Case study Cornwall to Spain

Quick Summary

Wardell Armstrong, a long-term Pallet2Ship customer, shipped zinc ore rock samples from the UK to Spain. By selecting the correct service for their needs, declaring a realistic customs value for the samples, and completing Spain’s specific Plastic Declaration Form, the shipment was processed without delays and delivered smoothly.

On 24th March 2025, Rachel at Wardell Armstrong, a multidisciplinary environmental and engineering consultancy, arranged a shipment of zinc ore rock samples from the UK to Spain. Wardell Armstrong has used Pallet2Ship for many domestic and international consignments over the years, including multiple deliveries to Spain, thanks to our reliability and transparent processes.

On this occasion, Rachel selected the Euro Cargo service, which was delivered through Kuehne + Nagel (K+N). The transit time was 4–7 working days, offering a dependable balance of cost-efficiency and reliability for a non-urgent shipment. While Pallet2Ship also provides multiple air and express road options into Spain, the Euro Cargo service was the most suitable for this consignment of ore samples, where consistency and compliance were more important than speed.

Spain-Specific Compliance

One particular aspect of shipping to Spain is the Plastic Declaration Form. This document requires customers to state whether their goods or packaging contain plastic, and if so, whether that plastic is recyclable. Spain has strict regulations on plastic usage, and this declaration forms part of the country’s eco-friendly compliance measures. By completing the form promptly, Rachel ensured smooth processing of her shipment.

Declared Value for Samples

The goods in this case were low-value samples, declared at £50. This covered them under the carrier’s minimum liability insurance. Many customers mistakenly enter £0 or £1 when shipping samples, but this almost always leads to customs issues. Customs authorities expect a realistic declared value, even for test samples. If the value is too low or unrealistic, shipments are likely to be stopped for investigation. By declaring £50 instead of a token value, the customer avoided delays and ensured clearance.

What They Did Right - Online Booking

• Entered accurate pallet weight and dimensions, ensuring the price quoted was correct.


• Reviewed service details carefully before choosing the appropriate road service.


• Provided full sender and receiver contact details, including names, mobile numbers with country codes, and valid emails.


• Supplied a clear description of the goods in the commercial invoice, including product details and values.


• Completed all customs documentation promptly, including the Plastic Declaration Form required for Spain.


• Used Pallet2Ship’s commercial invoice template, ensuring the information was accurate and valid.

What They Did Right - Physical Preparation

• Professionally crated the samples in a solid wooden crate with internal packaging to prevent movement.


• Had the goods fully ready on the collection day, with staff on-site and clear access for the driver during the full 8 a.m.–6 p.m. collection window.


• Printed and attached copies of both the invoice and shipping labels, sealed in clear plastic wallets on the crate.


• Maintained open communication with Pallet2Ship to ensure the collection and delivery proceeded without disruption.

What to Do vs What Not to Do

Do This

• Always enter precise dimensions and weight to avoid surcharges or re-quotes.


• Review all service options carefully — Pallet2Ship offers 12–15 to Spain and the EU, so it pays to compare.


• Provide complete sender and receiver details, including phone numbers with country codes.


• Use the Pallet2Ship invoice template and include clear product descriptions, commodity codes, and realistic values.


• For samples, never declare £0 or £1 — customs require a reasonable value.


• Complete all country-specific forms, such as Spain’s Plastic Declaration.


• Secure the goods properly — use crates, straps, and internal protection.


• Print and attach four copies of the invoice and labels in plastic wallets.


• Ensure staff and equipment (e.g. forklift) are ready during the collection window.


• Maintain clear communication with Pallet2Ship and respond promptly to queries.

Avoid This

• Don’t guess dimensions — inaccurate data leads to incorrect pricing.


• Don’t choose a service in haste — ignoring details can cause delays.


• Don’t leave contact info incomplete — missing numbers or emails delay deliveries.


• Don’t submit vague or incorrect invoices — customs will block shipments.


• Don’t enter £0/£1 values for samples — unrealistic values are red flags for customs.


• Don’t ignore country-specific requirements — missing the Plastic Declaration for Spain would delay clearance.


• Don’t send unsecured goods — poorly packed freight risks damage.


• Don’t forget site readiness — no forklift or staff = failed collections.


• Don’t delay communication — slow replies to queries can cost time and money.

Conclusion

Thanks to Rachel’s attention to detail and Wardell Armstrong’s long experience with Pallet2Ship, the shipment was processed smoothly and delivered to Spain within the expected 4–7 working days.

This case highlights two important lessons for customers shipping to Spain:

• Always declare a realistic value for samples — never £0 or £1.


• Complete the Plastic Declaration Form, which is mandatory under Spain’s strict packaging and recycling rules.