Container shipping Hamburg to Bilbao

Would you like to ship a container from Hamburg to Bilbao (ESBIO)? Sea freight offers many opportunities: you can ship many goods for an attractive price, it is great for bulk goods much more environmental friendly than air freight. Shipping a container with sea freight such as gas-based fuels or equipment can be done via e.g. Arkas Container Transport. Shipping lines offer different types of containers. An important distinction is full containers (FCL) and a container with combined cargo (LCL). Via our experts we provide up-to-date information for the purpose of international transport Bilbao (ES BIO). We offer comprehensive information about how to choose a suitable container for your freight. You can make use of our practical step-by-step plan. Provide us with your transport details and get a quote with great prices and shipping conditions.

Ocean shipping is a reliable, safe and cost-effective way to transport large and heavy loads.
Compared to air freight, you can transport larger volumes for a better price.
Sea freight is excellent for international movings and the transit of liquids or machinery.
The Port of Bilbao is one of the most important ports in Spain.
Frequently used containers types are: 20 foot, 40 foot and Hard-Top, Insulated, Flat Rack, Ventilated, Refrigerated, Open-Top containers.

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Table of contents

Shipping to Bilbao (ESBIO) from Hamburg (DEHAM)

Ocean freight shipping is the process of transporting items or goods by ship. Your cargo is transferred in shipping containers. The freight forwarder (intermediary) will reserve a container for you. A truck transports the cargo to the shipping vessel at the departure port Bilbao (ES BIO), and will be shipped over the ocean to the importer at the arrival harbour. There are different kind of options: port-to-port, door-to-door, door-to-port or port-to-door. In the following paragraph we share important information about the port of discharge.

Port of departure	Port of Hamburg (DEHAM)
Country of departure	Germany
Port of destination	Port of Bilbao
Country of destination	Spain
Port Code	ESBIO
Transit Time	+/- 8 days
Shipping prices	$
Local address	Muelle de la Ampliacion Santurtzi, Bizkaia 48980 Spain
E-mail address	www.bilbaoport.eus
Website	www.bilbaoport.eus
Phone number	34944871200

Freight Forwarder Hamburg – port of Bilbao

Shipment details
Enter the departure port and the POD (port of destination). Also indicate whether you prefer Full Container Load (FCL) or Less Container Load (LCL). Also select container size (20 ft, 40 ft of 40 ft high cube).
Pack you load
To begin, you need to make sure your load is packed correctly. To ensure that the cargo remains in good condition, it is a good idea to use pallets. Don’t forget to label the cargo!
Common Export Documents
If you are going to transport cargo to Bilbao (ESBIO), you should think about relevant export documents (for fast customs clearance): packing declaration, export/import customs declaration, bill of lading, commercial invoice, certificates of origin. The definition of a Bill of Lading is a document released by a shipping agency or carrier to the shipper to confirm that the goods match the description listed on the paperwork and noticing that the cargo is well packed for transport.
Find your incoterms
Incoterms are important to define responsibility and liability for shipment of the goods. The chosen Incoterm decides who assumes the risk of, for example, insurance, transport and all documents. These are the most commonly chosen terms in sea freight: Free On Board (FOB), Ex Works (EXW), Delivery Duty Paid (DDP).
Ocean freight tracking
Use Cargo Track & Trace to check where your container is at this moment. You can check the status when the shipping is departed from the port of origin (POO), arrived at Port of delivery (POD) and when your cargo has been unloaded at the final destination.

Sea freight from Bilbao (ESBIO) to Hamburg (DEHAM): choose container

Are you planning to ship a container from port of Bilbao – (ES BIO) to port of Hamburg – (DE HAM)? It is important to ask an appropriate container. There are smaller and bigger boxes (20ft & 40ft) and methods (LCL shipment or FCL shipping). Well-known shipping lines are CMA CGM, Evergreen, K Line, MSC, ZIM. Major towns near the seaport are Bilbao, Erandio, Sestao, Arrigorriaga, Portugalete, Sopelana, Llodio, Bermeo, Durango, Amurrio, Castro-Urdiales, Ermúa, Éibar, Ondárroa, Elgóibar, Plasencia, Laredo, Santoña, Vitoria, Zumárraga. In the box below you can compare all types and read more about the most popular types in the maritime industry. We also offer more information about Household Goods transport.

Explanation about a twenty foot container

20. ft. containers (also known under the name dry van) is the most common and available size. They are easy to stack, that means they are quite cheap. Suitable for all types of cargo, including personal items and international removals. Pro tip: A TEU is a standard container with a length of 20 feet.

This box is often used for transporting cargo via the ocean.
A 20-foot container has the following dimensions: 6058mm x 2438mm x 2891mm.
A 20’ft container can hold eleven pallets.
The maximum allowable load is +/- 27.000 kilogram.

Advantages of a 40 ft container

The 40-foot container is identical to the 20-foot container, but once the size. Many types of goods can be shipped within these boxes. It is especially intended for transporting large loads by sea. Good to know: you can also opt for a taller ‘high cube’ deal. It is about one foot taller than a normal box. This way cargo can be stacked high.

Perfect for larger shipments.
The format is universal: 12.19m long x 2.44m wide x 2.59m high.
It can carry between 23 and 24 Europallets in one tier.
In terms of weight fits maximum: +/- 28.400 kg.

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Use a Full Container (FCL)

When you need a lot of container space, then you better book an exclusive private full container. Transport specialists call this Full Container Load (FCL). All cargo space is used exclusively for you. It is a popular transport method: optimal transit time, limited damage risk and the rates are more favorable. There are also disadvantages: it is not suitable for small cargo and insurance is extra important. Sending the sea freight from another port? Also see Antwerp to Bilbao (ESBIO) or Rotterdam to Bilbao (ESBIO).

The premise of FCL is that you have the entire container space to yourself.
Suitable for as many small items on pallets as large goods.
If you’re shipping more than 14 m3.
Available at: e.g. COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk, ONE, CMA CGM.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of LCL containers?

When you have too little goods to fill a full container, it is often a good idea to pick a shared container. Transport organizations describe that as Less Than Container Load (LCL). The premise of LCL is that you just pay for the amount of space used in a single container. There are many benefits like: you pay only for the volume you need, storage and insurance is advantageous and it is faster during peak-season. Disclaimer: if your shipment takes up more than half a container, then it is often more interesting to go for an FCL shipping. The cost of the shipment is determined by the volume and weight of the packages.

With LCL transport, you make use of a partial container for the transportation.
Cost effective for shipments between 3,5 m3 and 13,5 m3.
You only pay for the space you need in a shipping.
More Availability During Peak Season.
Available at: e.g. Evergreen, ZIM, POL, HMM, Wan Hai.

Other types of containers and customization

You can choose from many types of boxes for freight forwarding. There is a suitable solution for every type of cargo. A Dry van is the most common type of freight transportation. Special boxes are also being used for oils, wheat, barley and cocoa or unique high value cargo. We give a short explanation below. Also check other destinations such as Teesport (GBTEE), port of Yangon (MMRGN), Pivdennyi (UAYUZ) harbor and terminal Talcahuano (CLTAL).

Bulk Containers: used for transport of foodstuffs or bulk such as as grain, feedstuffs, spices.
Flat Rack Containers: the walls allows for the loading of cargo from the top and/or sides.
Hard-Top Containers: used for bulk cargo like cement, automotive, construction goods, steel, etc.
High-Cube Containers: perfect for large, oversized, tall, and bulky items.
Insulated Containers: perfect for storing goods that need a steady temperature.

Open-Top Containers: have an open top covered by a tarpaulin instead of a solid roof.
Palletwide Containers: are non-standard, uncommon containers with varying dimensions.
Refrigerated Containers: reefers are perfect for storing temperature-sensitive good.
Tank Containers: are used to deliver hazardous and non-hazardous products.
Ventilated Containers: also known as passive (naturally) ventilated or coffee containers.

Cargo types: What do you want to ship?

Shipping cargo by ocean from Hamburg (DEHAM) to Bilbao (ESBIO) has a lot of pluses: it is economical, it is great for transporting bulky goods and the Duty and VAT are much less expensive than air freight. Frequently chosen ocean cargo transported by sea include: dry bulk, roll on/roll off, break bulk, liquid bulk, containerized. Below we explain some goods/cargo.

Car shipping: your vehicle will be loaded and shipped to the port of your choice.
House Moving: your belongings will be safe and secured with international relocation.
Removals (Household Goods): have your household effects shipped to a new home.
Liquid Bulk: e.g. chemicals, petroleum, diesel, gasoline, hydrogen, kerosene.
Dry Bulk: coal, iron ore, grain but also stuff like plates, cement, salt, sugar.
Roll on Roll off (RORO): one of the most flexible methods of shipping vehicles overseas.
Breakbulk: small containers of freight are unloaded from pallets and packed into the ship’s hold.
Retail & other: items like toys, art and antiques, clothes, electronic goods, medical/pharmacy or fashion, furniture, drinks, machines, food.

FAQ: current topics around international transport

How long does it take a cargo ship from Hamburg to Bilbao?

Shipping a container from Hamburg (DE) to Bilbao takes approx 8 days. The distance to be covered is about 1750 nautical miles (NM). That equates to 3241 kilometers. If you choose transport by sea, there are 2 important values, ETD and ETA. ETD means the date and time the vessel will leave the dock. ETA means the Expected or Estimated Time of Arrival. Shipping time is subject to the boat speed, weather conditions and port inspection.

What are the costs of a shipping container to Bilbao (ESBIO)?

Shipping rates from Hamburg (Germany) to Bilbao (Spain) are relatively cheap. The total cost is subject to various parts such as cargo dimension, period of the year and currency. Request a quote without obligation for a price proposal and transit times.

Which customs documents do I need for a shipment?

When transporting goods to Bilbao, then you should also think about customs clearance. The following documents should be provided: Insurance Certificate, Import/export Licenses, Letter of Credit, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin. For more substantive information and tips you can contact the customs of Spain or view the website of the port/government (www.bilbaoport.eus).

What Incoterm should i use?

Incoterms decide the responsibility of both the exporter and also the importer of goods. Common sea freight incoterms are FOB and CIF. CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) means the seller takes care of delivery of the goods to a ship, loading the goods onto the ship, and insuring the shipment until it reaches the agreed port. Free on Board (FOB) includes: the seller takes care of the goods until they are on the vessel at the outbound port. There are additionally more Incoterms 2000 like Carriage Paid To (CPT), Free Alongside Ship (FAS), Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), Ex Works (EXW) + Cost and Freight (CFR), Carriage and Insurance Paid To (CIP), Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU).