ocean and air freight shipping options. 

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From Spain to the United States?

Shipping goods from Spain to the United States can be done via ocean or air freight. 

Ocean Freight From Spain to the United States

Ocean freight is the most cost-efficient way to ship goods from Spain to the United States. It also offers shippers flexibility, allowing them to accommodate various cargo types. Ocean freight provides two modes of container shipping: less-than-container load (LCL) and full-container load (FCL). 

In LCL, goods are consolidated with shipments belonging to other sellers. That way, a shipper only pays for the space their goods occupy. This is more suitable for those shipping small volumes of goods. 

FCL, on the other hand, is best for shippers transporting larger volumes of cargo. They rent the space in an entire container for their shipment alone, allowing them more control and security. However, it is more expensive than LCL. 

Air Freight from Spain to the United States

Air freight is the fastest transport from Spain to the United States. It’s also the most secure and suitable for high-value, perishable, and time-sensitive shipments. However, it’s worth noting that air freight can get expensive and cannot accommodate all types of goods. 

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From Spain to the United States?

The cost of shipping cargo from Spain to the United States will depend on the following factors: 

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping
• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

Use our online freight costs calculator to get an estimate of your shipping costs. The table below provides the current cost for shipping a standard 20-foot container from Spain to the US:

How long does it take to ship cargo from Spain to the United States?

The transit time for goods shipped from Spain to the United States is mainly determined by your selected international shipping method. However, other influencing factors include:

• The season of shipment (peak or low season)
• Whether the shipment route is direct or not
• The trade lane's popularity
• Geopolitical instability
• Possible incidents at any port

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from Spain to the United States?

Goods shipped from Spain arrive in the United States in 15 to 50 days.

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from Spain to the United States?

Air freight from Spain to the United States takes approximately 2-8 days, depending on the season. 

For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in Spain and the United States

Once your goods reach the United States, they will undergo a formal customs clearance process. Customs authorities will review the details of your shipment, which requires that you have the following documents ready: 

• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A certificate of origin
• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

Learn more about these customs clearance documents in our full documents list. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Choosing between ocean freight and air freight should be done considering your needs, budget, priorities, and cargo requirements. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is best for shippers who prioritize cost savings and flexibility. Unlike air freight, which restricts what can be shipped, ocean freight can accommodate all sorts of cargo without breaking the bank. 

If you opt for air freight, you must choose between LCL or FCL shipping. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is suitable for you if your cargo is: 

• Small in size and quantity 
• Lightweight
• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Not requiring special handling or movement 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

FCL may be the ocean freight mode of shipping for you if your cargo is: 

• Large in size and quantity 
• Heavy or overweight
• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Requiring special handling or movement 

Air Freight

If your priority is getting your product from Spain to the United States fast, then air freight is the way to go. Because it only takes a couple of days for your cargo to reach its destination, air freight is most suitable for time-sensitive and perishable shipments. It also works great with high-value goods because of stricter airport regulations that can guarantee the security of your cargo. 

Please note, however, that air freight is the most expensive way to ship goods from Spain to the United States. It’s also unable to accommodate all types of cargo, so make sure to check its restricted and prohibited goods before booking your air freight shipment. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Spain

Port of Valencia

The Port of Valencia is one of the world’s busiest cargo ports and is considered the biggest sea freight facility in Spain. It has multiple storage areas covering more than one kilometer of land and a quayside stretching over 12 kilometers. 

Port of Barcelona 

The Port of Barcelona is one of the largest ports in the world, part of the top 50 cargo ports ranked by size. It’s also a fast-growing container port in Europe. It boasts two terminals for processing Spain’s exports. 

Port of Bilbao 

The Port of Bilbao is located in Bilbao Abra Bay in northern Spain, 15 kilometers from the city center. It’s the best port for moving goods from Bilbao, Burgos, Zaragoza, Leon, and even Madrid. 

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States

Port of Miami

The Port of Miami is one of the biggest freight hubs in the United States. It’s also hailed as the US’ ninth-largest container port. It’s the best port of destination for goods that are bound for Florida, the Caribbean, and Latin America. 

Port of Savannah 

The Port of Savannah has North America's largest containerized goods terminal – and developments are still underway to make it larger and more efficient. Currently, an ongoing $2 billion investment program seeks to increase the port’s water depth, allowing vessels with heavier loads to enter and utilize the ports. 

Port of Seattle

The Port of Seattle is the fifth-largest container gateway in America. It’s also being upgraded to increase its container capacity and allow two 18,000 TEU vessels to dock and use the port simultaneously. This port is ideal for shipments arriving for businesses in Northwestern US. 

Air Freight from Spain to the United States: An airport guide

Airports of origin in Spain

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport

The Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, simply known as the Madrid-Barajas Airport, is located in central Spain's industrial heartland. It is home to over 125 cargo companies and has direct flights to the United States. 

Barcelona El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport

The Barcelona El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport is located in Barcelona, making it most suitable for cargo coming from the areas of Sain Boi, Llobregat, Viladecans, and Catalonia. It boasts three terminals and three runways. 

Bilbao Airport

The Bilbao Airport is located 9 kilometers north of Bilbao, Loiu, Biscay. It is considered the largest airport in Basque County and Nothern Spain. This airport is preferred by shippers shipping from Northern Spain, Southwest France, and the Basque region. 

Airports of arrival in the United States

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is an important cargo hub, handling over 60% of all air cargo in Texas. Its international flights connect with over 190 destinations in the United States. 

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

The Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta is one of the busiest passenger airports in the world, but it also ranks 42nd in the list of the busiest cargo airports. It has 5 runways and good road and rail connections—these, however, are prone to congestion, causing delays in shipments. 

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport spans 695 hectares and boasts three runways. It’s the main airport serving northern and central USA. While the airport has no direct flights from Spain, goods originating from Spain can be routed to Cleveland via indirect services.