Spain costs under microscope

Even more striking is the range of costs levied by various Spanish ports. Total costs for a 20-foot box passing through Spanish ports averages €93.15, rising to €100.85 for larger containers. In both cases, labour costs average €50 per container, equipment use €26 and general costs €10.5.

However, the largest difference is to be seen once the container is on the ground. Here, a 20-foot box costs on average €6.3, although anything larger doubles to €12.6.

There is also a notable price difference between the most expensive ports and the cheapest. Whereas the average cost per container is €64, the most expensive is €122 and the cheapest €53.8. In the case of the average, €33.3 is labour costs, €6.3 ground costs, €17.3 equipment costs and €7.03 management costs, meaning that labour accounts for 52% of the total price of a box passing through a Spanish container terminal, equipment 27.1%, ground costs €9.8% and management 11%.