/ By TJ China Freight / China Freight News • Logistic • sea freight forwarder

Main Container Ports in China 2023

When it comes to international trade, China is always the busiest country with an extensive network of container ports that handle a significant amount of cargo each year. Here at TJ China freight, we will briefly introduce some of the major container ports in China.

Shanghai Port

It is the largest seaport in China and the world, which was put into service in 1842. The port occupies an area of almost 4 km2. The statistics shows that more than 1/4 of all cargo traffic in China are handled in the Port of Shanghai. It has an annual handling capacity of over 40 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). It is also the busiest port in China in terms of both container throughput and cargo volume. The port is a hub for both domestic and international trade and serves as a major gateway to the rest of the world.

Shenzhen Port

Shenzhen port is located in the the Guangdong province of China. It is the second-largest container port in China, and . It also ranks the third among the the largest container ports in the world. The port stretches along 260 km of coast and the port is also divided by the Kowloon Peninsula into two areas: the eastern and the western ports. It is known for its efficiency and speed, and it is well-connected to major trade routes around the world.

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port

Ningbo-Zhoushan port is the third-largest port in China. It has a vast region and long coastline, with coastline stretching across 220 kilometers.It consists of 19 port areas, owns more than 200 large deepwater berths for vessels over 10,000 dwt. Ningbo-Zhoushan port owns and operates most large and super-large deepwater berths in Mainland China. It has an annual handling history of over 28 million TEUs. It is well known for modern infrastructure offers a range of value-added services to its customers.

Qingdao Port

Located in the Shandong province of China, Qingdao port is is one of the 10 busiest ports in China and forth-largest port in China, especially occupied the 7th position in 2019 based on total cargo volume. It mainly serves as a major gateway to Northeast Asia. The port is well-connected to major trade routes and has excellent rail and road links to the hinterland.

Tianjin Port

Located in the northern part of China, Tianjin Port is the fifth-largest container port in the country. It has an annual handling capacity of over 16 million TEUs and is a major gateway to Northern China. The port is known for its advanced facilities and efficient operations and offers a range of value-added services to its customers.

Guangzhou Port

Located in the Guangdong province of China, Guangzhou Port is the sixth-largest container port in the country. It has an annual handling capacity of over 15 million TEUs and is a major gateway to South China. The port is well-connected to major trade routes and offers a range of value-added services to its customers.

Xiamen Port

Xiamen Port is located in the Fujian province of China and is the seventh-largest container port in the country. It has an annual handling capacity of over 10 million TEUs and serves as a major gateway to Southeast Asia. The port is known for its efficiency and speed, and it is well-connected to major trade routes around the world.

Dalian Port

Located in the Liaoning province of China, Dalian Port is the eighth-largest container port in the country. It has an annual handling capacity of over 8 million TEUs and is a major gateway to Northeast Asia. The port is known for its modern facilities and efficient operations and offers a range of value-added services to its customers.

Lianyungang Port

Located in the Jiangsu province of China, Lianyungang Port is the ninth-largest container port in the country. It has an annual handling capacity of over 7 million TEUs and serves as a major gateway to Central and Western China. The port is well-connected to major trade routes and offers a range of value-added services to its customers.

/ By TJ China Freight / International • Logistic • sea freight forwarder • Shipping

8 Main Ports in Australia

Australia is the world’s largest island continent, and its vast coastline is home to several major ports that play a crucial role in the country’s economy. Australia’s ports are responsible for importing and exporting goods, supporting the country’s mining, agriculture, and manufacturing industries, and facilitating international trade. In this article, we will introduce some of the main ports in Australia.

Port of Melbourne:

Located on the southeastern coast of Australia, the Port of Melbourne is the largest container and general cargo port in the country. It handles over 2.9 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of container cargo annually and serves as a major gateway for trade between Australia and Asia. The port’s facilities include 36 commercial berths, 6 container terminals, and a dedicated automotive terminal.

Port of Sydney:

The Port of Sydney is located on the east coast of Australia and is one of the busiest ports in the country. It handles over 2 million TEUs of container cargo annually and is a key hub for trade between Australia and New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the Americas. The port’s facilities include 13 commercial berths, 4 container terminals, and a bulk liquids terminal.

Port of Brisbane:

The Port of Brisbane is located in the state of Queensland and is the third-largest container port in Australia. It handles over 1.2 million TEUs of container cargo annually and serves as a major gateway for trade between Australia and Asia. The port’s facilities include 8 commercial berths, 3 container terminals, and a dedicated automotive terminal.

Port of Fremantle:

The Port of Fremantle is located in Western Australia and is the busiest container port in the state. It handles over 750,000 TEUs of container cargo annually and is a key hub for trade between Australia and Southeast Asia. The port’s facilities include 4 container terminals, a bulk cargo terminal, and a general cargo terminal.

Port of Adelaide:

The Port of Adelaide is located in South Australia and is the fourth-largest container port in Australia. It handles over 800,000 TEUs of container cargo annually and is a key hub for trade between Australia and Southeast Asia. The port’s facilities include 7 commercial berths, 2 container terminals, and a dedicated automotive terminal.

Port of Darwin:

The Port of Darwin is located in the Northern Territory and is a major gateway for trade between Australia and Asia. It handles over 200,000 TEUs of container cargo annually and is a key hub for the country’s oil and gas industry. The port’s facilities include 3 commercial berths, a bulk liquids terminal, and a general cargo terminal.

Port of Townsville:

The Port of Townsville is located in Queensland and is a major regional port that handles a diverse range of cargo, including containerized, bulk, and break-bulk. It is a key hub for trade between Australia and Asia and serves as a major gateway for the country’s mining and agricultural industries. The port’s facilities include 10 commercial berths, a container terminal, and a bulk cargo terminal.

Port of Newcastle:

The Port of Newcastle is located in New South Wales and is the world’s largest coal export port. It handles over 160 million tons of coal annually and also serves as a major hub for the country’s grain and containerized cargo. The port’s facilities include 23 commercial berths, a container terminal, and a bulk liquids terminal.

In conclusion, Australia’s ports play a vital role in the country’s economy, supporting its trade and industrial sectors. The ports listed above are among the busiest and most important in the country, handling a diverse range of cargo and serving as major gateways for international trade. If you need any service of shipping from China to Australia, TJ China freight co., ltd will provide you with the most cost-effective solution. As one of the most reputable China freight forwarders, TJ China freight is professional in deal with oversea shipping from China, booking space, paper work, customs clearance and broker, and more. Send an inquiry and tell us what you need.

/ By TJ China Freight / Delivery • International • Logistic • Shipping • Transport

Top 10 Freight Forwarders in the United States

Freight forwarding companies play an essential role in the transportation of goods and merchandise around the world. They are responsible for managing the logistics and transportation of goods, including handling customs clearance, documentation, and transportation arrangements. Freight forwarders are vital partners for businesses that rely on the timely and efficient delivery of goods.

Here are the top 10 freight forwarders in the USA:

  1. DHL Global Forwarding: DHL is one of the world’s largest logistics companies, and their freight forwarding division is no exception. With over 40,000 employees worldwide and a presence in over 220 countries and territories, DHL is a reliable and experienced freight forwarder. They offer a range of services, including air and ocean freight, customs brokerage, and warehousing and distribution.
  2. Kuehne + Nagel: Kuehne + Nagel is another major player in the logistics industry, offering a range of services including air and ocean freight, road transport, and contract logistics. With a presence in over 100 countries, Kuehne + Nagel has the experience and expertise to handle any logistics challenge.
  3. DB Schenker: DB Schenker is a global logistics company that offers a range of services including air and ocean freight, land transport, contract logistics, and supply chain management. They have a strong presence in the United States, with over 8,000 employees and 100 locations across the country.
  4. Expeditors: Expeditors is a well-respected freight forwarder that offers a range of services including air and ocean freight, customs brokerage, and warehousing and distribution. They have a strong focus on technology and innovation, and their online platform provides real-time visibility and control over shipments.
  5. Panalpina: Panalpina is a global logistics company that offers a range of services including air and ocean freight, supply chain management, and customs brokerage. With a presence in over 70 countries, Panalpina has the experience and expertise to handle complex logistics challenges.
  6. UPS Supply Chain Solutions: UPS Supply Chain Solutions is the logistics division of UPS, one of the world’s largest package delivery companies. They offer a range of services including air and ocean freight, customs brokerage, and supply chain management.
  7. Agility: Agility is a global logistics company that offers a range of services including air and ocean freight, road transport, and contract logistics. They have a strong focus on technology and innovation, and their online platform provides real-time visibility and control over shipments.
  8. BDP International: BDP International is a privately held logistics company that offers a range of services including air and ocean freight, customs brokerage, and supply chain management. With a presence in over 135 countries, BDP has the experience and expertise to handle any logistics challenge.
  9. C.H. Robinson: C.H. Robinson is a leading third-party logistics provider that offers a range of services including air and ocean freight, trucking, and customs brokerage. They have a strong focus on technology and innovation, and their online platform provides real-time visibility and control over shipments.
  10. Damco: Damco is a global logistics company that offers a range of services including air and ocean freight, supply chain management, and customs brokerage. They have a strong focus on sustainability and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint.

In conclusion, the above-listed freight forwarders are among the top 10 in the USA. They all have the necessary experience, expertise, and technology to handle any logistics challenge. It is always recommended to research and compare multiple freight forwarders before choosing one to ensure you select the best fit for your shipping needs. If you need a China freight forwarder to arrange your shipment, TJ China freight will always be your reliable partner.

/ By TJ China Freight / China Freight News • Logistic

How Does EXW China Work? What Are Pros of Cons of EXW Shipping

EXW (Ex Works) is a trade term used in international trade to describe a shipment arrangement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, customs clearance, and any other charges involved in getting the goods from the seller’s premises to their final destination. EXW China is a trade term where the seller makes the goods available at their premises in China, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs and other charges involved in getting the goods to their final destination.

EXW works

When it comes to EXW China, the process works in the following way:

  1. The buyer and seller agree on the details of the sale, including the price, quantity, quality, and delivery terms.
  2. The seller prepares the goods at their premises, which could be a factory, warehouse, or other location in China.
  3. Once the goods are ready, the seller informs the buyer, who arranges for a freight forwarder or shipping agent to collect the goods from the seller’s premises.
  4. The buyer is responsible for all costs involved in transporting the goods from the seller’s premises to the final destination, including transportation costs, customs clearance, and any other charges.
  5. The buyer assumes all risk and liability for the goods once they leave the seller’s premises.
  6. EXW China is a trade term where the seller makes the goods available at their premises in China, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs and other charges involved in getting the goods to their final destination.

EXW China shipping has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Cost-effective: Since the buyer is responsible for arranging transportation, customs clearance, and other charges, the seller’s cost is lower, which can translate into a lower purchase price for the buyer.
  • Control: The buyer has more control over the shipment, including choosing the freight forwarder, the shipping method, and the timing of the shipment.
  • Flexibility: The buyer can choose the most cost-effective shipping option and negotiate better rates with the freight forwarder.
  • Transparency: The buyer knows exactly how much they are paying for transportation and customs clearance, so there are no hidden costs.

Cons:

  • Risk: The buyer assumes all risks associated with the shipment, including loss, damage, or theft of the goods during transportation.
  • Responsibility: The buyer is responsible for arranging transportation, customs clearance, and other charges, which can be complicated and time-consuming.
  • Limited options: The seller may not have access to the same range of transportation options as a freight forwarder or shipping agent, which could limit the buyer’s options.
  • Communication: There may be language barriers or cultural differences between the buyer and the seller, which could make communication challenging.

EXW China shipping can be cost-effective and flexible, but it also requires the buyer to assume more responsibility and risk. Buyers should carefully consider their options and assess the potential risks before choosing this shipping method.

china freight

What role do China freight forwarders play in EXW China shipping?

Communication: The buyer and the seller agree on the terms of the sale, including the price, quantity, quality, and delivery terms. Once the seller has prepared the goods, they notify the buyer, who then contacts a freight forwarder.

Transportation: The freight forwarder arranges for the transportation of the goods from the seller’s premises to the buyer’s destination. They work with a network of carriers, including air, sea, or land transport providers, to find the most efficient and cost-effective shipping option.

Documentation: The freight forwarder helps the buyer with the necessary documentation required for customs clearance, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, and packing lists. They also provide guidance on import regulations and compliance requirements.

Customs clearance: The freight forwarder works with customs officials to ensure that the goods comply with all import regulations and clear customs smoothly. They handle all necessary paperwork and payments on behalf of the buyer.

Delivery: Once the goods have cleared customs, the freight forwarder arranges for the final delivery to the buyer’s destination, which may include trucking, rail, or other transportation options.

Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between the buyer and the seller, helping to coordinate the transportation, documentation, and customs clearance process in EXW China shipping. They provide expertise and guidance, which can help to simplify the process and reduce the risk of delays or errors.

/ By TJ China Freight / Cargo • China Freight News • Logistic

Guides for How to Import Furnitures from China

Importing furniture from China can be a cost-effective way to source high-quality furniture for your business or personal use. China is known for its vast manufacturing capabilities and competitive prices, making it a popular destination for importing furniture. However, importing furniture from China can also be a complex process, and it’s essential to do your research and work with reliable suppliers and shipping agents to ensure a successful transaction. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps involved in importing furniture from China.

importing furnture from China

First, research.

Before importing furniture from China, you need to do some research on the type of furniture you want to import, including product specifications, quality standards, and market demand. You can start by searching online or attending furniture trade shows. This will help you get a better understanding of the products you want to import and their specifications.

Second, find a supplier.

Once you have a clear understanding of the furniture you want to import, it’s time to find a supplier in China that can meet your product requirements and provide competitive pricing. You can search for suppliers on online marketplaces like Alibaba, Made-in-China, or Global Sources. You can also attend furniture trade shows in China to meet potential suppliers in person. When choosing a supplier, it’s essential to look for a reputable and reliable manufacturer with a good track record of quality and on-time delivery.

Third, negotiate.

After finding a suitable supplier, you need to negotiate the terms of the order, including the price, quantity, and delivery time. Make sure to ask for samples before placing a large order to check the quality of the products. You should also ask for the supplier’s production capacity and lead time to ensure that they can deliver the products within your required timeline. It’s crucial to have clear communication with the supplier to avoid misunderstandings or delays in the delivery of the products.

Forth, Arrange shipping.

Once you have negotiated the terms of the order, you need to choose a reliable China freight forwarder or shipping agent to handle the logistics of transporting the furniture from China to your destination. You should factor in shipping costs and customs fees when calculating the total cost of the order. You should also choose a shipping method that meets your delivery timeline and budget requirements. The most common shipping methods for importing furniture from China are sea freight, air freight, and courier services like DHL or FedEx.

Fifth, quality control.

When the furniture arrives, you should conduct a thorough quality inspection to ensure that the products meet your specifications and are in good condition. You may want to hire a third-party inspection company to help with this process. The inspection should cover factors such as product quality, packaging, labeling, and documentation. If any issues are identified during the quality inspection, you should communicate them with the supplier and negotiate a solution before accepting the products.

Sixth, payment.

You should have a clear payment arrangement with the supplier, including payment terms and methods. Consider using a secure payment method like PayPal or Escrow to protect yourself against fraud. It’s also essential to have a contract with the supplier that outlines the terms of the order, including delivery time, product quality, and payment terms.

Last, legal requirements.

Finally, you should ensure that you comply with all legal requirements, such as obtaining necessary permits or certifications and following import regulations in your country. You should also familiarize yourself with the customs clearance process and work with a customs broker if necessary.

In conclusion, importing furniture from China can be a complex process, but it can also be a cost-effective way to source high-quality furniture for your business or personal use. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure a successful transaction and minimize the risks associated with importing furniture from China. Remember to do your research, work with reliable suppliers and shipping agents, and TJ China freight is one of the most professional freight forwarder in China, feel free to contact us if you have any needs for shipping your cargo from China.

/ By TJ China Freight / Cargo • Logistic • Moving • Shipping

How to Calculate Freight Rate for Your Sea Shipping

Sea freight is always considered to be the lowest in cost. For shipping high volume and heavy cargo, sea freight is the most cost-effective and safe logistics solution. Today, we are going to introduce you to how to calculate the sea freight rate. For instance, if you need to import some furniture sets from China to your country, your freight forwarder in China will offer the rates. What aspects should you consider before your confirming a shipment? The answer should be type of service chosen, the time of shipping, the equipment used, etc.

how to calculate the sea freight rate

Calculate the volumetric weight of your shipment

The base of cost calculation in sea freight depends on the type of movement. In general, it is either CBM/Ton or container. For Bulk and Break-Bulk freight, it is in CBM or Ton, the same applies to LCL ( Less than Container Load) shipments. But when the cargo is containerized, it will depend on the shipping containers used.

For shipments calculated by Weight and Volume, in sea freight transport, the ratio is “ 1:1” which means every Ton equals one CBM (Cubic Meter). In formula to calculate the volume:

If the volume of a shipment is 10 CBMs and the weight is 5,000 Kgs (5 Tons) then the 10 CBMs are considered for cost calculations (the chargeable weight is the higher between volume and weight).

How sea freight rate is determined

There are different points to consider when requesting a sea freight quotation. These are the most important ones:

POL (Port of Loading): Where will the sea shipment be originated from. Choosing the right “POL” is going to help in reducing the sea freight rates and pre-carriage (origin country trucking) costs.

POD (Port of Discharge): The seaport where the shipment will be released is a major game-changer for the sea freight cost. Freight rates will vary between carriers for the same destination port.

Commodity: The nature of the cargo itself is important. If the items require climate control we will have to use a reefer container, or dimensions are more than normal shipping containers height. It may need an open-top container which may double the price on certain occasions.

Shipping Container Type: There are many kinds of shipping containers. The most commonly used ones in sea freight are ( 20 ft, 40 ft, 40 HC, 20 RF, 40 RH, and 40 OT). Picking the right container for your cargo will save on the shipping costs big time.

Time of shipping: There are certain parts of the year where sea freight rates spike either because the basic ocean freight rates go up or when sea carriers apply extra charges like GRI (General Rate Increase) or some PSS ( Peak Season Surcharge) and congestion fees, … etc. Therefore, when planning your shipping, it is good to consider this thing to save on the shipping costs.

In sea freight, shipping costs can be either per CBM/Ton, per container (or TEU: Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit), or per shipment. Therefore it is important to calculate the volume and measure the weight properly. For example to move shipment by LCL (Less than Container Load): you will need to pay the freight, CFS charges, Bill of Lading fees, and documentation.

If you are puzzled about how to calculate the sea freight, feel free to contact our professional forwarder team to get an instant quote for shipping from China to your destination cities.

/ By TJ China Freight / Cargo • China Freight News • International • Logistic

Documents and Paperwork You Will Need When Importing From China

China is known as the world’s factory, and when you need to import goods from China, after confirming the goods, purchase procedures, your China freight forwarder, another important thing you might need to learn in advance is country’s regulation and the documents and paper work that are required in the process of importing from China.

At various stages of the importation, you’ll realize that you’ll need to submit such documents, either copies or original documents. Documentation that you may need when importing from China include;

Bill of lading

Airway bill

Commercial invoice

Packing list

Proforma invoice

Country of origin certificate

Import/export declaration

Acquisition of such credentials and related documents start from the moment you submit the request to a particular company.

You can hire agents to help you deal with these tedious work, for they should have a better understanding of how to deal with various elements which require importation documentation and paperwork.

Additionally, things like language barrier may at times hinder you from understanding the concepts.

And it follows that the misunderstanding might lead to going against a particular policy rule which could further lead to more trouble.

Another fundamental aspect regarding the same is always to ensure that you retain at least a copy of every document. This may come in handy in incidents where there is a need for validation of your consignment. And in the end, it helps you to prevent unnecessary inconveniences.

Of course, you can also prepare for these documents for yourself if you have a professional team or you are capable of doing such things. When all these things are ready, you can start shipping your cargo and ready for its arrival!

/ By TJ China Freight / Logistic • Shipping

China Main Ports List

China is a major shipping and industrial nation in Eastern Asia, and it is famous for producing different types of products and selling them all over the globe. As a major industrial center, China has built extremely strong shipping networks for oversea trades. According to statistics, China has 34 active ports and more than 2000 minor seaports. Today, we are going to introduce you top 10 main ports in China.

Port of Shanghai

It is the largest port in China and the world. It had consistently topped the rankings since 2010, when it overtook the Port of Singapore. Owing to the sheer volume of trade through this port and its effect on the local population, Shanghai has been designated as one of the four large port megacities across the globe. It is a deep-sea and riverine port. It is managed exclusively by the Shanghai International Port (Group) Company. It took over from the existing Shanghai Port Authority in 2003, and the Shanghai Municipal Government owns its majority shares. Every month, over 2000 ships arrive in the harbor. The port of Shanghai also includes three main work zones – Yangshan Deep Water Zone, Huangpu River, and Yangtze River.

Ports in China – Port of Shenzhen

It’s the second most important port in China and the third in the world. It is located in the southern part of the Pearl River, in Guangdong province. The port of Shenzhen is also one of the busiest and fastest growing ports in the world. It has excellent developments opportunities. Furthermore, it notes steady increases. People consider it as a back-up in trade between China and Hong Kong. It is one of the most important ports for Chinese international trade.

Port of Hong Kong

It is a deep-sea port located in the South China Sea. It is a key factor in the economic development of Hong Kong. Deep water makes the port have ideal conditions for mooring and servicing all types of ships. It is one of the busiest ports in the world, both in terms of transported loads and transported passengers. This fact makes Hong Kong a symbol of container transport.

Port of Ningbo

It’s the busiest port in the world in terms of cargo tonnage. The port is located in Zhejiang Province, south of Hangzhou Bay. In 2014, Ningbo exceeded 20 million TEU for the first time. It is the only port that recorded such a significant increase compared to the previous year (12%). In past years, it was much less than 20 million. The port accepts supplies of raw materials, cargos, and finished products from North America, South America, and Oceania.

The port of Guangzhou

It’s the main seaport in Guangzhou, in the Guangdong province. The port is operated by the state-owned company Guangzhou Port Group Co. Ltd. Despite the unfavorable geopolitical conditions, the port continues to record a steady increase in terms of the number of containers handled. Described as ‘part of the Silk Route of the Sea’ from the third century, during the reign of the Qin dynasty, it was an important trade port.

Ports in China – Qingdao Port

It’s a port located on the Yellow River, near Qingdao, in the Shandong province. The city is also famous and develops thanks to the trade and fishing port. The location on the Jiaozhou Bay also contributes to this. In 2014, the port handled 16.6 million TEU. In 2011, along with three other ports, a strategic agreement was signed with the largest port in South Korea – Port of Busan. Furthermore, the signed alliance aims to create the most significant logistics and transport center in North East Asia. The Qingdao port also has plans to become a local leader. Currently, they are transporting mainly coal, mineral oil, iron ore, and grain. They are also carrying people. The port has relations with over 450 ports, located in around 130 countries.

Port of Tianjin

It’s the biggest port in northern China. It’s often called “the gate of Beijing.” Port of Tianjin has played a significant role since the fourth century. In 1860, it officially became a port of international importance. It is located on the Bohai Bay. It is also the biggest port created by man in China. The port occupies an area of 107 km2 and a quay with a length of 21.5 km. In 2010, over 413 million tons of cargo were transshipped there. Port, annually is handling over 13 million TEUs.

Ports in China – Port of Dalian

The port was established in 1899. It is located in the Liaoning province, on the Liaodong peninsula. It is the northernmost port in China, where water doesn’t freeze. The port also has over 80 berths. At 50 of them, ships with a cargo of over 10000 tones can be moored. The port mainly reloads mineral oil, coal, grain, and refined oils. In 2010, 313 million tons of cargo were unloaded at the port. Ships arrive in Dalian from over 300 ports from 160 countries. Over 90 routes of traders (both global and local) pass through the Dalian port. It is the second largest transshipment hub in China.

Port of Xiamen

It is a port situated along the estuary of the Jiulongjiang River in the south of Fujian Province. The port has connections with over 60 ports in 40 countries and regions. Due to the location, cooperation with Taiwan is very important here. The port has been modernized. Currently, it is adapted not only to tourism but also to transport people, transshipment, transit, and trade. There is also a railway line within the port.

/ By TJ China Freight / Cargo • Logistic • sea freight forwarder • Shipping

LCL Shipping: Definition, Charges & More

If you plan a small freight shipment, and your goods cannot take up the space of one container, LCL shipping is what you need.

  1. Definition of LCL
  2. Cost of Shipping LCL
  3. Advantages of shipping LCL
  4. Is LCL Right for you?
LCL (Less than container load)
LCL (Less than container load)

Definition of LCL

LCL stands for less than a container load and describes sea shipping for cargo loads not large enough to fill a full 20ft or 40ft shipping container

Since LCL shipments fill less than a full 20ft or 40ft shipping container, these are grouped with other cargo. FCL and LCL are 2 main forms in sea freight shipping. As the names suggest, LCL means that the merchandise takes up less than entire space of a full container. FCL means having an entire container for yourself

Cost of Shipping LCL

The cost of an LCL shipment is calculated based on the actual volume or the space that the shipment occupies in a shared shipping container, which is usually at a minimum of 1 CBM. If the total volume of the load is less than the minimum, then the charges will be considered as 1 CBM. That being said, even if your goods take far less space than the minimal requirement, you will still be obligated to pay the cost for the minimum volume.

If ocean freight is calculated based on the actual volume, air freight charges either by the gross weight or the volume weight, whichever is higher. For example, a 0.8 CBM shipment with a gross weight of 50kg will have a volume weight of 160kg when shipped using Air express. If sent using LCL, the cost will be based on the ocean freight’s minimum of 1 CBM.

Advantages of shipping LCL

Save cost: You can ship your products by LCL as soon as they come off the production line without breaking your budget.

Truncated shipping times: It ensures that your customers get the product they need, when they need it. Also save on inventory and warehousing costs.

Flexible: Consolidation providers consolidate shipments from several customers to fill an entire container, and you will only pay for the space you use. You can choose a reliable freight forwarder if you need LCL service. TJ China freight is your optimal choice if you need China freight forwarding service.

Is LCL Right for you?

If you’re not sure which one to choose, LCL or LCL? Feel free to contact our expert forwarder team of TJ China freight. We’ll run you through making the best decision for your shipment.

/ By TJ China Freight / Cargo • International • Logistic • sea freight forwarder • Shipping

FCL Shipping: Meaning, Containers, Charges & More

Need shipping high volumes like furniture or fragile goods? You need FCL shipping. Let’s learn everything about shipping full containers load shipment.

  1. What does FCL mean? The definition of FCL
  2. How much does it cost to ship a shipping container?
  3. The benefits of shipping FCL
  4. Should I choose FCL?

What does FCL mean? The definition of FCL

FCL is a term used in sea freight to describe shipments that consist of a “full container load,” Full Container Load’, it is a container that is for the use of a single consignee. In international shipping, an FCL means a single container that is booked by the shipper exclusively for the transportation of their cargo only. The shipper doesn’t have to share the container with cargo booked by other shippers. This enhances security and simplifies ocean freight logistics management.

Standard container sizes are 20’ and 40’ containers; both sizes offer standard and high cube sizing.

How much does it cost to ship a shipping container?

When shipping FCL, the buyer is renting the whole container space at a fixed rate. Aside from the fixed ocean freight cost, the buyer also needs to consider some additional fixed costs, such as the handling charges and chassis fee. Shipping lines usually change rates based on the route’s demand, similar to commercial air travel, so it’s best to check the rates depending on when and where the container is going to be shipped.

Usually, the factors that affect the FCL rates are:

Here are some other factors that affect FCL pricing: Peak season, which typically hits between August to November. Holidays like new year, golden week, and others. So it is wise to arrange everything well in advance, and you can get the info from your China freight forwarder to avoid unnecessary extra expense.

The benefits of shipping FCL

Convenient: FCL shipments don’t need to be loaded and unloaded together with other shipments, which saves transit time.

Less Risk: Sealing containers at the factory means less handling and fewer opportunities for damage.

Cheap: The price per unit on LCL is high, so for larger shipments, paying the FCL flat fee saves money.

Short Transit Time: Air freight is the fastest way to ship. But if you have the time, you’ll save big by choosing FCL instead.

Should I choose FCL?

If you’re not sure which one to choose, FCL or LCL? Feel free to contact our expert forwarder team of TJ China freight. We’ll run you through making the best decision for your shipment.

 

Request Free Quote NOW