All businesses and sectors of activity are obliged, for the sake of pure survival, to offer products, services and working methods that are innovative in order to attract customers and remain competitive. In the sector we are concerned with, removals, one of these formulas is shared removals.
The shared removals in Spain are gaining ground in recent years because they offer advantages for the customer and the companies themselves. We show you what this method consists of.
What are shared removals to the Canary Islands
This system aims to reduce the cost of removal lorries for the customer and ensure that the company itself does not have to turn down any service. A shared removal is nothing more than a process of moving belongings from one destination to another, but one in which several customers participate, meaning the goods share delivery with other removals.
In this type of removal the load is shared, so it is required that the destination is very close and that they share a route. At Horizont Atlantic we offer this service for office removals.
Advantages of shared removals to the Canary Islands
Work of this type involves gathering several customers who wish to carry out a removal on dates very close to each other and who share the same origin and destination. Generally the process is organised by the removal company itself and reaches the customer who offers this service.
For the customer, the main advantage is that the cost of transport is reduced. In some cases this saving can amount to discounts of more than 50% compared to an individual removal. We must bear in mind that when it comes to carrying out a removal, it is common for there to be space that remains empty and ends up being paid for, as the cost of the service does not allow for the use of only a percentage of the available volume.
International services, the most in demand
A very common situation in shared removals is that of workers who have to relocate abroad for a certain period of time. Erasmus students are also often interested in these processes.
In the first case, the removal service will always be more expensive because variable costs must be paid: taxes, customs duties, port fees… If those costs, which end up making the service more expensive, are shared, the amount of money to be paid is less than if the move is funded by a single customer.
What aspects should be considered in shared removals?
The only aspect to bear in mind with these services is fitting in with the dates offered by the company and not having an excessively bulky removal, in order to share the cost with another customer. The cost of removal lorries will be greatly reduced if you manage to reach an agreement with the company and others interested in this practice.
Shared removals allow you to share the costs of the service with other customers, you can start a process of this type for international moves at a more affordable cost and you do not have to pay for the full availability of the vehicle, only for the space you are going to use.
Frequently asked questions about shared removals to the Canary Islands
When is a shared removal worthwhile?
It is the best option when your volume is low (less than 15 m³, equivalent to a studio or small flat) and your date is flexible. You only pay for the space you occupy within a container shared with other removals, which reduces the cost by 30-50% compared to an exclusive container. For large volumes (>25 m³) or inflexible dates, an exclusive container is better. More detail: groupage vs exclusive.
Are my belongings mixed with those of other customers in the container?
Not physically. Each removal is sealed and separated within the container (with partitions or loaded in independent blocks). The inventory per customer is clearly marked and unloading is selective. There is no risk of loss or confusion with other loads.
How much longer does a shared removal take compared to an exclusive one?
Usually 3-7 days longer, because the container waits to be filled before departing. For Madrid-Tenerife removals: exclusive 7-9 days, shared 10-15 days. If your date is flexible and you can wait, it is a very good option to save money.
Is there a difference in insurance between a shared and an exclusive removal?
No. Both models carry the same basic transport liability insurance. Declared value insurance is taken out separately and applies equally whether the removal is shared or exclusive. Your load is protected in the same way.
Do shared removals to the Canary Islands depart every week?
Yes, with weekly frequency from the main ports (Cádiz, Valencia, Barcelona, Bilbao). In low season (November-February) it may be every 10-15 days. Book 3-4 weeks in advance to secure a place on the departure that suits you best.
