Additional load

The term additional load in transportation refers to a transport method in which a partial load (i.e. less than a complete truck or container) is transported together with other partial loads in a transport vehicle. This enables more efficient use of cargo space and reduces transportation costs, as several shippers share the cost of transportation.

In the case of an additional load, an entire vehicle is not booked for a single load, but various smaller consignments from different shippers are combined. This is particularly attractive for companies with smaller freight volumes, as they do not have to pay the price for a complete truck or container, but only for the space used.

Advantages of additional cargo:

• Cost savings: As the transportation costs are distributed among several shippers, the costs for the individual shipper are reduced.
• Efficient utilization: The loading space is used optimally, which also makes sense from an ecological point of view.
• Flexibility: companies can also send smaller quantities without having to wait until they have enough for a full load.

Additional loads are frequently used in the area of land transportation (truck transports) as well as in the area of air and sea freight.

Challenges with additional cargo shipments to Spain

Additional cargo shipments to Spain can pose various challenges for the carrier and the shipper. These relate to logistical as well as legal and economic aspects.

We have summarized some important points here:

1. route planning and coordination

• Complex route planning: As additional load transports involve the consolidation of several partial loads, the transporter must plan an efficient route that takes all loading and unloading points into account. This can become complex if the loads are at different locations.
• Multiple unloading points: Loads may need to be delivered to different locations in Spain, which adds time and cost and requires detailed planning to meet the promised time slots.

2. time management

• Meeting schedules: Different shippers often have specific delivery deadlines that must be met. Coordinating the loading and unloading of different loads can lead to delays that make it difficult to deliver on time.
• Border controls and traffic problems: For international shipments, for example to Spain, delays can occur at border crossings or due to traffic jams, especially on busy routes. These factors can jeopardize schedules.

3. load composition and safety

• Different load requirements: Different types of goods often have special storage requirements, e.g. temperature-controlled goods or hazardous substances. Securing and storing loads correctly is a challenge in order to avoid damage.
• Load safety: The carrier is responsible for the safe loading and securing of the goods. In the case of additional loads, there is a risk that incorrectly secured loads may be damaged or cause damage.

4. customs and import regulations

• Customs clearance: When transporting to another EU country, such as Spain, no customs duties in the classic sense are necessary, but tax and legal regulations must still be observed. This primarily concerns VAT regulations and the correct documentation of the transported goods.
• When importing beer, wine and spirits from Spain to Germany, excise duties are payable. For this processing, freight forwarders require certificates and customs numbers in order to pay the excise duties.
• Documentation and formalities: With multiple shippers and recipients, all customs and transport documents must be kept correctly, which means additional bureaucracy and time.

5. cost and profit optimization

• Economic profitability: As partial loads are involved, the transporter must ensure that the loads are optimally combined in order to achieve economic profitability. Small quantities or long waiting times for further part loads can reduce the margin.
• Price pressure: Competition in the additional cargo market can lead to strong price pressure. Transportation services are often offered on price, which can reduce profit margins.

6. language and culture

• Communication: Cooperation with Spanish partners and customers can be complicated by language barriers, especially when it comes to complex legal or logistical issues. Cultural differences in business behavior must also be taken into account.

7. infrastructure and legislation in Spain

• Regional differences: Spain has a diverse geographical structure and different regional legislation that can affect transportation. In rural areas, there may be less well-developed roads or other infrastructural challenges.
• Truck driving bans: There are weekend or public holiday driving bans for trucks in Spain, as in other countries, which can affect transportation times. The transporter must comply with these regulations and plan accordingly.

8. environmental regulations and CO₂ reduction

• Environmental regulations: There are increasingly strict environmental regulations for freight transport, which also apply in Spain. Transport companies must ensure that their vehicles comply with the relevant emission standards, which may mean additional investment or restrictions.

Conclusion:

The challenges of transporting additional loads to Spain lie in efficient planning, adhering to deadlines, taking legal and logistical peculiarities into account and ensuring profitability. A good network, precise coordination and flexibility are decisive success factors for the transporter here.

Spedition Falk Albrecht GmbH has been specializing in the transport of goods to Spain and imports from Spain for 40 years. With daily departures to Spain, we differ from many well-known forwarding companies, so we guarantee individual delivery of your goods.