Automotive parts and industrial component transport from Spain, Portugal and France
With automotive parts and industrial components, timing is everything: the consignee’s production line is waiting for the shipment on a specific day, often in a fixed delivery slot. Depending on size and urgency we use an express van, groupage, a part load or a full truck from Spain, Portugal or France. We source the vehicle from vetted contracted carriers and follow the shipment all the way to the unloading dock.
Where we collect parts and components
Spain is one of Europe’s largest car producers, and a dense supplier network has grown up around its assembly plants. We collect in Catalonia, in Aragon around Zaragoza, in Navarre, in Castile and León around Valladolid, in Galicia around Vigo and in the Valencia region. In Portugal we pick up parts around Lisbon and Setúbal and in the industrial north around Porto and Braga. In France we collect nationwide; consignments from France are often added to a truck already coming up from Spain.
Which vehicle for which level of urgency
| Situation | Solution | Note |
|---|---|---|
| a part is missing and the line has stopped | express van | direct, no transhipment, higher price per kilogram |
| a few pallets, due in a matter of days | groupage | lowest price, longer transit |
| regular supplies of 7–18 pallets | part load or rigid truck | can be planned for fixed weekdays |
| full consignments from ~18 pallets | full 13.6 m trailer | direct run, agreed unloading slot |
For smaller consignments it is worth asking how much time you really have. The price gap between an express van and groupage is significant – but if production is at a standstill, the express option ends up cheaper.
Why the delivery slot matters
Plant warehouses receive goods in pre-booked time slots. A truck that arrives late often has to wait for the next free slot, sometimes until the following day. We therefore ask you for the slot number and receiving conditions, pass them to the carrier and check en route whether the truck is on schedule. If a delay looms, we tell you immediately rather than after the deadline, so you can adjust the production plan in time.
Regular supplies
If you take parts from the same supplier every week, we agree fixed collection and delivery days. Our dispatch desk then plans capacity ahead, the carrier knows the site and its receiving procedures, and you do not have to request a quote for every consignment.
Packaging and handling
- Returnable packaging – plastic crates, wire mesh boxes and special racks have to go back to the supplier. We arrange the return of empties just as we arrange the parts transport.
- Stacking – state for each pallet and box whether it may be stacked and how many high.
- Labelling – supplier labels must be readable from the side so goods-in can work without repacking.
- Delivery note and reference – the consignee’s order number on the delivery note and CMR speeds up receiving.
Parts that are dangerous goods (ADR)
Some parts and fluids fall under the ADR rules for dangerous goods – for example airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, batteries including lithium batteries, paints, adhesives or lubricants. Such a consignment must be declared in advance with the UN number, class, packing group and quantity, ideally with a safety data sheet. We then arrange an ADR-equipped vehicle with a certified driver or check whether the consignment qualifies for carriage in limited quantities.
What paperwork is needed
Spain, Portugal and France are EU members, so parts travel without customs formalities, with an invoice or delivery note and a CMR consignment note. ADR consignments also need a transport document under ADR, issued by the consignor.
Industrial machinery from Italy has its own page: machinery transport from Italy. Get an indicative price for parts in the calculator.