A nationwide general strike in Spain on Wednesday 11 November could disrupt freight movements, with businesses moving goods to and from the country advised to check collection and delivery arrangements.
The action covers public and private sectors, including transport. Its impact on individual shipments will depend on participation and the availability of services along each route.
Road freight faces uncertainty
Spanish haulage association FENADISMER has raised concerns about the absence of a nationwide minimum service guarantee for road freight. In a statement published on 9 November, the association said the Ministry of Transport had not established specific minimum service arrangements for the sector.
This creates uncertainty for collections and deliveries, including international road shipments. Delays are possible where drivers or other staff participate, although the strike does not mean that all road freight services will stop.
Regional measures also apply. In Catalonia, minimum services include the transport of essential supplies to healthcare facilities and pharmacies, alongside perishable goods that cannot be stored for more than 24 hours. These provisions do not guarantee normal operations for general commercial freight.
Rail freight minimum services confirmed
has confirmed that minimum services for 11 November have been set at 26% of its scheduled freight services. This protects a proportion of freight movements during the strike but does not establish the final number of trains that will run.
Rail customers should also be aware of separate SEMAF strike action affecting Renfe staff on 10 and 12 November. For those dates, Renfe has announced freight minimum services of 20%, meaning rail shipments face potential disruption across three consecutive days.
What could this mean for UK businesses?
For UK importers and exporters, the main practical concern is whether goods can be collected, moved and delivered within the planned timeframe.
A delayed collection or inland movement could affect an onward connection, including cargo travelling through a port or airport. This is a potential knock-on effect; the information reviewed does not establish a nationwide closure of Spanish ports or cargo airports.
Businesses with shipments scheduled around 11 November should:
- Confirm collection and delivery arrangements with their freight forwarder.
- Check that suppliers and receiving sites will be available to load or unload.
- Flag urgent cargo and fixed delivery deadlines in advance.
- Allow flexibility where a shipment depends on a timed onward connection.
Speak to Beckchoice
If you have cargo moving to or from Spain, contact the Beckchoice team to discuss your shipment and any timing concerns.