When planning a move to the Canary Islands, a key decision arises that directly affects the price and timeline: should you ship your belongings in a shared container (groupage) or book an exclusive container? This guide explains the technical differences, real price ranges, when each type of client chooses one or the other, and offers a quick decision table for your situation.
What is an exclusive container
An exclusive container is a complete maritime container (20 or 40 feet) reserved entirely for a single move. Your load travels alone, is sealed at origin with a numbered security seal, and is only opened at destination in your presence or that of an authorised representative.
Dimensions and capacity
- 20-foot container: 5.9 m long × 2.35 m wide × 2.4 m high. Usable capacity ~28–33 m³. Suitable for moves of 25–35 m³ (approx. 80–110 m² flat).
- 40-foot container: 12 m long × 2.35 m wide × 2.4 m high. Usable capacity ~58–66 m³. Suitable for moves of 50–65 m³ (large homes >150 m²).
- 40-foot High Cube container: same as above but 2.7 m high instead of 2.4. Usable ~70–75 m³.
What is a shared container (groupage)
A shared container combines several small moves in the same container, each in its own clearly delimited zone with pallets, strapping and dividers. The client pays only for the space they occupy (in m³ or pallets).
Full comparison: price, transit time and service
Price
Indicative ranges from mainland Spain (Cádiz, Barcelona, Valencia) to Tenerife or Las Palmas:
- Groupage 5 m³ (studio or small flat): 850–1,300 €
- Groupage 10 m³ (1-bedroom flat): 1,300–1,800 €
- Groupage 15 m³ (2-bedroom flat): 1,700–2,200 €
- Groupage 20 m³ (average flat): 2,100–2,600 €
- Exclusive 20-foot container (up to 30 m³): 2,800–3,800 €
- Exclusive 40-foot container (up to 60 m³): 4,200–5,800 €
Break-even point: around 22–25 m³, an exclusive container starts to be more cost-effective than paying groupage rates per extra m³.
Transit time
- Groupage: 10–15 days door to door. Departure depends on the container being filled (there may be 1–3 days of waiting time).
- Exclusive: 7–10 days door to door. Departure on a fixed date agreed in advance, with no waiting.
Handling
- Groupage: your load is handled at origin to consolidate it with others, then separated at destination. More handling = more risk (although RC insurance covers this).
- Exclusive: a single load at origin, a single unload at destination. Minimum handling, maximum protection.
Fixed delivery date
- Groupage: estimated date with a margin of ±2–3 days
- Exclusive: fixed date that is honoured except in cases of force majeure (storms at sea)
When to choose each option
Groupage is right for you if:
- Your move takes up less than 22 m³
- Your budget is tight and you prefer to save 800–1,500 €
- You are flexible about the arrival date (±3 days)
- Your load is robust (no extra-fragile items such as works of art, antiques, or musical instruments)
- It is a standard personal move (private home)
Exclusive is right for you if:
- Your move takes up more than 25 m³ or you want to take the opportunity to include more items
- You need a fixed delivery date (new job start, key handover for the new home)
- You are transporting high-value or very delicate items (piano, works of art, collector’s wines)
- You want to put your car inside alongside the move
- It is a business, office or commercial stock move
- You want to minimise the risk of damage from multiple handling
Special case: move with vehicle + belongings
An exclusive container is the ideal option when you want to transport your car together with the full removal. It fits perfectly:
- 20 feet: 1 saloon car + ~10 m³ of removal goods in the remaining space
- 40 feet: 1 car + ~40 m³ of removal goods, or 2 cars + ~25 m³
Save ~30–50% compared with shipping car and removal goods separately. More info: vehicle transport in containers.
Frequently asked questions about shared vs exclusive containers
Do I need to be present when the exclusive container is loaded?
It is not mandatory, but it is recommended that you or an authorised representative signs the inventory at origin. For groupage this is not necessary: the Horizont Atlantic team photographs your load and sends you the report by email.
Can I put anything in an exclusive container?
No. Under international maritime IMDG regulations, certain materials are prohibited: flammable liquids (petrol, solvents, solvent-based paints), compressed gases (gas cylinders, fire extinguishers), explosives, and large loose lithium batteries. Perishables and live plants (Plant Health inspection) are also excluded. Everything else is permitted.
What if my move is between 20 and 25 m³?
That is the grey area. If price is the priority, choose groupage. If a fixed date or extra protection matter more, choose an exclusive 20-foot container. We recommend requesting quotes for both options so you can compare using your exact figures.
Does groupage mean someone will open my boxes?
No. Your load occupies a delimited zone within the container, secured with pallets and strapping, and separated from the other moves with rigid dividers. The boxes are not opened or mixed. Only complete packages are handled.
Do I pay IGIC or AIEM on a maritime removal?
The transport service is subject to reduced IGIC (3%) instead of VAT. The goods transported are subject to AIEM on entry into the Canary Islands, but if you are relocating by change of residence you may claim the AIEM exemption and NOT pay customs duty. More info: fiscal regime of the Canary Islands.
In what cases would you NOT recommend a shared container?
When you are transporting very high-value items (piano, antiques worth >5,000 €, works of art), a large vehicle with a voluminous removal, or when your arrival date is critical and allows no margin. In those cases, an exclusive container is worth the extra cost.
How to choose well: our advice
After 25 years handling removals to the Canary Islands, the practical rule we apply:
- Moves up to 18 m³ → groupage almost always
- Moves 18–25 m³ → depends on date + value of the load
- Moves over 25 m³ → exclusive almost always
- Moves with a car → exclusive always
- Business moves → exclusive always
Request a comparative quote
At Horizont Atlantic we send you a quote that includes both options (groupage + exclusive) so you can see the exact difference with YOUR figures. Request a quote indicating your estimated volume, target date and origin, and we will reply within 24–48 hours.
