Category: <span>China Freight News</span>

India is the second most populated country after China with a fast-growing urban economy who largely consume USA product.

This has seen a growth curve in the shipping trade from the USA to India for commercial, household, and personal products.

If you want to learn more about shipping from the USA to India, you will find all information right here.

Keep reading to learn more.

Calculating the Cost of Shipping from the USA to India

The cost of shipping consignment from the USA to India varies depending on the following factors:

· Shipping Destination

Shipping destination affects the cost of shipping depending on the pickup point in the USA and destination of arrival in India.

The locations are ranked from zone 1 to zone 8 and the higher the zone the higher the cost of shipping.

Mode of Shipping; Air or Ocean Freight

Airfreight charges are more expensive than ocean freight for the same weight of goods.

Type of Ocean Freight Shipping Method

Less container load (LCL) calculates the space occupied in the container whereas full container load (FCL) factors the whole container.

This makes LCL shipping costs cheaper than FCL.

Package Dimensional Weight

Carriers use the dimensional weight (DIM) of the package to calculate the shipping rates.

They achieve this by multiplying the length width and height and dividing by the standard DIM figure.

Package Weight of the Goods

The weight of the package is compared against the DIM, and the higher one is used to calculate the shipping rates.

The heavier the package the higher the cost of shipping.

Value of Package

The higher the value of the package higher the cost of shipping because of the need to ensure the goods during transit.

Insurance protects you from damage or loss when shipping.

How to Reduce Cost of Shipping from the USA to India

Shipping cost is one of the most expensive transactions when shipping from the USA to India.

To cut on this cost, the buyer can try the following:

• Negotiate for shipping discounts with the carriers. This is very possible if you are a regular client.
• Use your shipping account number to boost your shipping volume. This can easily earn you cheaper rates or points that you can redeem.
• Bulk buying of supplies offers you discounted rates that you can use to ship.
• Know your package size to help use the right packaging boxes. Using bigger boxes for a smaller package may cost you more since they affect the weight and size.
• Get quotations from different carriers and go for the lower rate but with a good shipping reputation.
• Use third-party insurance because it is cheaper than carrier insurance.
• Use shipping options such as less container load for bulk but few goods
• Use flat-rate packaging which does not usually vary
• Liaise with the supplier to send goods directly to you using your account number. This eliminates the cost of paying a third party to handle your shipment.
• Take advantage of the free shipping services season
• Use online payment options to save you a few coins. Some carriers offer discounts on the online payment or free pick-up services.
• Use the nearest and shortest route to reduce shipping distance, also frequent usage of a route may earn you discounts.

How to Work with Freight Forwarders when Shipping from the USA to India

Freight forwarders are intermediary companies that assist with the transportation of goods from the USA to India on behalf of a buyer.

They are able to coordinate the movement of goods efficiently, are reliable, and can negotiate for affordable rates with carriers.

Services provided by Freight Forwarding Companies include:

• Warehousing or storage of goods in the USA and upon arrival in India
• Packaging of goods
• Facilitate transportation of goods from the USA to India
• Customs clearance in USA and India
• Provide shipping documentation and insurance
• Shipment tracking during transit
• Handling of dangerous goods

It is important to note that Indian freight forwarders also have a list of restricted goods such as flammables, narcotics, weapons, etc.

Working with freight forwarders involve:

1. Hire a freight forwarding company based in the USA. The forwarding company will then provide a free shipping mailing address in the USA where the goods can be dropped.

2. Discuss the incoterms that perfectly apply to your specific cargo. This will determine the shipping cost, risks involved and cost responsibilities for parties involved.

3. The forwarder provides a quotation with a breakdown of costs and the insurance cover clearly stated.

4. Once an agreement is reached, provide the shipping instructions to them such as

a) mode of shipping; air or sea,

b) pickup and drop off destination,

c) handling instructions; packaging, labeling, loading and unloading, storage, etc.

5) Provide the right documents for the goods to be shipped

Advantage of using a Freight forwarder when Shipping from the USA to India

• They make transporting of goods from the USA to India seamless thus giving you time to focus on other things
• They take full responsibility for goods during shipment and customs clearance at the point of exit and entry.
• The buyer gets a free USA mailing address and 24 hours seven days customer service
• Offer good rates since they can negotiate better prices with carriers
• Provide professional guidance to exporters and are able to handle any arising issues during shipment.
• Can provide door to door, door to port, or port to port services.
• Eliminates severally third-party handlers during shipment.

Remember, freight forwarders can also help you when shipping from India to USA.

Customs Laws and Rules when Shipping from the USA to India

Understanding the customs and laws regulations governing export from the USA and import in India is very crucial.

This will avoid incidences such as seizure of goods or penalties and extra fees associated with flaunting these regulations.

When exporting from USA, export customs laws and regulations are enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

CBP ensure that all the shipping paperwork submitted are correct and matches the items being exported.

They check if the goods have met all the export terms of labeling, classification and comply with the set customs law. Once they are satisfied, they clear the goods ready for shipment.

Upon entry to India territory, a different set of customs laws come into play as stipulated in the Customs Act (1962) Article.

Importing business must register with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade to obtain an Importer and Exporter Code (IEC) number.

The Indian customs clearance official ensures that the IEC number is indicated in all the documents before clearing goods except gifts.

Also, correct HS classification is required to decide on goods that need import license and import declaration form.

Failure to comply with customs policy may delay clearance and even deny entry of goods and charge a fine.

Applicable Tariffs, Taxes, and Duty when Shipping from the USA to India

Tariffs, taxes, and duties are charged on goods depending on their HS classification from the USA and India.

The import tariff is ten percent the value of goods after Goods and Service Tax (GST) applies to all imports.

India does not have a “de minimis” value clause therefore taxes are paid on goods upon arrival while this is not payable in the USA.

Export duty is paid in the USA before the goods are cleared by customs for shipping depending on the type of goods.

Documents you Need when Shipping from the USA to India Shipping

These are documents needed to facilitate seamless shipping of goods from the USA to India without customs seizure or fines.

It is important to know the document required by the Indian customs before goods are released from the USA.

Most of these documents are prepared by the freight forwarders and customs brokers, and, you should ensure that they are up to date.

These documents include:

Proforma Invoice

A proforma invoice is a quotation provided when one is making inquiries of certain goods and resembles an actual invoice.

It does not have any financial or legal impact as the actual invoice but can be used to make payment.

This document can be used for customs clearance of the goods shipped however it is not a requirement.

Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice is a document that details the products being shipped, the parties involved addresses, shipping reasons, etc.

Customs personnel uses this document to determine the import taxes and duty for the goods.

It also shows the harmonized codes (HS) and country of manufacture for the shipped products to assist with product classification.

A commercial invoice is proof of the transaction between the buyer and the vendor.

Insurance Certificate

During transit, goods are exposed to various types of risks such as loss, damage, quality deterioration among others.

It is therefore important for the sender to cover the goods from such risks by taking an insurance cover.

The cover should clearly indicate the nature of risks covered, the type of goods insured, their destination, and terms and conditions.

Packing List

This document can be used interchangeably with the commercial invoice.

It contained itemized cargo including the weight, safety handling instruction, and how the goods are packaged.

It is important because shipping companies may use it to create BOL and also be part of bank payment document requirements.

Besides being used by USA customs to clear the cargo, it also helps clear disputes between shippers and freight handlers.

Airway Bill (AWB)

An airway bill is a non-negotiable shipping document between the shipper and the airline carrier detailing the cargo content.

This document is used at the cargo center in airports to received shipped goods.

It is also important because it enables real-time tracking of your cargo.

The goods information should be entered correctly in the AWB to avoid delays or even impounding by customs.

It is an equivalent of BOL that is used by airfreight carriers such as FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.

Certificate of Origin (COO)

Goods being shipped from the USA to India must be accompanied by a country-of-origin certificate.

This document indicates the country of manufacture of goods and has a seal of the chamber of commerce of USA.

This proofs that the goods being shipped have met the acceptable standard of manufacturing for India.

Indian authorities will also use it to generate the appropriate duty for different goods.

Shipper’s Letter of Instructions (SLI)

A shipper’s letter of instructions is provided by the exporting company to the freight forwarding company.

This document provides the logistics company with the necessary information of how to handle goods and where to deliver them.

This document is not standard for all the exporters however, they must include information such as:

• Name and contact information of the sender and the recipient
• Routing information (transportation method and destination)
• Goods description
• Shipment dimension and weight
• Incoterms

Bill of Lading (BOL)

This is the most important document whenever you are shipping goods from the USA to India regardless of mode of transportation.

It is a contract document between the shipping company and the sender.

It provides proof that the shipping company collected the shipment and will send it to the agreed destination.

BOL details the weight, volume, and nature of the goods loaded.

Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)

Goods that are classified as “dangerous” for shipping from the USA to India must be accompanied by this document.

It is a mandatory form for dangerous goods being shipped by airlines from the USA to India.

This form must be filled accurately and in line with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulation (DGR).

Each declared form must:

• Be filled in the acceptable form and manner
• All the information is accurate and legible
• The DGD has been done as per the DGR standards.

The shipper must declare, sign and date the form as a true copy of the information provided.

Export License

Is a legal document that authorizes a shipping company from the USA to transport goods to India.

Without an export license, a shipping company will not be allowed to move the goods from the USA to India.

Import License

India must issue an import permit to the handler of goods coming from the USA for clearance purposes.

This document will vary depending on the products being imported from the USA.

Bank Draft or Letter of Credit or any other form of Payment

Due to varying trade regulations between the USA and India, buyers can use a letter of credit (LC) as a form of payment. T

his letter is acquired from a reputable financial institution or banks to guarantee the seller payment of the goods.

The reason why this document is important is that it is a safe form of economic transaction.

Prohibited Goods to Ship from the USA to India

Prohibited goods are goods that have been banned from shipping from the USA to India.

Goods are prohibited on grounds of environmental, health, wildlife, and security concerns.

Some of the prohibited goods include:

a) Counterfeit or pirated goods.

b) Pornographic materials

c) Narcotic drugs

d) Antiquities

e) Animal products such as ivory, skin, some shells, tallow, wild animals’ parts and products

f) Exotic birds

g) Specified live animals and birds

h) Weapons

i) Literature or maps with incorrect India boundaries

j) Other meat and edible meat offal

k) Animal fats and oils

Restricted Goods to Ship from the USA to India

These are goods that may be shipped from the USA to India but under certain conditions. have restrictions due to volume, packaging, quantity, labeling, or product.

a) Sandalwood except handicraft products and oil

b) Electronics such as phones need IMEI number clearly displayed and television properly packaged.

c) Sample items for business below a certain value may not pay for duties and taxes.

d) Medicine must have both their chemical or scientific displayed and with a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from Assistant Drug Controller.

e) Natural uranium and its products are subject to Atomic Import Act

f) Jewelries that have precious metals or stones

g) Meat of Bovine animals or wild animals

h) Potatoes and garlic

i) Money Orders

j) Oil Products

k) Rare Earth Metals, Radioactive Elements of Isotopes

Types of Container to use when Shipping from USA to India

Shipping any bulky cargo from USA to India requires a container to package the goods in before loading onto a shipping vessel.

There are various types of shipping containers available for use during shipping, however, you need to consider the following:

Design

Ideal container should be easy to handle during loading, offloading and should be secure too.

Container Size

Containers come in standard sizes of 10, 20, and 40 feet with varying inside and outside dimensions, volume and gross weight.

The container you choose for your cargo should be able to accommodate them.

Container availability at the Shipping Hub

Major shipping ports in the USA have various container types available for shipping.

However, it is important to ensure that the particular container is available at your departure terminal of choice.

This eliminates the extra cost of having to ferry your goods to another port last minute.

Special Product needs

Certain goods being shipped from the USA to India do require a special type of containers such as reefers, thermal or military style.

The common types of containers for use for shipping from the USA to India are:

Dry Storage Containers

These are also known as the general-purpose containers and are the most commonly used containers.

It comes in the standard size of 10, 20, and 40 feet.

The general-purpose container is fully enclosed and are weatherproof and is used in the shipping and storage of general cargo.

Those fitted with liner bags or flexitanks can also ship bulk liquid cargo.

Tunnel Containers

Also referred to double door containers as they have doors on both sides.

The doors are well secured and have weather tight seals.

They make loading and offloading of goods faster due to ease of access to goods.

They are common with shipping of materials such as steel and iron rods.

Flat Rack Containers

Flat rack containers have collapsible sides and stable walls to secure the cargo in transit.

The sides are folded to create more room for oversized goods such as heavy machinery, vehicles, construction materials, etc.

High Cube Containers

These containers are structural to dry containers but about 1 foot taller.

They are available in 40 feet or 45 feet size and are used to ship bigger cargo that cannot fit the general-purpose containers.

What makes them slightly taller is the gooseneck chassis from the front to the center of their floor.

ISO Reefers Containers

Reefers are a special type of container suitable for shipping and storage of temperature-sensitive goods such as meat, fruits, etc.

They are made from special steel known as “Cor-ten” steel and are connected to an external power supply for temperature regulation.

ISO reefer containers are available in 20 and 40 feet.

Insulated Containers

These are special containers that can withstand both hot and cold temperatures.

They are equipped with a mechanical compressor that heats or cools the air inside the container.

Insulated containers are also known as thermal containers because of their temperature tolerance.

They are built using the same vacuum seal technology applied in vacuum bottles.

They are ideal for shipping food products, chemicals, medical products such as blood and organs.

Open Top Containers

These types of containers have a removable top to accommodate goods with extra height and cannot fir through the container door.

Such goods include tall machinery, heavy finished products, etc.

They come in 20 and 40 feet and are loaded using cranes or rolling bridges.

The cargo is secured using lashing rings fitted in upper and lower parts of the container.

Open Side Containers

Open side containers are very much alike to general-purpose containers, only that they can be opened on the side too.

They are suitable for goods that cannot fit through the regular doors and also makes loading and offloading easier.

Tank Containers

Tankers are used for shipping of liquid goods therefore they are made of anti-corrosive materials and strong steel materials.

They must to be filled to 80% capacity to avoid liquid tossing during transit and below 95% to allow thermal expansion.

Half-Height Container

These are short in heigh and with a low center of gravity.

They are used for shipping heavy and dense bulky goods such as mining products; stones, coal, etc.

They are made from strong materials making them durable and able to withstand bulky and heavy cargo.

Using Airfreight from the USA to India

When exporting high-value, small volume, and time-sensitive goods from the USA to India, using airfreight is the ideal mode of shipping.

Benefits of Air Freight from the USA to India

• Fastest shipping method from the USA to India especially for goods needed in India urgently
• Takes between three to eight days to arrive at India airport
• It is ideal for cargo that weighs less than one hundred kilograms (100 kgs)
• The cost of insurance premium is cheaper than for ocean freight
• It allows small goods that can fit up to three standard pallets to be shipped
• Highly valuable consignment that needs maximum security is secure at the airport

Disadvantages of Airfreight

• Airfreight are very expensive means of shipping from USA to India
• They cannot ship bulky good above 100 kgs.

Main Airports in USA

• Los Angeles Airport
• Miami Airport
• New York Airport
• Atlanta
• Boston
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco
• Chicago
• Cleveland

Main Airports in India

• Delhi
• Bangalore
• Mumbai
• Chennai
• Ahmedabad
• Kolkata

Airlines to use when Shipping from the USA to India

• Air India
• United Airlines
• Delta Airline
• Air France
• Jet Airways
• Virgin Atlantic

Using Ocean Freight from the USA to India

Alternatively, you can use ocean freight from the USA to India.

Benefits of Ocean Freight from the USA to India

• Bulk merchandise beyond one hundred kilograms
• Cheaper than airfreight in terms of cost
• When not in a hurry

Main Seaports in the USA

• San Francisco
• Los Angeles
• Long Beach
• Atlanta
• Chicago
• New York
• Baltimore
• Boston
• Philadelphia
• Newark
• Houston
• Jacksonville
• Miami
• Oakland
• Savannah
• Norfolk

Main Seaports in India

• Mundra
• Haldia
• Nhava Sheva
• Visakhapatnam
• Chennai
• Kolkata
• Cochin

Shipping Companies to use when Importing from the USA to India

• Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
• Maersk
• United Parcel Service of America Inc
• FedEx Corporation
• Evergreen Marine Corporation
• American President Lines Limited

Drop Shipping from USA to India

Dropshipping is a supply chain format whereby the seller does not have a physical inventory of the items sold.

The buyer from India orders from the online seller who thereafter sends the order to the manufacturer or wholesaler.

Upon receipt of the order, the wholesaler or manufacture then ships the items directly to the purchaser in India.

The online seller is responsible for marketing and selling a product, however, they do not determine product quality, stock availability or shipping.

As such, they avoid stock expenses, storage facilities such as warehouse and staff employment.

These sellers make their money from the difference between the selling price and the wholesale price after deducting the shipping costs.

The process of drop shipping from USA to India does not need a physical store but a website with mailing information.

This form of shipping is legal and does not force the retailers to disclose to the buyer.

To this end, “blind shipping” method is adopted. In this case, the goods shipped have the address of the seller and not the wholesaler.

Sellers practicing drop shipping from USA to India have company profile with their details that is used in shipping the goods.

Drop shipping transaction is common with expensive commodities that require large stock capital.

Some of the online sites that one can find drop shipping common in the USA are eBay, Spotify, Amazon etc.

The downside of drop shipping is that the stock may be unavailable with the wholesaler thereby delaying shipping. This in turn may ruin the seller’s reputation with the online clients leaving a bad review.

Secondly, there are online scammer who lure potential seller with a “work from home” tag and are middlemen. They therefore eat on the seller’s profit since they are not wholesalers.

How LCL Shipping from USA Compare to FCL Shipping from India

Less than Container Load (LCL) is a type of ocean freight method in which small consignments share one shipping container.

Small consignments from different business can be shipped once using this method.

All the necessary custom checks are done in USA before the container is loaded into the ship for dispatch.

Full Container Load (FCL) method unlike the LCL, has only one consignment loaded into the container without necessarily filling it.

LCL shipping only charge you for the space occupied in the container while FCL charges for the whole container.

In LCL shipping takes longer time because they have to go through different hubs to drop or pick other cargos.

FCL is exclusive to one cargo thus it takes shorter time to arrive because it does not need to stop anywhere.

FCL is safe because you can seal the whole container and only open when it arrives at the port. LCL cannot be sealed due to groupage of goods with other shippers.

Types of Courier Services from the USA to India

There are various courier services that you can select to facilitate the shipping of goods from the USA to India.

Some of the courier services include FedEx, DHL, India Post, UPS, TNT, Aramex, U.S. Postal Services (USPS), DTDC, Posta plus, etc.

Courier services from the USA can pick, ship, and drop off goods at your preferred location.

This eliminates handling of the package by different parties that may result in damage or loss.

To use courier services to ship your goods, you need to have an account number with them to facilitate the booking process.

Courier services have software that you use to book for your shipment.

With this, you are able to select the type of shipment that suits your product needs.

For instance; standard or express, time and date of pick up and shipping, handling requirement, racking details and delivery proof.

Advantages of Courier Services

• Courier services offer affordable shipping rates for documents, parcel or mail.
• They are a speedy form of shipping; with same day delivery and between one to two days delivery time.
• They are professional at handling goods, fragile items are safe in their hands
• It is easy to book and track your shipment throughout
• They offer other services such as picking, packaging and dropping off the luggage to your doorstep. They also offer pallet shipping and warehouse storage of goods.

Top Products Shipping from the USA to India

India has a large and diverse population that seeks a lot of commodities from the USA.

These products are both commercial and domestic products.

Top of the list of some of the goods they import include:

• Electronics
• Machinery
• Dietary supplements for their daily fitness routine
• Cosmetic items such as skincare products, makeups, nail polish, etc.
• Men and women clothes from different designs brands
• Toys and video games

Door to Door Shipping from the USA to India

Door to door shipping from the USA to India can be handled by freight forwarding companies.

They ensure that your goods are collected from their source in the USA and delivered to your final destination in India.

This process eliminates the use of many intermediaries during the shipping process and is easy to track.

Incoterm applicable for this service is DAP and it does not cover any taxes and duties applicable.

Door to door services involve:

• Collection of goods from the indicated address in USA such as from factory for manufactured goods or house for household items.
• Shipping the consignment as per your instructions.
• Customs clearance both in USA and India including custom fees but not taxes or duties.
• Delivery to your doorstep location in India.

How to Package Products when Shipping from the USA To India.

Proper packaging is necessary to reduce damaging

If you’re wondering what AQL is all about, you will find all information right here.

From the basic definition, importance, standards to other vital terms relating to AQL.

Keep reading to learn more.

What does AQL Stand for?

According to ISO 2859-1, AQL represents the Accepted Quality Level.

What is the Meaning of AQL?

Accepted Quality Level (AQL) is the maximum quantity of defects accepted in a product.

During sampling of products for quality check, AQL is used as a baseline to determine whether a given shipment is accepted or rejected.

It is an internationally recognized system used to ascertain the quality in % of the sample compared to the total shipment.

What is the Significance of AQL in International Shipping?

Quality control can be nerve-wracking when it comes to international shipping, but is it crucial.

You want the best products from your seller free of defects.

You are also short of the budget and workforce to do an individual assessment on each product scheduled for shipping.

In this case, AQL sampling comes in handy to ensure you get value for your money.

By doing a quality check at the production point, you ascertain your products’ quality before they are shipped.

AQL sampling offers time convenience because you don’t want to inspect the whole lot being shipped.

You’d take a lot of time and incur huge expenses doing a 100% quality check.

Unlike the arbitrary sampling method where you choose, say 10% of the total order.

AQL sampling provides a unique random process that ensures the result is accurate and unbiased.

What is the Importance of Getting an AQL inspection?

Inspection is critical in ensuring your supplier is regularly providing quality goods that match your money.

AQL is preferred in most cases since it allows for a fair representation of what the whole order contains.

Getting an AQL inspection has the following benefits;

• You want to check the quality of your order, but at the same time, you want your order to be shipped as quickly as possible.

Having a sample taken for inspection saves you time and assure you of quality.

• 100% inspection of the order is expensive and requires a larger workforce.

Settling for AQL sampling will save you on costs without compromising the quality check results.

• AQL sampling offers specific results that are subjective to the desired quality checks.

It is a direct method and is based on acceptance and rejection.

If the defects in the sample surpass a set limit, you automatically reject the order.

How Many Types of AQL are there?

Two types of AQL are further subdivided into different levels.

General Inspection Level

The general inspection level is the widely used AQL when the quality check has no impact on the products, and time and resources are not a factor.

It includes;

GI Inspection Level

The GI inspection level is the most economical and time-saving.

It picks on the smallest sample size to analyze the quality of the entire supply.

GI is useful when dealing with return suppliers who have a history of providing you with quality products.

It is also useful when you are not ready to meet the costs and lack the time needed to carry out thorough inspections.

GI level employs the use of set standards during quality checks to give conclusions.

As an importer, you can set your quality level for minor defects at 4 and 0 for critical defects.

This means that if defective products in the sample size exceed 4%, then you reject the products.

The higher you place your acceptable quality level, the higher you tolerate defective products in your shipment.

GII Inspection Level

GII is also referred to as the normal sample size.

Most importers adopt it as it includes major products in the sample at a lower cost.

It is useful when dealing with a client for the first time or sourcing new orders from the same supplier.

With GII, you are assessing the quality of the first batch of orders.

If you are using the same quality level, you should raise your acceptable level since there is an increase in sample size.

GIII Inspection Level

From the trend, GII takes the longest time as it includes the biggest sample size.

However, GII inspection is critical has it gives the best result in terms of a representative quality.

GIII is useful in cases where your supplier has a lousy reputation for continuously supplying defective products.

Also, when dealing with a supplier for the first time or when the product is of higher value and directly affects people’s health.

Nevertheless, GIII takes the longest time.

It is only appropriate if you are willing to spend more time and can afford the cost of hiring a workforce for the sampling.

Special Inspection Level

The special inspection level is used when you need to verify quality, but the time and resources available are limited.

It is grouped into four categories, each with a set AQL number for acceptance and rejection.

What do the Three Categories of Critical, Major, and Minor Defects mean in AQL?

These are categories of defects o AQL sampling.

Minor Defects

Minor defects refer to products that have the least deviation from the intended quality.

Such products are accepted because, despite their slight defection, consumers won’t mind using or purchasing them.

An example is an ordered radio that lacks one or two screws but is still functioning.

The minor defects are assigned a large AQL (4.0), which means their rejection rates are low.

Major Defects

It refers to products that, during the time of production, fail to meet the quality standards.

The products have a higher probability of being rejected in the market.

An example of such a product can be a television that operates but lacks the remote.

The products have a slightly higher probability of being rejected (2.5).

Critical Defects

They are usually in specific industries where a single error can lead to a lot of damage.

Therefore, critical defects are unacceptable.

When a quality inspection is done, and a single defect is discovered, the whole lot is rejected.

An example is a mobile phone that continuously heats up while in the pocket.

This affects the health and is rate 0.

How is AQL Calculated?

The use of the AQL continues evolving since the 1920s when it was first designed.

The goal is to have products that have 95% chances of being accepted by the customer.

There is no default AQL limit prescribed for use.

You can choose a critical limit (0) if the order should have no defect and minor (2.5) for consumables.

Major (4) is recommendable in cases where your consumers are not strict on quality.

You can use the online AQL calculator tool to give you the sample size.

Input the lot size, then select the inspection type, either general or specific.

The next step is choosing the inspection level and, finally, the AQL.

The tool is automated and will give you the accept point and the reject point.

What is the Standard AQL?

There is no standard AQL that is used for assessing quality in all products.

It depends on an individual customer’s needs and that of the supplier.

Setting the AQL lower can lead to rejection by the supplier while setting it higher can lead to having more defective goods.

You should set the AQL limit after analyzing the market you operate and the type of goods you want to order.

What does AQL 2.5 Mean?

An Accepted Quality Level of 2.5 means that out of the sample picked for inspection, the buyer is willing to accept a defective rate of 2.5% of the total shipment.

If the number of defective products is above 2.5% of the order, then the order is rejected.

Conversely, if the total number of defective products is less than 2.5%, the order is accepted.

What does AQL 4.0 Mean?

AQL 4.0 provides the largest freedom of accepted defects.

It refers to the total amount of defective products the customer can take.

AQL 4 is used for minor defects and in cases where users of the products will still go ahead and purchase the product despite the defect.

What does AQL 1.5 Medical-grade Mean?

AQL 1.5 means that if the defective products are above 1.5% in the total order, the order is rejected.

On the other hand, AQL 1.5 is used to inform the suppliers that the order will only be accepted if the total defects are less than 1.5% of the whole order.

What Does an AQL 0.65 Mean?

After sampling and conducting a quality check, the sample’s total defects are converted to give a probability of defective products in the whole lot.

AQL 0.65 means that the customer will only accept the order if the number of defective products in the whole lot is less than 0.65%.

What is PPM, and How does it Relate to AQL?

Ppm refers to parts per million.

It is frequently used in the manufacturing industry to evaluate defective products per million of production.

Suppose you placed a shipment of 1000 goods and got 25 defective products.

The defective rate will be 25/1000= 0.025.

In such a case, the ppm would be 0.025 X 1,000,000 = 25,000ppm.

Meaning that out of a million manufactured products, twenty-five thousand are defective.

Ppm’s implication is to show you the probability of the actual defective products you can get from a single manufacturer if you increase or reduce your order.

When should you Use AQL Sampling in International Shipping?

When it comes to international shipping, you are mostly dealing with suppliers outside your reach.

Most of the time, you want to ensure that only quality products aboard the shipping vessels for delivery.

Therefore, you need to have a proper technique for verifying quality to reduce defective goods instances.

Other quality check techniques can involve a 100% check on the order.

But this is expensive and time-consuming hence the need to choose the AQL sampling method.

The AQL sampling technique is effective if;

• Your supplier’s manufacturing method is automated, and the production is done in batches.

AQL is therefore done to ascertain that each pack meets the required quality threshold.

• Suppose your supplier’s reputation shows that they are not predictable in supplying 100% quality goods.

You can use an AQL that will allow you to verify the quality being shipped and make decisions before the goods are shipped.

• When dealing with large orders and normal quality inspections deem to be time-consuming and expensive.

How do you Read the Sampling Table in AQL?

The AQL sampling table might look confusing for first-time shippers.

But as you continue placing more and more orders, you will understand how to read the AQL table and appreciate it.

There are two sampling AQL tables.

The first table contains the sample size code letters.

It includes the lot sizes, three general inspection levels, and four special inspection levels.

The lot size offers ranges for the number of orders you have placed.

While the general inspection level and the special inspection levels provide the AQL, you will use.

The second table provides the sample size code letters and the sample sizes. It also provides the AQL levels for rejection and acceptance.

To read the table and know whether you should accept or reject the order, you start by knowing your order quantity.

1. In the first table, select the category in which your order falls. Then select the AQL that provides you minimum accepted defects.
2. On the same column as your order quantity, read the letter to your right and below the chosen AQL level.
3. After reading the sample size code letter, move to the second table on single sampling plans for normal inspection. Read the letter against the AQL codes, along the same row in the second column; you will find the sample size.

As you move to the next column and below the AQL you chose, read the two numbers, that of the accepted quality level and the rejected quality level.

If the sample size has a large number of defective products, it will be rejected.

What is the C=0 Sampling Plan?

The C=0 sampling plan is used in sensitive goods where not even a single defect is needed.

Under the C=0 plan, products are accepted only if zero defects are observed during the inspection.

If a single defect is observed from the sample, the whole order is rejected.

The purpose of using the C=0 sampling plan is to protect consumers who deal in products that relate to health and welfare.

The C=O plan means that the order must meet 100% quality standards to be accepted.

What is Normal Inspection?

Normal inspection is also referred to as the Level II inspection. It is used when there is no cause for alarm on the quality of the order.

It is the default inspection type and is preferred in more than 90% of inspections.

The normal inspection gives either greater discrimination or lesser discrimination hence ideal.

Is AQL Better than a Normal Inspection?

You already know what AQL is about inspecting a sample of the whole order to determine if it meets the minimum quality standard.

Normal inspection is used only when there is no reason to have defective products in the lot.

Therefore, AQL is more reliable, and the findings give an accurate representation of the whole lot ordered.

What is AQL in Textile?

The term AQL is commonly used in the textile industry to define the maximum percentage of acceptable defects.

AQL shows the quality level of the manufactured textile that meets the consumer’s demand.

It is essential to understand that the minimum percentage differs from one buyer to the other.

There is no static AQL that is accepted by all customers.

There are four classifications of AQL in the textile industry.

• Minor defects usually at 4% (the highest level of accepted defects, but consumers won’t mind purchasing the product).
• Major defects normally at 2.5% (Customers won’t consider the products)
• Critical defects no range (The garment must be 100% original, and any slight defects will lead to rejection by customers)
• Slight defects are rated at 0.65% and are always detected within the manufacturing process.

What is LTPD?

Lot Tolerance Percent Defective (LTPD) is the total quality level usually rejected by the sampling plan.

It shows the frequency in which the total defect quantity will be accepted 10% of the time and rejected 90%.

Essentially, LTPD shows the confidence level within which the results from a sample plan will be rejected or accepted.

How does AQL compare to LTPD?

AQL refers to the maximum defect rate accepted by a customer before allowing the goods to be shipped.

Conversely, LTPD refers to the level of quality that is frequently rejected by the sampling plan.

LTPD is the percent defective per hundred units that the sampling plan will accept 10% and reject 90%.

How do you Determine Sample Size in AQL Sampling?

The sample size refers to the representative number of products included in the quality analysis.

The ANSI ZI.4-2013 provides a standard chart used to determine the sample size.

There is the lot size representing the total quantity of orders you’ve placed in the first chart.

You can choose an inspection level under the general inspection levels in the category where your order falls.

Once you have the letter corresponding to the order quantity and the inspection level, head over to table two, along with the columns, you will see your sample size.

What are the Alternatives of AQL for Quality Inspection?

Depending on the industry and shipping country, your products must conform to specific standards measured using certain quality inspection techniques.

AQL is not sufficient and sometimes leaves critical details that constitute the quality of the product.

Other alternatives to the AQL sampling technique are;

• Confidence/reliability calculations- provides a simpler method of calculations using tables and electronic spreadsheets.
• AOQL
• Attribute data
• Squeglia’s C=0
• OC curves
• ANSI Z1.4

How do you Determine an AQL Sampling Plan?

An AQL sampling plan is simply a detailed sampling execution program.

The sample plan outlines the purpose of the plan, who will carry out the sample, the time, and which material will be used.

AQL provides a guide on how the sampling goals will be achieved and how the collected data will correctly represent the whole order.

The steps involved in the AQL sampling plan include:

• Identifying the features to be evaluated, the range of values to be used, and the desired results to be achieved.
• You then decide a scheme of work on the timing and the number of samples to be taken.
• Choose the sample size.
• Formulate how data gathered will be stored.
• Assign the sampling team their roles and responsibilities.

An AQL sampling plan is not complete until it is agreed upon and accepted by the whole sampling execution team.

What is the AQL Level?

When dealing with international business, you must set quality standards on the goods that your supplier ships.

AQL level provides you with a means to verify the quality of the order you placed before they are loaded for shipping.

The AQL level is the minimum quality that the order must meet before it is accepted.

It provides the maximum number of defective products that can be accepted.

How do you Choose an AQL Limit for your Products?

There are different AQL limits allowed when importing.

There is no restriction on what you can choose.

All you have to do is decide the maximum number of defective products you can allow in your order.

Before choosing the maximum AQL limit for your order, you should first consider,

Market

Some markets are competitive and require high-end products.

Such markets require strict quality monitoring, and you can choose to have lower AQL limits.

If you are operating a boutique, you can choose to have strict AQL like 1, 1.5, 0.2.

On the other hand, if your market is open low end, markets where your customers consider price before quality, you can choose looser AQL limits like 2.5 and 4.

User Risks

Suppose you are operating in critical industries that deal with human welfare, such as pharmaceuticals and the transportation industry.

In that case, your AQL level must be high, and sometimes no single defect is allowed.

Such industries can have AQL levels of less than 1%.

Can AQL Guarantee Zero Defective Goods?

No.

All manufacturing processes are marred with flaws.

No supplier can guarantee you 100% quality products.

AQL sampling method is effective in saving time and costs in inspections.

Sometimes the probability that the defective good in the order is picked is not guaranteed.

Besides, AQL only checks the quality standard against a predetermined checklist.

Therefore, some defects go unnoticed.

There is no guarantee that AQL will offer zero defective goods.

You should use more than one quality check technique to ensure that your order meets the desired quality level.

Can you Save a Defective Batch of Goods after AQL Sampling?

It depends.

The results of an AQL sampling leave a lot to discuss how you handle defective products.

It is paramount to priorly agree with your supplier in advance on how to handle faulty goods.

During sampling, the lower your AQL limit, the higher the chances of finding more defective products.

In such a case, if the order does not meet your AQL limits, you reject the whole order.

However, if the order meets your AQL limit but you still find some defective products, the decision is yours.

It will depend on your agreement with the supplier.

You can choose to keep the defective products, have your supplier change them, or chargeback the supplier’s defective products’ cost.

Is it Possible to do your Sampling Plan for Goods?

Yes.

Depending on your needs, you can choose to do your sampling plan.

However, choosing your sampling plan puts you at the risk of allowing more defective products to pass the test of quality.

It would help if you stuck to the prescribed sampling standard because it offers an accepted outline of choosing a suitable sample size.

The results are conclusive enough to make informed decisions.

How do you Determine the Sample Size in AQL?

The sample size is the number of representative units that are used to carry out the tests.

In AQL, the sample size should be as representative as possible.

You can get the sample size directly from the standard AQL table.

• Decide the AQL you will use and its category, whether it falls under the general or special level.
• Locate your order quantity in the row containing lot size.
• Along the same column with your order quantity, move towards the right until you are directly below the AQL you chose and record the letter.
• With the letter, move to table two and in the first column, move to the second column on the same row you will find the sample size to use in the test.

Can you have the Same AQL Limit for All Products going Through the Same Distribution Channel?

Yes, but is it is not advisable.

When shipping from overseas, you need to be strict when it comes to quality control.

You can opt for the normal AQL limits such as 0, 1.5, and 0.25 for products going through the same distribution channel.

This is only if you’re sure that nothing will change in the manufacturing process or components used in production.

Otherwise, you ought to be stricter with your acceptable defect levels.

In this case, choose limits of 0, 1, 1.5, or 2.5 to represent critical, major, and minor defects, respectively.

Note that before deciding on the AQL limit to use in your product, there are several factors you should consider.

First, your target market will greatly dictate the AQL limit you choose.

In the competitive market, you should decide on a strict AQL limit.

Secondly, the type of product you deal in will greatly affect the AQL limit you use.

Suppose you are dealing in general consumables, and your customers will purchase your products regardless of quality.

You can choose the same AQL limit while operating through the same distribution channel.

Is AQL Sampling Standard only for Finished Products?

Not really.

AQL sampling can be done on any product.

This is as long as the sample size can be classified as ‘ok’ or ‘defective.’

Note that the AQL sampling standard is used for checking lots of goods.

It can also be used to verify the accuracy of inventory or invoices.

What is RQL?

Rejectable Quality Level (RQL) refers to the highest number of defective products in a given order that the customer is willing to accept.

The RQL denotes the maximum risk a consumer is willing to take by accepting a definite percentage of defective goods.

How is RQL Calculated?

RQL is the defective rate that customers wish to reject at a higher proportion of times (β).

Suppose your consumer risk alpha is 0.10 and the RQL is 8%.

This means that you accept orders that have 8% defective goods 10% of the time.

What is the Relationship between AQL and RQL?

AQL determines what the sampling plan will accept, while RQL shows what the sampling plan will reject.

Both AQL and RQL are important in shipping.

The supplier and the consumer should agree on the highest defective rate that is acceptable.

They should also agree on the total number of defective products that the customer will accept.

What Happens when the Number of Defective Products is above the AQL?

After conducting the inspection and finding out that the number of defective products is higher than the AQL you have set, you don’t simply reject the order.

The majority of orders placed are not exact as ordered.

First, you should verify the quantity of orders placed and look at the probability of having other orders replace the defective ones.

Depending on your agreement with the supplier, you can transport the whole order to the factory for replacement.

Alternatively, you can have only the specific defective orders replaced.

As a Buyer, Should I Chargeback the Value of the Defective Products to the Manufacturer?

The purpose of conducting an AQL is to determine your products’ quality level before they are imported.

If the products fail to meet the AQL test, they are rejected, and your supplier is responsible for replacing them.

However, when the supplier provides other products subjected to a similar AQL check, they must pay for the subsequent AQL test.

What is Special Inspection Level in AQL?

There are two types of inspection levels in AQL sampling.

The majority of your shipment will use the general inspection level to determine the AQL limit.

The special inspection is effective in situations where;

• The result gotten from the test is the same across all the products.
• The time to carry out the tests is long, and you do not see value in keeping your goods waiting.
• The cost of carrying out the tests is high, and you are not willing to spend on it.

In such cases, you should work closely with your inspection company to get advice before deciding to continue with importation if they see the tests important.

What is the Difference Between the Special Inspection Level and the General Inspection Level?

Along the column, as you move right in the AQL table, the sample size reduces.

This means that the general inspection level offers more samples to be tested than the special inspection level.

Special inspection level is used when the test is conducted in the order is equal in the lot, while the general inspection level is used in different tests.

The time and cost of carrying out a special inspection level are less than needed to carry out the general inspection level.

Before settling to use general or special inspection level, first, consult and ensure the choice you make favors the quality you want in your products.

What is an Operating Characteristic Curve (OC)?

The OC curve is a chart that plots the relationship between the probability of acceptance and the percentage of defective goods.

This curve shows that when the percentage of defective items is zero, there is a 100% probability that the order will be accepted.

As the proportion of defective products increases, the probability of accepting the o

I know you’re looking for high-quality flexitank.

That’s why this guide explores all the fundamental aspects of flexitank – from design, benefits, limitations, to importing flexitank among other fundamental aspects.

Keep reading to learn more about flexitank.

What is Flexitank?

A flexitank refers to a flexible bag/ bladder that can be collapsed and fitted into an ISO container and used for the storage and transportation of non-regulated liquids.

A flexitank makes it possible to efficiently ship non-regulated liquids over longer distances either by sea, road, or rail.

In other words, flexitanks easily facilitate transportation by a normal dry good carrier into a liquid carrier.

How Important are Flexitanks?

Flexitanks offer a wide range of benefits some of them including;

• Cost-effectiveness – As compared to other storage equipment such as drums, tank containers, and IBS, flexitanks stand to be cheaper.

You are likely to spend one-third less than the cost you would incur when using traditional bulk liquid containers.

• Fastens loading and unloading – Since flexitanks don’t require the use of a forklift, the loading and unloading processes not only turn out to be cheaper but also faster.

Not forgetting that using a flexitank lowers your risk of product loss.

• Large shipping capacity – A flexitanks can hold up to 24,000 liters inside a general freight container.

Such containers ship 50% more than the bottled consignments.

Moreover, they can hold 40% more than drummed consignments and 15% more than intermediate bulk containers.

• Maintains product quality – Owing to the pumps and valves inside the flexitanks layers, they are not only resistant to air but also water.

As a result, the quality of the liquid remains intact.

• Less labor required – Flexitanks will need less labor owing to the following reasons;
• Convenient to handle
• Convenient to load and unload

With fewer labor requirements comes a low logistic cost.

• Eco-friendliness – Since flexitanks can be recycled they are proved to be safer for the environment.
• No cleaning cost – The bags are disposable and therefore the costs of cleaning are eliminated.

In addition to that, it is not mandatory to return the container, and therefore the transportation cost further lowers.

• No additional storage required – Flexitanks are a standalone storage unit and hence you will not need any other storage device.
• Flexitanks carry more payload.
• Easily available – Flexitanks can easily be shipped anywhere around the world within days and loaded into 20’ containers.

They do not require any preparation before use.

Other bulk transportation units require cleaning before use which can result in shortages more so when transporting non-hazardous liquids.

• Eliminates contamination risks –Since flexitanks are used to contain a single product at a time the risk of contamination is very minimal.
• Flexitanks can be available in remote areas.

What are the Disadvantages of Using Flexitank?

In as much as flexitanks offer a wide range of benefits, they as well have drawbacks that might render traditional drums and tanks a better option for you.

• Damage to containers – Flexitanks exert pressure on the sidewall panels of freight containers which makes them bulge beyond the normal size.

This can permanently disfigure the container and some carriers will avoid shipment of flexitanks.

• Unavailability of necessary equipment – You need to know that you might lack proper loading and unloading equipment in some facilities.

This limits the place you choose to transport your freight resulting in additional costs to transport the liquid to the desired destination.

• Potential leakage – In as much as flexitanks are made of several layers, they are still prone to leakages.

This can be a result of excessive force causing a crack or rupture leading to leakage.

As such, some carriers deviate from using this type of shipment and opt for other alternatives.

• Flexitanks can only be stuffed in 20’ DV containers.
• You cannot use more than one flexitank in a container

Do I need a Permit to Install Flexitank?

Generally, you don’t require any building permits to install a flexitank.

How do I Know the Size of Flexitank I need?

The volume of a flexitank can range from 16,000-24,000 liters.

That said, the size of flexitank you will need will depend on the type of liquid you intend to store/transport.

Different liquids will require a different amount of space whether it’s water, effluent, industrial or domestic liquids.

What Cargo can be Transported inside Flexitank?

Flexitank is used to transport any non-hazardous liquid materials. Such as liquids can either be;

• Water
• Wine and beer
• Oils
• Fertilizers
• Cleaning liquids
• Ink
• Emulsions
• Latex
• Glycerine
• Industrial oils
• Pharmaceutical
• Food additives
• Juice concentrates
• Syrups
• Animal oils and fats
• Adhesives
• Paper pulp
• Shampoo and cosmetic liquids
• Glues
• Milk

Keep in mind that some liquids need special storage as they might get thick as a result of low temperature.

In such cases, heating pads should be installed together with the flexitank.

Failure to consider this will slow down the emptying of the liquid from the flexitank.

How does Flexitank Reduce Transport Costs?

The use of flexitanks greatly reduces transport costs through the following ways;

• As compared to the traditional drums, flexitanks can accommodate and transport more liquid cargo in turn minimizing freight costs.
• Owing to the faster loading process, labor charges are extremely reduced.
• Customers can be allowed to load more than 20’ containers which in turn reduces the operational charges.

What Kind of Maintenance does a Flexitank Require?

The kind of maintenance that your flexitanks will require will be highly dependent on the type of liquid you are storing or transporting.

But the truth is that a flexitank has no special maintenance requirements.

How Strong are Flexitanks? Do they Burst?

In as much as flexitanks are made up of multiple layers, they are prone to cracks or rupture.

This can happen as a result of too much force which could cause leakage.

How do you Load Flexitank?

To begin with, it’s important to know that you should load your flexitank within -/+5% of their rated capacity.

Ensure that the container and the track are leveled for efficient loading of the flexitank.

Failure to observe this will result in sagging and imbalance which will cause damage to the flexitank.

Additionally, before you commence your loading, ensure that the container is free from nails, rust, glass, or sharp edges.

To make it safer, line the interior with corrugated paper or cardboard.

How do I Move Flexitank?

Once the container is loaded with fill flexitanks, you should lift it from the top instead of lifting it by the container forklift.

Failure to do so will not only damage the container and flexitank but also cause loss of product.

This will be due to the pressure that will be exerted on the sidewalls of the container.

When transporting your flexitank by road or rail, ensure that you declare it to the relevant approved officials depending on the region you are in.

Can I get a Custom-sized Flexitank?

Yes, you can get customized flexitanks based on the size that you want.

Chinese manufacturers and suppliers are willing to design your flexitank according to your preferred specifications.

Not forgetting that you can also have other features customized such as;

• Single or multiple layers
• Top or bottom loading options
• The air venting system
• Bulkhead options- This can either be plastic, carton, or MDF
• Heating pad system –Mostly applicable when transporting liquids with a high level of viscosity.
• Additional anti-oxidation protection

Are Flexitanks Depreciable?

Yes, they are depreciable.

Remember, flexitanks are tangible assets and you can roll them up and sell if the need arises.

This explains why they lose value over time and you can depreciate them at 25% per annum.

How Long do Flexitanks Last?

Flexitanks can last for as long as 20 years and longer under normal conditions.

Additionally, most of the manufacturers will offer you a 10-year warranty.

Should I Buy Flexitank from Factory or Alibaba?

Buying from the factory is always a suitable idea when purchasing your flexitanks.

The reason being not only will you get it at discounted prices but also you will get to bond face to face with your manufacturer.

This is quite advantageous more so If you are intending to do future business with them.

Also, buying directly from the factory curbs the likeliness of being scammed, and besides, you get to run a profitable business if at all you are a business person.

What Types of Flexitanks can I Import from China?

There are a few types of flexitanks available and your choice will be determined by the type of product you plan to store in it or transport.

Here are some of the commonly used types of flexitanks that you can import from China.

• Flexitanks single-use or reusable
• Auto trailer
• 20-foot
• Medium-duty (1000-liter, flexible canisters, paper IBC-tans, bag in box)
• Refrigerator
• Big-bag
• Liner-bag
• Monolayer flexitanks- Made up of a single polyethylene layer which is thicker than a multilayer flexitank.
• Multilayer flexitanks –Normally made up of two or more layers of polyethylene even though the standard requirement is 3 layers.
• Bilayer flexitanks – It has a layer of polyethylene and it’s thin and flexible but hard as a monolayer.

What Materials are Used in Preparing Flexitank?

Flexitanks are prepared using diverse types of materials not excluding;

• PVC
• Single and double layer polyethylene
• Multilayer polyethylene
• Bottom discharge
• Barrier tanks

What is the Cost of Flexitanks?

The cost of flexitanks ranges from as low as $60 to as much as $300 per piece and more.

You can also choose to purchase the per set and the prices will range from $80 per set to $2000 per set and more.

The cost of flexitanks might vary owing to the following factors;

• The size – the bigger the size the higher the price and vice versa.
• Types of flexitanks – Your flexitank might cost much or less depending on the type of product you plan to store or transport.
• The place of purchase – You will end up saving more when you make your purchases directly from the factory.
• Quality of flexitanks – You will dig deeper into your pockets if you choose to buy high-quality flexitanks as compared to the standard ones.

How can Flexitank Containers be Transported from China?

There are three main methods through which flexitanks can be transported from China namely;

• Road
• Rail
• Sea

Keep in mind, some flexitanks might be restricted to ship via rail freight if they lack certain quality standards.

Sea freight the slowest of them all and can take days or a month to arrive at the designated location.

On the other hand, road and rail transport are highly dependent on the infrastructure network between China and the country you are shipping to.

Meaning, if the designated region has no rail or road network connection to China this will be impossible.

How Should I Install Flexitank?

Installing a flexitank together with filling it will take more or less than one hour.

The installation alone will last from 20-30 minutes after which you will take 30 to 40 minutes to fill it with cargo.

Installing a flexitank is not much of a hassle as explained below;

• The first thing would be inspecting and cleaning the container very well.
• Lay corrugated papers on the inner sidewalls as well as the floor and afterward fix with tapes.
• Put the flexitanks inside the container and begin to unravel the face but with the valve outside. Afterward, fold it in a good shape to conveniently fit in the track.
• Place the steel and the hard paper pipes on the lock hole. Don’t forget to fix this with tape. Keep in mind that you can easily cut the pipe short when the need arises. The smooth side of the cardboard should face the inside of the container.
• Fix the bulkhead.
• Close the left door and attach a caution label.
• Start loading your liquid product.
• Finish loading, close the valves as well as fasten sock and close the other side.

Are there any Components or Baffles Inside the Flexitank?

No, there aren’t any components or baffles inside the flexitank.

Flexitanks are self –supporting therefore they get flat when they are empty.

What is an ISO Tank?

An ISO tank refers to a shipping container made of stainless steel that is used to transport both hazardous and non-hazardous liquid cargo.

The interior walls of an ISO tank have multiple protective layers to avert the reaction of steel with the liquid which can result in contamination.

What is the Difference Between ISO Tank Container and Flexitank?

ISO tanks are mostly preferred by industries in the transportation of bulk liquid cargo and do not need any additional packaging material.

On the other hand, flexitanks will need to be stored in a standard shipping container once they are full.

Also, ISO tanks can be used to transport both hazardous and non-hazardous liquid cargo while flexitanks are only limited to transporting non-hazardous liquids.

Why are Flexitanks Better than ISO Tanks and Drums?

There are a few reasons that make flexitanks stand out better than ISO tanks and drums. Let’s have a look at them below;

• Flexitanks can be recycled and therefore they are environmentally friendly.
• As compared to ISO tanks, flexitanks are always available for use since they do not require cleaning after use.
• Flexitanks are much safer to use as compared to ISO tanks and drums.
• Flexitanks make it possible to reuse a standard ocean container. On the other hand, you will need to empty and sent empty an ISO tank to another destination thus they are not viable.

What is the Maximum Loading Capacity of Flexitanks?

Flexitanks can accommodate from 10,000 to as much as 24,000 liters of liquid.

There are various sizes to choose from depending on your preferences and the type of product you are transporting.

Some of the most common models include; 16,000, 18,000, 20,000, 22,000, and 24,000 liters.

The common size of flexitanks used to transport Glycerin is 20,000 liters while olive oil is 22,000liters.

Most of the Latex and polyol use flexitanks with a capacity of 19,000 liters while wine will require 24,000 liters.

How do you Discharge Flexitank?

Upon arriving at the location, open the door on the right and attach the hose to the drain pump and valve then wait for the flexitank to get empty.

The time taken to empty depends on the viscosity of the liquid as well as the capacity of the pump.

On average, it might take a maximum of one hour.

Once the flexitank is almost empty, double the flexitank like a toothpaste tube is involved to help facilitate the complete download of the product.

After the flexitank is fully drained remove the flexitank from the container.

What is the Highest Temperature your Flexitank can Hold?

A flexitank can take up to a temperature of 80°C.

Nevertheless, it is recommended to keep it at 60°C and below.

If the loading temperature stays between 60°C and 70 °C leave the laden flexitank static for at least 8 hours after completing the loading process.

Where can I Buy Flexitanks in China?

Qingdao in Shandong province is the most popular region in China known for flexitanks manufacturing.

Other areas include Shanghai, Hubei, Jiangsu, Liaoning, and Zhejiang just to mention a few.

What is the Percentage of Residue in Flexitank?

The percentage of residue in a flexitank is 0.5% or less than 50kgs.

What is the Advantage of Bottom Loading?

Bottom loading is not only safer but also user-friendly as well as faster when it comes to loading and discharge.

It is considered safer since the loader doesn’t have to climb up the flexitank.

Can the Heating Pad in a Flexitank be Reused? How Long Does it Take to Heat the Liquid Cargo?

The heating pad is reusable.

Besides, the amount of time taken to heat the cargo will depend on the melting point of the product as well as the outdoor temperature.

The heating pad is positioned below the flexitank for proper exposure to the source of heat.

On average, the heating pad can take about 4 to 6 hours to heat the liquid.

Why should I Import Flexitanks from China?

There are several reasons as to why most flexitanks importers choose to ship their flexitanks from China and not any other country. Let’s have a look at them below;

• Affordability – Products in China are sold at very cost-effective prices and this doesn’t exclude flexitanks.

In addition to that, Chinese manufacturers and suppliers are always willing to negotiate on prices therefore you can easily land at the best prices.

• Quality – In China you are likely to come across both quality and low-quality items including flexitanks.

You need to ensure that you have done proper research and work with the right people.

Having done that, you can easily get a quality flexitank at relatively affordable prices more so when you purchase in bulk directly from the factory.

• Customization –Chinese flexitanks manufacturers are willing to customize your flexitank based on your preferred design and style.

Owing to this, many flexitank importers are attracted to purchasing from China and have unique flexitanks designed to their specifications.

• Uniqueness – Other than customization, you are likely to come across several other designs and types of flexitanks when buying from China.

Some of these are unique regardless of the customization options available.

• High-profit margins –Owing to the cost-effective prices of flexitanks in China, importers and business people end up making high-profit margins.

Think of it this way, you purchase a flexitank at $30 and later resell it at $120 or more. You end up gaining profits that triple the buying price.

The same applies to when purchasing flexitanks for business purposes.

Due to the low price, you will be willing to purchase more flexitanks in turn growing your business and increasing profits too.

• Many varieties – China has several manufacturing industries for flexitanks and therefore be sure to come across a diverse range of flexitanks.

How can I Buy Flexitanks from China?

There are several ways you can use to purchase your flexitanks from China.

The most common and easiest method being the use of sourcing agents.

Sourcing agents are quite helpful when it comes to importing or rather sourcing for anything from a foreign country.

This becomes even more helpful if you are an amateur in the import-export business.

Here is how you will benefit from using sourcing agents.

• Identify the appropriate manufacturer for you – Sourcing agents have a vast network of different manufacturers and can easily identify a suitable one for your flexitank.
• Reduce the risks of getting scammed – Just like any other market set up, you are likely to encounter some scammers when sourcing for your flexitanks in china.

Sourcing agents save you the agony of getting scammed as they can easily spot a scammer.

• Negotiate on prices on your behalf – Not only do sourcing agents identify a suitable manufacturer for your product but also engage the manufacturer in effective price negotiations.

This way, they end up purchasing at relatively cheaper prices.

Sourcing agents’ source products on your behalf allowing you to continue with your daily routines.

• Bridge language barrier gap between you and the manufacturer – When sourcing or importing from China, one of the major challenges is the language barrier.

English is not a familiar language among several Chinese people and therefore navigating through the market might be difficult.

With a sourcing agent, you won’t have to worry about such as they know how to engage with suppliers and manufacturers to get quality products at the best prices.

• Save time– Sourcing agents know the best suppliers and manufacturers in the market and therefore save you time.
• Offer product inspection services – Sourcing agents offer quality inspection to your products and curb the risks of losing cost.

Keep in mind that most suppliers will not offer such services but instead invite an inspector who might not even be familiar with your product.

Apart from using sourcing agents, you can chosoe to do everything by yourself.

Start by researching and identifying the appropriate manufactuer or supplier for your flexitanks.

Online platforms such as Alibaba have made this easier by displaying the ratings of different manufacturers and suppliers.

As you do your research, seek to find out and confirm that your supplier is credible.

Keep in mind that there are scammers who present themselves as established firms.

Therefore it is of importance to always verify this before beginning any form of purchasing.

How Do I Select the Right Container for My Flexitank?

To have safe, hassle-free, and damage-free flexitank transportation, it’s important to ensure that you have the appropriate container.

Ensure that the container you select meets the set standards of the industry.

Some of the things to look out for when selecting the appropriate container for your flexitanks are not limited to;

• The corrugation of side panels – Avoid containers with flat decal panels.

Instead, ensure that the panels are corrugated along their entire length for safe and secure transportation of the cargo.

• Minimum gross weight – When transporting bulk liquid, the minimum required gross weight of the container should be 30 tons.

However, if this is unavailable the cargo mass should not exceed 0.6 of the stated maximum container payload.

• The floor of the container – The floor of the container plays a major role in ensuring that your flexitank arrives at the intended destination.

Look out for the following factors are they might hinder your transportation process.

• Holes on the floor
• The groove that exceeds 15mm deep
• Any factor that will cause adverse effects on the strength of the floor eg. Delamination.
• A 6mm deep groove that exceeds a width of 150mm.
• The differences in height between adjacent panels should not exceed 10mm.
• Door locking mechanism – Door locking cams must be present and must conform to the requirements ISO 1496.

The cams should lock both on the top locking bar retainers and into the lower ones.

In addition to that, ensure that the door handle catch completely closes and that the handle effortlessly fits into the handle retainers.

• Side and front panel repair – In case your side and front panels have undergone repair before, ensure that they adhere to the set guidelines as per IICL.

Which Documents do you need When Importing Flexitank from China?

Documents are an important aspect of any type of international trade including importing products from China.

Some of the required documents that you will need to have when importing flexitanks from China are not limited to;

• Import license – An import license is issued by the government to certify that the product has been accepted for importation into the country.
• Packing List – A packing list outlines all necessary information regarding the contents of the shipment, the weight, and the total number of packages.
• Import declaration – Refers to a form or document that gives a more detailed and elaborate description of the goods being imported.
• Insurance certificate- An insurance certificate provides information on the insurance coverage of the goods being imported. It includes the limits of coverage, policy number, the named insured, policies effective period, and the insurance company.
• Bill of lading – A bill of lading refers to a contract between a shipper and carrier outlining the quantity, type, and destination of the goods being shipped.
• Country of origin certificate – The main purpose of a country of origin certificate is to certify that the product has been obtained, produced, and manufactured in a particular country.
• Bill of entry – A bill of entry is filled by customs clearance agents upon arrival of goods. It shows the details of goods being transported into or out of the country.
• Commercial invoice – A commercial invoice is a document issued by the exporter to the importer. Not only is it used to determine custom duties but also provides details about the sold goods, payment terms, and trade terms.

I hope we answered all your questions about flexitanks.

However, in case you have any question or inquiries about flexitanks, Tj chinafreight team is here to help – talk to us now.

In this guide, you will find all information about GMP audit.

From basic, to advanced processes, while comparing GMP with other factory audit procedures in the industry.

By the end of this guide, you will be an expert in GMP Audit.

What is a GMP Audit?

GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices. It refers to safety practices put in place to ensure that production is of the highest quality standard.

A GMP audit is an independent third party inspection done on manufacturing companies.

The purpose of the audit is to identify the flaws within the factory’s manufacturing process.

GMP audit is used to advise production companies on acceptable quality standards and how to meet those standards.

It is essential to conduct GSM audits on your supplier’s manufacturing facility and processes to guarantee safe products.

Why is GMP so Important?

The increase in many suppliers causes a threat in terms of the quality of products supplied.

A GMP audit allows you to trust the products your supplier ships.

It also helps to guide suppliers on the acceptable quality levels.

A GMP audit is useful for both importers and exporters in the following ways:

Cut Losses and Maintain Profits

Suppliers produce goods to sell them at maximum possible returns.

Achieving this maximum return becomes problematic if the quality of the goods manufactured does not meet consumers’ demand.

Consumers tend to look for alternatives if the goods supplied are with defects.

Therefore, GMP helps a company by providing a system in which all aspects of the product is monitored before it reaches the market.

Boost Export Opportunities

GMP provides the surety that a company produces quality products that are fit for health and consumption.

Some governments have restrictions that limit the importation of products that do not meet GMP guidelines.

Therefore, many companies continue adopting GMP to sell their products beyond borders, eventually increasing their returns.

Reduce Complaints and Avoid Recalls

Before sourcing goods from particular suppliers, it is best to check if they have the requisite GMP certification.

By ensuring your supplier’s GMP compliance, you can rest easy knowing that you will receive products of acceptable quality, safety, and efficacy.

In this way, customers will rarely reject your products and will eventually gain trust in your brand.

On the manufactures’ side, ensuring GMP compliance in their facilities and manufacturing process reduces the frequency of complaints and goods recall after supply.

Prevent Health Damages

GMP is mostly used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

These industries have a direct impact on health.

Nobody would want to purchase food or medicine from a company that is not GMP compliant.

Lack of GMP in these industries sometimes results in unintentional contamination of products.

Such goods that fail to adhere to GMP may not have the desired effect.

In worst cases, medicine with toxic contamination may cause harm to human and animal health.

Perfect Hygiene Protocols

GMP is not only applicable in the production process.

This practice is also essential in ensuring that all employees within the production chain are hygienic.

When the employees within the company handle themselves properly, instances of cross-contamination significantly reduces.

Additionally, GMP ensures that a factory’s storage, packaging, and transportation systems are appropriate and meet set standards.

Easy Scheduling of GMP Audit

When dealing with a company that has GMP, it is easy to schedule audits.

The company has an elaborate manufacturing process, and the employees are well trained.

Therefore, it becomes easy to conduct a GMP audit and even advise if there is a shortage in quality standards incorporated within the company.

Who should Consider a GMP Audit?

GMP standards are enforced to ensure close monitoring of the production process to manufacture only quality products.

Anybody dealing in consumables can initiate GMP.

Companies that seek to build a reputation overseas must have independent GMP audits.

This is to assure importers that they uphold higher manufacturing standards.

Importers can also request GMP audits on their supplier’s premises to verify the GMP standards’ compliance.

In the food and pharmaceutical industries, GMP is enforced to safeguard consumer health and wellbeing.

Importers should conduct a GMP audit on their manufacturers.

This will help to ascertain that they are receiving GMP-compliant goods that safe for consumption.

What is the Difference Between GMP and cGMP?

GMP refers to Good Manufacturing Practices.

It is the desired quality protocol that manufacturers have to adopt in their production.

cGMP, on the other hand, denotes Current Good Manufacturing Practices.

It is the most recent quality practice required in the manufacturing of products.

The difference between GMP and cGMP is only on the emphasis on the manufacturing process’s quality level.

cGMP means that the manufacturing process has to be top-notch and involves the most recent standards, technology, and practices

What is a GMP Audit Checklist?

A GMP audit checklist gives an outline used to verify if manufacturers conform to the accepted GMP standards.

It is basically a tool used by auditors to verify the manufacturing process’s quality and personnel.

What are the Features of a GMP Audit Checklist?

You want to ensure that your supplier meets all your demands before settling on them.

Therefore, your GMP audit checklist should be as comprehensive as possible.

Depending on your market, the following categories provide the basic guidelines for a GMP audit checklist.

Building and Facility

The buildings and facilities used by the supplier have a significant impact on the final products.

Also, the GMP for building and facility looks at the construction design and the layout.

In this case, facilities should be such that all manufacturing, packaging, and storage processes meet GPM standards.

The environment around the building should also be conducive to ensure adequate waste management and water source.

Important things under building to put in your checklist include;

• Availability of clean toilets and washing points: the facility should have running water and soap for washing.
• Adequate ventilation: The area used for manufacturing, packaging, storage, and offices should have proper ventilation.
• Lighting: All rooms should be appropriately lit, and there should not be dark corners that can lead to accidents.

Organization and Personnel

Getting quality products entirely depends on the organization and the kind of personnel the supplier has.

Your GPM serves to identify the manufacturing process and factors in those who provide the workforce needed.

Here, the GMP audit checklist can include;

• Number of employees: the supplier should have enough employees, each with an exact role.
• The education level of employees: When dealing with pharmaceuticals, the supplier should have employees who have the required knowledge to guarantee the desired quality.
• Availability of frequent training: for the supplier to guarantee GMP, the workforce must be trained on new manufacturing trends.

Production and Process Control

The supplier’s production methods should be precise and conform to GMP.

There should be proper methods that ensure only quality raw materials are delivered for manufacturing.

In assessing production and process control, the GMT checklist can include;

• Methods of checking and validating raw materials
• How the manufacturing process incorporates new trends

Packaging and Labeling

The information provided on the products affects how they are consumed.

Suppliers are required to include information on the ingredients used, product expiry date, and usage instructions.

Packaging and labeling are thus crucial and should be GMP compliant.

The GPM audit should check the following:

• Description of the product
• Quantity and weight of the product
• The tracking number of the product: this can be in the form of a bar code

Storage and Distribution

The FDA states that GMP does not stop at manufacturing.

Until the goods are loaded for shipping, the supplier should practice GMP at all times.

With this in mind, the storage method used at the manufacturer’s warehouse and even outside should comply with GMP.

Also, the distribution channel should avoid situations that can lead to product contamination.

Here, the GPM checklist can include:

• The type of storage facility used.
• Method of quarantining the products.

Documentation and Record Control

Documentation and record control provide key evidence on how the supplier handles the manufacturing process.

The GMP audit will pay attention to the reliability of the manufacturer’s data storage methods.

Your GMP audit checklist should include;

• The methods of data storage
• Preparation of records
• Approval and distribution of the records

How do you Prepare a GMP Audit?

Preparation is a necessary aspect of the GMP audit.

You want to have the best result from the audit.

Therefore, it would help if you prepare adequately before undertaking the audit.

Determine the Basis of the Audit

You don’t just wake up one day and decide to conduct an audit.

It would be best if you first started by defining the need to perform the factory audit.

You begin by knowing the objectives of the audit and the roles you will play in the audit.

Also, there should be a clear scope of what the GMP audit will cover.

The scope can be the number of facilities to be audited or the time allocated for the audit.

Finally, there should be clear standards to be used in evaluating the GMP of the company.

Determine the Feasibility of the Audit

Feasibility can involve looking at the probability of having a successful audit.

You can look at the availability of time and resources or sufficient information to carry out the audit.

Review Documents

Once your feasibility test proves that the GPM audit is fit to be done, review documents from the auditee and set standards to be used in the actual audit.

You can liaise with the auditee to provide other documents if the available records don’t meet your needs.

Where they fail to do so, you can decide to postpone the audit.

Prepare the Audit Plan

If everything works out well, the next thing is to prepare an audit plan.

The audit plan includes;

• The objectives of the audit and the scope
• The role of the audit team
• The time, date, and venue of the audit

After preparing the audit plan, share it with your supplier and solve any disparities before rolling out an official GMP audit plan.

Communicate the Audit Plan to your Team

Inform your audit team of their roles and the time frames for the audit.

It would help if you also informed the specific personnel working within your supplier’s company and their role in the audit.

Finalize the Work Documents

When everything is ready, prepare the necessary audit documents such as questionnaires and forms to gather data.

What are the Steps of GMP Auditing?

As you already know, GMP is vital in assessing quality standards practiced by manufacturing companies.

Therefore, all aspects of the GMP should be outlined before the auditing to ensure no valuable detail is left out during the audit.

Use a Written SOP

The first step in carrying out a GMP audit is outlining the roadmap to the audit.

This involves having elaborate plans that are recorded. The audit should be systematic, and each part to be audited at the assigned appropriate time.

The audit team should also be aware of their roles to avoid making mistakes or misreporting feedback and observation.

Confidentiality of the Outcome

Regardless of the kind of audit you undertake, the results should be confidential.

Those working in the company you are auditing should not feel targeted.

Let them know that the audit’s purpose is to check if the manufacturing systems, technology, and processes comply with GMP regulations.

While conducting the audit, use a checklist that only targets the systems and facility and not the employees.

Using Checklist

GMP provides an essential checklist to be used during the audit.

You can customize it and only collect relevant data.

Ask employees clarification where the answer you seek is not clear and avoid jumping to conclusions.

Auditing from a Cooperative Angle

The GMP audit ensures quality standards of operations and does not reveal its harmful practices to customers.

Therefore, stick to the checklist and endeavor to create a harmonious relationship with the firm.

Do not approach the audit to reveal ills within the company.

Timing of Events

GMP audit does not stop after visiting the facility and gathering data.

You must prepare reports and submit them to the necessary parties.

Your plan should have an appropriate order of activities and proper timing.

You should do the reports within the shortest time and submit them while the audit is still fresh in the management’s mind.

This will provide room for swift implementation.

Plan Re-audits and Corrective Actions

After presenting the results of the audit, it doesn’t stop at that.

If there were unavoidable barriers that hindered carrying out audits in some parts of the company, you could plan for re-audits.

Essentially, a firm will not achieve all GMP practices once.

With frequent audits and advice, the company will improve its GMP.

What are the Main Components of Good GMP?

GMP practices help companies build strong market admiration because they deliver quality products to customers.

Often referred to as the 5-Ps, the components of a good GMP comprise all aspects of the company’s operation.

These are:

People

The personnel employed by the firm ensure all other operations are in order.

They provide a workforce and take part in all activities that cumulatively help achieve the firm’s objectives.

Company personnel should therefore have the necessary skills in their respective jurisdiction.

They should keep proper sanitation by observing appropriate dressing codes and follow laid down procedures.

Product

This is the primary purpose of the firm and should follow all protocols regarding GMP.

The product should be correctly packaged, labeled, and have stable testing methods.

Besides, the product should have clear guidelines regarding what the components of raw materials should constitute and channels for by-products.

Procedures

Procedures outline methods to be followed when dealing with either production or management of the firm.

The process should be well documented and made available to employees.

Firms should have proper methods of ensuring that procedures are followed to the latter.

Premises

Premises and equipment should be laid in a way that allows proper and unhindered cleaning and decontamination.

They should also have appropriate records on servicing and maintenance of the facility and equipment.

Processes

Processes define clear roadmaps to be followed when dealing with certain aspects of the business.

They can include stages in production or how information is to be relayed within the firm.

These should have proper documentation and control methods.

Further, they should highlight critical points to be observed within the business.

What is a GMP Inspection?

GMP inspections are quality checks done to enforce GMP compliance or give permission to manufacture certain types of goods.

This inspection is usually done in factories without GMP certification.

The inspection is therefore done to assess whether the company qualifies for GMP certification.

Or, as earlier mentioned, to provide authorization for the manufacturing of a particular product.

What are ICH q7 Guidelines?

ICH q7 provides guidelines to be applied in dealing with active pharmaceuticals.

It gives the standard qualities that manufacturers dealing in active pharmaceutical ingredients should follow.

How does GMP compare to ISO and QSR?

Quality Systems Regulations (QSR) is a subset of the GMP set by the FDA.

It provides the needed quality standards in the diagnostic industry.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides globally accepted quality standards for managing a company.

Both QSR and ISO refer back to GMP, with ISO focusing majorly on its management aspect.

On the other hand, QSR is in charge of the systems used in the company.

Who Regulates GMP?

Depending on the country of operation, GMP is regulated by an appointed government body.

If the manufacturing company is operating in the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the GMP.

What are the Types of GMP Audit Reports?

Audit reports vary depending on the findings and opinions given by the auditor.

There are four basic types of GPM audit reports that include:

Qualified Opinion

This report will be given when the auditor feels the manufacturer is hiding something due to restricting access to some areas during an audit.

A GMP auditor will give his opinion but with a note indicating their reason for deciding so.

Unqualified Opinion

This type of report scores the firm high in a position they can obtain their GPM certificate.

It usually results from closely adhering to GMP regulations.

Adverse Opinion

When the auditor feels some information has been hidden from them and the firm does not adhere to GMP, they can issue an adverse opinion report.

When this type of report is given, companies must analyze their GMP and be re-audited.

Disclaimer of Opinion

An auditor’s report may have a disclaimer of opinion.

Meaning, they did not have access to documents that could provide the information they needed.

What does a GMP Audit Report entail?

A GMP audit report is the most critical part of the whole process since it provides the answers sought for in the audit.

The information should give as much detail as possible about what was observed during the audit.

A standard GMP audit report should contain:

• The name of the auditors
• The date and how long the audit lasted
• Details about the firm being audited (the name, address, owner)
• The observations during the audit and obstacles faced, if any.
• Areas that were included and those not included in the audit
• The findings and conclusions from the audit
• Recommendation to the firm on what to improve on as a result of the audit findings
• List of all those who should receive the results of the audit reports.

The audit report is an essential reference that helps manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers decide.

Therefore, it would help if all necessary details from the audit are included in the final report.

What are GMP Documents?

The goal of conducting a GMP audit is to ensure the supplier meets the highest production standards.

GMP documents provide proof of how the supplier handles their affairs.

These documents provide a picture of the past and present ways in which the supplier handles manufacturing.

The GPM documents also offer information for planning purposes and predicting how the supplier will produce in the future.

Some GMP documents are:

• Standard operating procedures (GOP)
• Specification
• Bath production records
• Laboratory control records
• Records for Raw materials, Intermediates, Labelling, and Packaging Materials
• Bill of materials
• Training assessment records
• Work instructions
• Protocol records

What is a GMP’ mock’Audit?

A GMP mock audit is a particular type of audit that is usually conducted before the official audit.

If a firm wants to apply for a GMP certificate, before having FDA conduct their audit on your firm, you can have a specialist do a mock audit.

A mock audit will highlight how they are doing in terms of GMP before the official auditing is conducted.

How do you Maintain GMP?

You want your company to be favored by consumers and expand your operations beyond your borders.

Then you have to consider practicing GMP and maintain it in the following ways:

• Always maintain the cleanliness of the equipment and the facility to prevent contamination.
• Following procedures laid down for manufacturing to the latter
• Having an elaborate data management system for documentation of records for easy planning.
• Having the right workforce assigned to handle what they are best at.
• Conducting frequent audits to ascertain if your firm conforms to the set GMP
• Integrating all aspects of product quality from sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, packaging, and even storage.

What is a GMP Certified Manufacturer?

GMP is about quality standards in manufacturing.

A GMP certified manufacturer is one whose processing system and management are proven to be in line with GMP regulations.

For a manufacturer to be GMP certified, they must complete an FDA GPM audit.

After this, they will be awarded a certificate indicating that they are compliant with GPM standards.

Who issues GMP Certificates?

Certified bodies issue GMP certificates upon the company’s Quality Assurance Manager or managing director’s request.

It is issued after a physical GMP audit has been done, and the result has proven to be satisfactory.

How Long does it Take to get GMP Certification?

The time taken to receive GMP certification varies from country to country.

It also depends on the industry in which your business is.

However, for pharmaceuticals in the USA and Canada, it takes 1-2 weeks.

What is the Relationship between GMP and SOP?

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are the routine procedures used in different departments within a firm.

They vary from one company to the other and provide the techniques that help conform to the accepted GMP.

SOP is internally documented to give employees proper directions on applicable standards within the company.

Which SOPs are required in GMP?

GMP is broader in coverage.

It usually employs several standard operating procedures to assess the manufacturing systems’ quality standards, technology, and processes.

The following SOPs are included in GMP:

• Provisions for special testing requirement
• Packaging methods, labeling, and distribution, and warehousing of the products
• Cleaning, maintenance, and servicing of pieces of equipment
• Methods for sampling and testing of in-house materials and products
• Roles and responsibilities of the quality control team
• Assessing and monitoring the quality of raw materials to be used for processing
• Provision on accepted types of facilities and their locations

What is the Importance of GMP in the Food Industry?

Food is critical to the health of every living organism.

The safety standards required for processing and handling foods determine if the food is fit for human consumption.

GMP help ensures that the processing systems and those handling food uphold high-quality hygiene to reduce contamination.

What is the Role of Quality Control in Maintaining GMP?

Quality control incorporates GMP in it to ensure the products manufactured are of the highest possible standards.

Quality control ensures that:

• Production and operations are well documented as per the GMP requirements.
• Finished products are correctly checked and recorded as per the defined procedures.
• Systems are designed for rectifying errors that may arise in the course of the production.
• The responsibility of individuals is spelled out to reduces instances of employees handling what they are not good at
• There is a proper arrangement to access quality raw materials and packaging materials following the appropriate standards.

What is the Coverage of GMP?

GMP covers nearly all aspects within the firm that directly or indirectly affects product quality and safety.

First, it covers the sourcing of raw materials all through to production, packaging, and storage.

Secondly, GMP covers the premise and facility used in production and administration.

It looks at the quality standard used in handling the machines and servicing them.

Finally, GMP covers the people, the premise, and the processes within the firm.

It regulates hygiene and proper training of employees to be competent in their operations.

What is the Difference Between HACCP and GMP?

HACCP is the short form for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point.

It provides the guidelines for ensuring that the manufacturing unit is safe from hazards.

HACCP gives a preventive mechanism for monitoring and advising on ways in which such risk can be averted.

Both HACCP and GMP serve the same purpose of protecting consumers against manufacturing flaws.

Nevertheless, GMP is more comprehensive in its scope, covers preventive hazard measures, and focuses on general hygiene.

Unlike HACCP, GMP covers a broader spectrum of the firm’s manufacturing process.

It covers the production process, the environment, documentation process, employee welfare, and the factory’s location.

HACCP only covers the production processes and aims to prevent hazards.

What are the Basic Requirements of GMP?

GMP relies on having the best manufacturing standards that deliver quality goods to the consumers.

For a GMP compliant supplier, they should know what type of production system is termed quality.

GMP requires carefully designing your facilities to meet desired standards.

Your processes should be useful and practical.

Similarly, your employees should be well acquainted and trained frequently.

Lastly, GMP requires a proper record-keeping system and documentation that provides operations and store data procedures.

What Standards are used to Perform the GMP Audit?

The use of GMT audit gives an in-depth opinion on how manufacturers handle their business’s critical aspects associated with the final product.

The GMP Audit is subdivided into different parts of the production and should tick the following standards.

• Process and controls; the standards, the reliability of the methods, and how flaws are controlled.
• People; Here, the quality standard can include the employee dressing code and how information is relayed from one person to another.
• Facility; Quality standards can include verifying the sanitation around the buildings, water sources, proper ventilation, and lighting.
• Distribution and storage; under distribution and storage, quality standards can be sufficient records of products leaving and entering warehouses and proper storage.

How do you Choose a GMP Auditor?

Choosing a good auditor is never a walk in the pack.

It involves doing a background check on the auditor’s reputation and assessing if they have a past case related to auditing.

Generally, a good auditor should:

• Be independent and have no relationship with either the firm or importer.
• Have knowledge on the field to be audited. If it is a pharmaceutical company, the auditor should have experience in medical aspects.
• Experience in auditing with no negative reputation on matters confidentiality of information
• The budget of the auditor must be affordable as per your budget.

Essentially, the underlying goal should be on finding an auditor with experience in GMP.

This way, you increase the chances of getting accurate information on the firms manufacturing practices.

How do you Ensure the Confidentially of Information during a GMP Audit?

During GMP audits, the auditors have access to crucial production information of the firm.

Such info

Apart from shipping container homes, another structure you can make using a shipping container is a garage for your car.

This type of garage will protect your vehicle from many problems such as strong winds, debris, dust and rain.

In addition, shipping container garages are robust, durable and economical. Well-made shipping container garages are also catchy and add value to a property.

The best part is that it’s not even hard to build the perfect shipping container garage for your car.

You don’t need any special skills to do it. If you are handy with tools and not afraid to get dirty, then you’re good to go.

Here is how to do it:

Step 1: Choose A Suitable Shipping Container For Your Garage

The first thing you need to do is to determine the type of garage you need.

Do you want it detached, semi-detached or attached to your property?

Will it be a garage for one, two or three cars?

How high do you want the garage to be? And for storage, will you need extra space?

Will you be using the garage space as a workshop? How much space will you need?

These are just some of the questions that’ll help you conclude what type of container garage best suits your needs.

Choose A Size You Need

The shipping container is going to be the basis of your garage.

Hence, you have to work out the right size and type for the project.

There are many different types of shipping container size ranging from 10ft, 20ft to 40ft and high cube containers.

These container sizes are determined by their exterior dimensions. For example, a 20ft container is usually 20ft long, 8ft wide and 8ft tall.

The width and height for a large container are standard at 8ft but can sometimes vary depending on the container model.

When considering the exterior shipping container sizes and dimensions, also take into account the interior measurement.

Due to the thick walls, the interior of a 20ft container may measure 19’4″ long, 7’8″ wide and 7’10” high.

Generally, a 20ft container is preferable for making home garages due to its size and price.

But ultimately, the choice of container size will depend on the space available and your garage requirements.

Note that some local building regulations don’t allow garages to go beyond a specific size. So this will affect your decision.

Choose Between New Or Used Container

Next, you will have to choose between a new or used container.

Both options have advantages and disadvantages. For example, a new container will be spotless and without dents, but maybe a bit expensive.

Used shipping container prices are lower, but these can show signs of wear from previous use.

If you don’t want to do any reconditioning, you need to get a new container.

Otherwise, a used container will work just fine and save you a lot of money along the way.

If you are looking for a used container, this guide on how to buy a used container may be helpful.

Step 2: Decide On The Kind Of Roof And Style You Want For The Garage

Once you conclude on the size requirements of your garage, you will need to come up with a roof and style plan.

A simple and neat garage may be ideal if you are building a one-car garage.

Placing two containers parallel to each other with a roof between them is also a typical style among homeowners. It provides plenty of space for parking multiple cars and storing other items.

Joining up shipping containers or stacking them up are also options you can consider. These options are suitable if you need ample car storage space.

Apart from the style, you also need to think about the roof design when building a shipping container garage.

There are many different types of roofs that you can consider based on the style of garage you’ve chosen.

Typical roofs designs include gable, hip, bonnet, butterfly, curved, flat, mansard, gambrel and skillion (shed roof).

Step 3: Select A Suitable Location For The Garage

Now, you need to select a location for your garage. A clear, level surface is preferable, away from other structures or possible problem areas such as water or power lines.

When choosing the building area, keep local building codes in mind, as they vary from region to region.

But generally, a garage should not encroach within 8ft of property lines in rural areas and up to 4ft within city limits.

Many building codes also require that you set back a detached garage from the existing property by at least 8ft.

Check with your zoning offices what the requirements are for building a container garage in your area. Also, find out whether you need a permit to proceed.

Typically, you will not need a permit for a garage of ​​up to 120 square feet in many areas. In addition, a temporary structure will not require a building permit.

Also, if you live in a neighborhood that has a homeowners association, make sure your garage meets its regulations

Step 4: Determine The Entrance And Door Of The Garage

Determining the door placement at this stage is very important. It makes the rest of the building process easier.

Since you’re building the structure for parking your car, it makes more sense for the entrance to face the driveway for easy accessibility.

Regarding the door, calculate the appropriate width and height according to the size of your car.

Once this is done, you can add at least one foot on each side of the container.

Add at least one more foot on top for headroom and an additional 18 inches beyond the door height to accommodate it.

You have the basic outline to create the perfect door for your container garage with these measurements in hand.

You can DIY the door, call in an expert to help you, or find a local door retailer and take a look at what they have to offer.

Step 5: Lay The Foundation

You must lay a strong foundation for your shipping container garage.

Luckily, there are many foundation options to choose from.

One option would be a concrete slab. It is strong, durable, convenient to use and also cheaper to build.

Building a concrete slab foundation will require excavating the ground and using brick rubbles and cement for the foundation to stand.

Other foundation options you can consider are steel pipe footings, concrete footings or a wooden beam foundation.

Before laying the foundation, make sure to mark and clear the area accordingly.

Step 6: Prepare The Shipping Container

Now your foundation is ready; it’s time to place the shipping container. But before that, perform all modifications on the container at this stage.

Doing it after you’ve put it on location may be a challenge.

For a new container, you can repaint or apply a rust-proof coating.

But if you bought a used container, you may want to inspect it for surface rust, holes, spots, and cracks before using it.

Such issues may seem minor but can cause significant damage to your garage, car and other items you store inside.

So, remove any surface rust on the container and treat the surface to prevent further rusting.

Repaint the container to give it a facelift and get a professional to mend any holes and cracks.

Step 7: Accessorize Your New Container Garage

Lastly, you can add some finishing touches to your almost perfect shipping container garage.

Remember that shipping containers are bare canvasses that you can modify and accessorize however you want.

Just think about how you plan to use the space and what you may need to make it beautiful and functional to your needs.

Here are some ideas on how to custom shipping container garage:

• Add insulation to control the temperature in the garage and prevent your car and other items from condensation
• Build shelves and cabinetry inside the garage to make organization easy
• Install wall hangings to avoid monotony on the walls
• Build new flooring that’s more to your taste
• Paint the ceiling and walls a new color
• Lay down a ramp to make it convenient to drive a car in and out of the garage
• Add security features such as security lighting, cameras, alarms and motion sensors. These are especially important if you intend to store valuable stuff in the garage.
• Install a dehumidifier to prevent dampness in your garage space
• Add more windows to allow airflow and to open up the space for some natural light to seep through
• Put in a fan for more ventilation. It will also come in handy whenever you want to work in the space.
• Create drainage in the floor. It is essential if you want a place for runoff to flow.
• Add electrical outlets if you plan to be working in the garage

In this final step, hire a qualified technician to install internal components like the lights, fan, cameras, and electrical outlets.

Well, that’s it! Learning to build a shipping container garage wasn’t as hard as you thought it would be.

If you’re looking to import quality and affordable shipping containers from China for building garages, Tj chinafreight can help.

We know most container manufacturers in China and have established long-term relationships with them.

Meaning, we can help you get the best quality deals and assist in transporting the containers to your destination.

Contact us today in case you need any shipping container.

This is an office made from shipping container.

These offices vary in sizes and design depending on your need.

This guide will tell you all you need to know about shipping container offices.

Factors Determining Cost of Shipping Container Office

There are various factors that will determine the cost of the shipping container office you are looking to construct.

Below are some key determinants of the cost of a shipping container office.

Size of Container Used

Shipping containers come in various sizes, ranging between 20-inch containers to 45-inch high-cube containers.

Mostly, larger containers are more expensive than the smaller ones.

Consequently, using a small size container to build an office will be cheaper compared to the alternative.

State of the Shipping Container

You can construct a shipping container office from a used or new shipping container.

Used shipping containers are fairly affordable unlike new shipping containers.

It is advisable to buy used shipping containers to construct your shipping container office.

Reason being, some used shipping containers are good as new, especially the one-shippers.

Permits

The permits required to construct a shipping container office will affect the cost.

Normally, construction permits differ in every country.

Being well conversant with what permits you need, and how much they cost will help you estimate the cost of constructing a shipping container office.

Availability of the Containers

Availability of any commodity will reduce its cost.

Similarly, if the shipping containers are readily available their cost will be cheap or affordable.

Distance during Delivery

How far the construction site is from the point of purchase of the shipping container will directly affect the cost of the shipping container.

Close proximity will spell out a cheaper price for the container.

Also, if the construction site is near, the seller may offer free delivery as an after sale service.

Construction Site

In any construction, the condition of the construction site will directly impact the cost of construction.

A rocky, uneven or flooded ground will cost more to set up a shipping container office.

You will need to first level or reclaim the site, which is an added cost.

Type of Modification Needed

The modification you need on the shipping container for the office to be to your taste may add or subtract to the cost.

Complex and lavish modifications will make constructing your shipping container office costlier.

Electrical and Plumbing

Of course you will need your shipping container office to be self-contained.

The quality of the materials you use for plumbing and electrical installations will determine the cost of construction.

Remember, cheap is expensive. It is better to buy costly materials that will serve you longer and save you frequent maintenance cost.

Contractor

Lastly the contractor or construction company you use will ultimately determine the cost of constructing your shipping container office.

The contractor will advise you on the containers to buy, the modifications to make, how to prepare the sites, and plumbing and electrical materials to use.

Also, the service fee the contractor will charge you will add up to the total construction cost.

Advantages of Shipping Container Office

Shipping container offices come with various advantages:

Mobile

This is probably the major advantage of shipping container offices.

They can be transported from one place to another without necessarily damaging the structure.

Imagine being able to go with your office in any location you desire.

Spacious

Depending on the size of the container you use, shipping container offices are spacious enough.

Mostly, a medium-sized container can serve as an office for one or two people.

Customizable

Shipping containers are highly customizable.

Depending on what office type you need, you can modify the container to your desired taste.

Some customizations you can make include making it open on all sides, adding windows and doors, refurbishing the floors etc.

Eco-friendly

Shipping container offices are mostly constructed from containers looking to be disposed.

This puts the containers in good use instead of just lying around in the environment.

Also, setting up a shipping container office will not need much alteration of the environment.

In most instances, the environment will not be tampered with.

Secure

Shipping containers are made to ensure the security of consignment during transportation.

Similarly, this feature makes them more secure when used in the construction of an office.

Besides, shipping containers are majorly made from steel which is difficult to vandalize.

Moreover, you can reinforce the security of your shipping container office by adding extra locks.

Durability

It is a fact that steel is a durable metal. Hence, shipping containers are also tough translating to the durability of most shipping container offices.

Convenient

If there is any other advantage that a shipping container office has, then convenience will be the ultimate choice.

Since they are easy to set up anywhere, a shipping container office is the ultimate solution for you to set up a temporary or permanent office.

Downside of Shipping Container Office

Can be Expensive

If you are looking to construct a large shipping container office with more than one container, it might be costly.

It can be expensive to weld the containers together and to come up with the right structure-design.

It can be Difficult to obtain Building Permits

As a relatively new construction technique, the permits for the construction of a shipping container office may not be readily available.

But with time, this is probably like to change since use of shipping containers as construction material is quickly gaining popularity.

Structural Issues

When you modify a shipping container, say you add a window, you may interfere with the container’s structure.

Consequently, you will have to add reinforcements to restore the altered structure.

Sometimes Not Eco-friendly

While recycling used containers to make offices conserves the environment, some containers that have previously been used to transport hazardous consignments may pose harm to the environment.

Scarcity of Experts

There are a number of experts with the know-how of using the typical construction materials.

However, experts in construction using shipping containers are not so may.

This is because use of shipping containers in construction is relatively new.

Design Options for Shipping Container Office

Various online platforms will provide with a number of design options for a shipping container office.

These design ideas range from small-size offices to the larger ones.

The design options largely depend on:

• The number of containers you intend to use
• Whether or not you plan to partition the office
• The amenities you require in you shipping container office
• How you plan to furnish your office
• How many people are to be accommodated in the shipping container office
• Whether the office is to be temporary or permanent
• The size of the site you intend to set up the shipping container office

The list above will greatly dictate the design you choose from the very many online designs.

Requirements before Putting Up Shipping Container Office

Permit

To put up a shipping container office in most countries, you will require a permit.

Permitting is affected and determined by:

• Local laws
• The intended time period for the container usage
• Where the container will be located on the site
• Effect of the container on the surrounding community

For example, if you require to set up a temporary shipping office, you will be required to have a temporary use permit.

Also, if you are to put up a shipping container office in a busy place, it will be an important requirement you have a permit.

This compared to when you are putting up your office in, for instance, a rural area.

Site and Site Preparation

You will obviously need a site to put up your shipping container office.

Normally, putting up a shipping container office requires minimal site preparation.

However, some sites require preparation before the office is put up.

For example, you will need to fill up or drain a swampy or flooded site before the arrival of the shipping container.

Design Ideas

You should have an idea of what your shipping container office should look like.

You cannot put up something without a pre-conceived idea.

Look up the various shipping container office designs and choose what best meets your taste.

Shipping Container

Ultimately you will need a shipping container since it is the major construction material.

Mostly, people buy used shipping containers.

However, there is an option of buying new or ‘one-shipper’ containers.

Contractor

Depending on how complex putting up your shipping container office will be, you may need a contractor.

The contractor will give you a quotation of how much you will need to actualize your dream shipping container office.

Best Shipping Container for Making a Shipping Container Office

The below factors will help you choose the best shipping container to construct a shipping container office:

Age

The shipping container should not have been used for a lengthy period or so old.

The older the shipping container, the more likely it is to have defects.

Original Usage of the Container

Try to find out the former purpose of the container.

If for example, the container was used to transport dangerous chemicals, there is a possibility that it may still have chemical residues.

Also, if the container was initially used to transport shipments to areas with adverse climatic conditions, there are high chances the container is not in good condition.

Clearance

The shipping container ought to have been cleared by local tax and customs authority.

If not cleared, it may put you on the wrong side of the law.

Standards of Manufacturing

There are ISO standards for manufacturing shipping container.

An ideal shipping container must have complied with these standards during manufacturing.

If not, the container may not be durable and of poor quality.

How to Convert a Shipping Container into an Office

https://youtu.be/j-nIqQ2t6lI

Most shipping containers are easily modifiable.

What you importantly need to convert a shipping container into an office is a design plan.

First get the idea then start on the actual conversion plan.

The design plan will give you an idea of:

• What the interior and exterior will look like
• The amenities that will be in the shipping container
• The partitioning to be made
• Where to make the modifications – where the extra doors and the windows will be
• Office structure – whether semi-open or fully open

The ideas you get from the design plan will guide you on how to convert the shipping container into an office.

Best Foundation for Setting up Shipping Container Office

The best foundation for setting up a shipping container office depends on the ground-type of the site.

Discussed below are the commonly used foundations.

Pier Foundation

These type of foundations are relatively cheap, Do It Yourself (DIY) friendly, and fast to construct.

For this reason, they are the most popularly used for shipping container office or home.

Setting up a pier foundation involves laying down about 4 (0.5mx0.5mx0.5m) piers or concrete blocks, reinforced on the inside with steel to boost their strength, in each corner of the shipping container office.

For larger 40-foot containers, you can add an additional pier midway on each side of the container for stability.

It is generally advisable to use pier foundations since there are no excavation costs and there is no need for use of specialized equipment.

Pile Foundations

Pile foundations are preferred in sites with weak soil types that cannot support piers or concrete blocks.

Arguably, these are considered as the most expensive foundation type when putting up a shipping container office.

Constructing pile foundations involve hammering cylinder shaped steel tubes (piles) into the ground bearing the soft soil, up to where the ground can bear loads.

Afterward, the piles are capped with concrete which solidifies the foundation.

Some cones of pile foundation is that it requires some level of expertise, requires specialized equipment and it is not DIY friend.

Slab Foundations

Similarly, to pile foundations, slab foundations are used in soft grounds only that it is also aimed at ensuring even weight distribution.

Simply put, slab foundation is a slab on which your shipping container office is put.

The fact that it slab foundations cover the whole base of the container, unlike the other two foundations type, makes it somewhat ideal.

The downside of slab foundations is that they require a lot of excavation, difficult access to utility lines, and they require a level of expertise to construct.

Strip Foundation

In a way, strip or trench foundation is a combination of slab and pier foundation.

It involves constructing a strip concrete of around 4 feet high and 1-2 feet wide.

In rainy or damp areas, a rubble strip foundation is ideal as it enable water to drain away from under the shipping container office.

Choosing between New Shipping Container and Used Shipping Container for an Office

Most shipping container offices are constructed from used shipping containers.

The reason being that used containers are a cheaper alternative.

Also, some used containers (especially one-trip) containers are as good as new.

Importantly, the condition of a used shipping container will influence you to buy a new sipping container or go with the used one.

It is worth noting there are various markets for used containers, giving you a variety of containers to choose from.

Where to Buy Shipping Container Office in China

Contact Manufacturer

Most China based shipping containers manufacturers do provide the option of modifying a container to an office.

You can reach out to the manufacturers and inquire if they can modify a container as per your design plan.

After the modifications, and the agreement you have with the manufacturer, the container can be shipped to you.

Online Platforms

There are online platforms that sell customized shipping container offices.

Alibaba is an example of such platforms.

You will get a variety of modified shipping container offices on Alibaba, with an option of contacting the supplier to make your order.

How to make an Office Extension using Shipping Container

Making an office extension using a shipping container is similar to constructing another office building.

All you need to do is buy a used or a new shipping container and modify it.

In most cases, shipping containers office containers are normally stand-alone structures beside the main office.

Consequently, it is unlikely you will need a permit to put up an extension.

However, you can consult with your area’s municipal authorities to be certain

You can paint the container office extension with your main office’s colors or brand colors.

Also, the interior design can match that of your main office.

Mostly, shipping container office extensions can serve as:

• Boardrooms
• Visitors lounge
• Recreation rooms
• Staff’s food bay
• Actual offices

Benefits of Shipping Container as an On-site Office

An on-site office is essential when there is a long ongoing project away from the office.

However, it is important to have a portable on-site office.

This will make it easy to carry away the office once the project is complete.

For this and other reasons, shipping container efficiently serves as an on-site office.

Below are the benefits of a shipping container as an on-site office:

Durable

Shipping containers are durable and can withstand adverse weather condition.

This feature makes it ideal since most on-site offices need to be able to prevail in the harsh weather conditions at the project site.

Quick to Put up

Apart from some few modifications, shipping container offices are quick to construct or put up.

Within a day or two, you can have you shipping container office ready for use.

Portable

The intermodal nature of shipping containers make them very portable.

As earlier stated in the introduction, an on-site office needs to be portable since it only acts as a temporary office during the project’s life.

Minimal Cost

Putting up a makeshift building for an on-site office can be expensive.

Shipping containers provide a cheaper alternative of constructing an on-site office

Flexibility

Most on-site offices serve various purposes.

Owing to the fact that shipping containers are easily modifiable, they have the flexibility of serving various purposes for one or multiple projects.

Secure

Most projects involve use of equipment that need safe storage.

Shipping containers are made of steel and have strong locks, which is an assurance of security.

Also you can reinforce the security of the containers while on site by adding extra locks.

High Return on Investment

The cost of putting up a shipping container as an on-site office is cheaper compared to the purpose it will serve.

It will not only improve the productivity of the workers but also omit extra costs which may be incurred due to loss or damage of project equipment.

How to Customize Shipping Container Office

Various persons or companies have different preferences on what their shipping container office should look like.

However, if you are looking to customize your shipping container office, here are some customizations you can do:

• Opening the conatiner on all the sides
• Add extra windows and doors
• Reinforce or replace the locks
• Insulate the interior of the shipping container office
• Install electricity and do plumbing
• Partitioning the shipping container office
• Putting glass on all sides of the container or at the entrance
• Furnishing the shipping container office
• Tiling the floors and putting a ceiling on the roof
• Technological modifications such as installing a projector, CCTV, finger print scanners, AC system etc.

Plumbing Systems for Shipping Container Office

Plumbing chases should be cut out first.

This way, other services like electricity can work around the plumbing.

The pipes should be placed in a conditioned space to prevent them from freezing.

One way to completely prevent the freezing of pipes is insulating both the interior and exterior of the shipping container office.

The commonly used pipes when plumbing in any shipping container structure are the PEX pipes.

Depending on your wall type, you can conceal the pipes once the plumbing is done.

Available Sizes of Shipping Container Office

The sizes of shipping container offices depend on the standard ISO shipping container sizes.

Below are the popular shipping container sizes and dimensions.

How to Maintain Shipping Container Office

You can maintain your shipping container office by:

Removing Rust

Shipping containers are made from metals – which do rust.

You should regularly check any rust on your shipping container office and scrap it off before it spreads.

If the rust has spread, do repairs on the affected part.

Lubricating the Hinges

If you chose to remain with the container’s doors, ensure you regularly lubricate the doors.

Lubrication is of essence in any moving part.

Repairing Leaking Roofs and Pipes

Depending on the condition of the container, and whether or not you changed the roofing of your shipping container office, the roof may start leaking.

Ensure you be observant and repair the leaking parts.

Also, if you did plumbing in your shipping container office, regularly check and ensure your pipes are not leaking.

Insulation

Insulation, both interior and exterior, is itself a maintenance practice.

Exterior insulation adds an extra shield to the container against adverse weather conditions.

However, when insulating the exterior part of the container, ensure you cover the insulation with a weather-resistant sheathing.

The easiest way to insulate a shipping office is using spray form.

This not only insulates the container but also closes up the holes that might be on the container.

Replacing Broken Parts

Regularly replace the broken or worn out parts including doors, windows, hinges, floor tiles, ceilings, taps etc.

Floor Design Options for Shipping Container Office

Most shipping containers have plywood floors.

The plywood come from tropical hardwood treated with potentially harmful pesticides.

Consequently, the flooring will be aimed at covering up the plywood or totally removing it.

If you choose to remove the plywood you can:

• Insulate the floor
• Use concrete for flooring
• Use ceramic tiles

If you choose the alternative, you can:

• Use epoxy covering
• Cover the plywood with concrete

Roofing Designs for Shipping Container Office

You can choose add or not to add a roofing to your shipping container office.

If you choose the first option here are some common designs.

Gable Roof

This is what many refer to as a traditional roofing style.

You can use coated steel sheets or galvanized metal sheets to construct a gable roof.

Shed Roof

This roof type is sloped. It is a relatively cheap and easy to build roof.

Also, its slope shape makes it easy to install solar panels.

Flat Roof

This is the roof that the shipping container already has.

The disadvantage of this roofing style is that unless corrugated, water my pool at the top.

How to Check Quality of Shipping Container Office

Majority of shipping container offices are constructed from used containers.

Some used containers may have some defects.

To ascertain the quality of a shipping container office, you need to check the quality and the state of the container being used.

However, if you cannot physically check the quality of the pre-modified shipping container.

This is because you are buying the already made office, ensure you make your purchase from a reputable seller.

Also, you can do a physical check of the already-made shipping container office.

Look for any signs of:

• Leaks
• Rust
• Broken parts
• Dented edges
• Worn-out paints
• Bad smell
• Poor air circulation

Any of these signs may point out a poor quality shipping container office.

How to Transport Shipping Container Office from China

The majorly used form of transporting shipping containers from China is through sea freight.

Similarly, you will probably transport your shipping container office from China via sea.

After reaching the destination port, the shipping container office can be transported to the site via road or rail.

Important Amenities in Shipping Container Office

Bathroom

The ideas of a shipping container office is a self-contained facility.

As a result, bathroom is a key amenity required in a shipping container office.

Normally, bathrooms do not take up much space, you just have to get you building plan right

Air Conditioner

Similar to most modern buildings, ship container office ought to be equipped with an air conditioner.

Since containers are made out of metals which conform to the prevailing weather conditions, an AC system will help stabilize the temperature inside the shipping container office.

Shelves

Rarely will you find an office without shelves to store the day to day documents.

Similarly, a shipping container office ought to have shelves for a presentable outlook and organization.

Ventilation

Apart from an AC system, a shipping container office should be well ventilated.

There should be free flow of air.

As a result, the office will not be stuffy.

Shipping container office with bathroom, air conditioner, add more

Best Insulation Material for Shipping Container Office

Depending on the climatic condition of where the shipping container office is to be situated, the best insulation material varies.

The 2 major shipping container office insulation materials are:

Spray Foam Insulation

This is the probably the fast and easiest material to use.

All you need to do is spray the foam directly to the interior or exterior of the container.

EPS Insulation Panels

The InSoFast insulation panels are arguably the best insulation materials due to their DIY friendliness.

The panels are light, easy to install, and can be cut to size on-site to conform with the container dimensions.

Benefits of Shipping Container Office with Solar Panel

Makes the Office Sufficient

Having a solar powered shipping container office makes it more sufficient.

Even if you are off-the-grid, you can continue doing your day to day activities that require electricity.

Cuts on Costs

Solar energy is free. The only cost you will incur is the installation cost.

After which, the solar panel has a lifespan of up to 40 years.

In the long term, you will realize that the solar panels have saved you some cash.

Times it takes to Fabricate Shipping Container Office

It takes mostly about 20 to 40 days.

This may vary depending on the manufacturer.

The number of orders he or she has and the availability of raw materials to construct the shipping container office.

Also complex modifications may add up to the time taken.

How Office Trailer compares to Shipping Container Office

Office trailers are somehow similar to shipping container offices if you go buy the construction style and material used.

However, the major difference between the two is that office trailers sit on top of wheels whereas shipping containers sit on a foundation.

Importantly, the two types of offices are both portable, although the office trailer is faster to relocate since it has wheels mounted on a trailer base.

Where to Use Shipping Container Office

Shipping container offices are used in a number of places.

Here

If you are shipping from Canada to US, probably you want to know the mode of shipping, how to ship hazmat, documentation, cost or bilateral trade agreements between Canada and US, amongst others.

So this guide will make the entire process easy and simple for you.

Keep reading to learn more.

Cheapest Way of Shipping from Canada to US

The cheapest way to ship your package from Canada to the US vary based on the weight, size and address from and to (destination).

Such information will tell you the possible cost of shipping hence one picks whether they want a cheaper or expensive but efficient option.

You can then use one of the trustworthy and biggest courier services such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, Flat rate export among others.

While FedEx is an expensive option, Flat rate export is a cheaper option.

You can also use a shipping mode that proves to be cheaper like LCL shipping.

LCL sea freight is cheaper but takes longer to reach US.

Air freight is faster but expensive.

The pricing for FCL sea freight is done at a flat rate irrespective of the content/size.

Express is suitable for fast shipping of small size packages.

It is not pricey as air freight.

How to Calculate Cost of Shipping from Canada to US

The cost of shipping from Canada to US will depend on the timeframe, delivery distance, weight, package size and the courier service chosen.

For instance, the cost of shipping a 5-pound package could be around $30for standard services and to approximately $170 for next day overnight services.

You can use a shipping cost calculator to get an estimate of the cost of shipping your product.

You key in the destination and shipment information and get an estimated cost.

FedEx, UPS, USPS, Canada Post and other courier services have their shipping cost calculators that you can access from their websites.

However, you can look at the below factors:

Package Value

The cost of shipping increases with a higher package value.

The value is high due to the need to insure your products during transit.

When your package is lost or damaged while shipping, the insurance covers these issues.

Package Weight

The package is measured to determine its weight.

The weight is then compared against a set DIM.

They take the higher value which is used to calculate the shipping rate.

That said, a higher package weight translates to a higher shipping cost.

Delivery Distance/Destination

The distance from the loading point in Canada to the pickup point in the US determines how much the shipping cost will be.

The longer the distance, the higher the shipping cost.

Dimensional Weight

Carriers often use DIM of the specified package to determine the shipping rates.

You calculate by multiplying the width, length and height and then dividing by the DIM value.

Carrier Chosen

You can choose to use one among the several courier services in Canada such as FedEx, Canada Post, UPS, and others.

However, there are expensive ones such as FedEx and cheaper ones such as Flat rate export.

The shipping cost will depend on which courier service you chose to ship your products.

Mode of Shipping

There are different modes of shipping your packages from Canada to US.

The most expensive modes are Air freight while Ocean freight are cheaper for the same packages/goods.

If you are using air freight from Canada to the US and you pick express shipping, you will pay an average price of $329 (50 kg/0.2 cbm). And, this is for a door-to-door shipping.

Note: Do not forget to include insurance cost as it protects you in case your goods are damaged or lost.

Some of the ways of doing this is through your third-party insurance agent or freight forwarder.

The insurance costs are usually around 0.3 – 9.5% of your Commercial Invoice Value.

Documents you need when Shipping from Canada to US

To ship your products smoothly from Canada to US without fines or confiscation at the border, there are a number of documents that you must produce.

You have to ensure that you have these documents at the US customs before you pick your goods.

They are often prepared by different parties such as custom brokers or freight forwarders.

Below are the documents you need:

i. Bill of Lading

This document must always be there.

It is provided by the courier (UPS, DHL, FedEx, Canada Post etc.

Bill of Lading helps the carrier know about the destination of the specific parcel.

On it, you list the goods that are carried in the shipment.

Among the details are the contact information, weight, size, and contact information.

Freighters can create 3-part BOL (1 part for the driver, shipper and consignee on the other end).

Each person then signs their specific space on the document.

ii. Commercial Invoice

It is needed for every non-document shipment.

Commercial invoice includes a full description and value of the shipped goods.

You need 3 copies of this document and it is included with shipment labels.

Rather than outside of the box, commercial invoice is included inside the pouch mainly for customs purposes.

One copy goes with the Bill of Lading while the other goes with freight heading into America.

iii. CUSMA Certificate of Origin

Certificate of origin document shows the origin of the shipment.

It ensures accurate collection of custom duties according to the regulations set by2020 Canada – United States- Mexico Agreement.

It includes the information of the exporter, importer, producer, date, tariff classification, and commodity classification.

iv. Canada Customs Invoice

You need one copy to accompany the freight from where it is picked to the place it clears customs.

Another copy is attached to the Bill of Lading.

You can write PARS CLEARANCE on the Customs Invoice if border clearance is shown on the Bill of Lading.

v. Airway Bill

This document often accompanies goods shipped by a Canadian carrier to avail detailed information about the shipment as well as allow it to be tracked.

Every person involved in the shipment gets a copy of Airway Bill to document it.

It is however better to have a BOL than AWB because it has less protection.

vi. Import/Export License

These documents are important for regulated commodities/products such as alcohol, tobacco, firearms etc.

America has to issue an import permit to the person handling the goods from Canada majorly for clearance purposes.

Often, this document varies depending on the goods a person is receiving from Canada.

Export license is a legal document that allows a Canadian shipping company to transport packages/goods to the US.

A company cannot be allowed to move products from Canada to the US without this document.

vii. Packing List

Instead of a commercial invoice, you can use a packing list.

A packing list has an itemized shipment that includes how the goods are packaged, safety handling instruction and weight.

It can be crucial as a bank payment document requirement, and shipping companies can use it make their Bill of Lading.

Time It Takes to Ship from Canada to USA

The time taken to ship from Canada to US vary by the service level chosen and courier option.

Just as there are more economical and slower services which take up to 7 business days, there are carriers that take a day to make deliveries.

Also, the time depends on the shipping mode chosen.

You can choose shipping express, Air freight shipping, or Sea freight shipping.

Transit time is also impacted by the season, shipment size, and location.

If you were using either Air, Sea/Ocean, or Express freight, you will look at the shipping modes and days taken.

Sea Freight (LCL) for port-to-port or door-to-door

Sea Freight (FCL) for port-to-port or door-to-door

Air freight for port-to-port or door-to-door

Express Freight for door-to-door

Payable Taxes and Duties when Shipping from Canada to USA

When you ship from Canada to the US, you have to pay custom duties before your cargo/goods are released into the US.

Usually, these costs are significant which is why you have to research early before you are caught unawares.

Below are the taxes and duties that a shipper has to pay when shipping goods from Canada to the US:

1. Import Tax (Custom Duty)

You have to pay for import tax (customs duty) on the goods you move from Canada to the US.

The customs duty varies by product type or country of origin.

You can use the HTS Code/Products Harmonized system to calculate the exact rate due.

Typically, the minimum threshold for import tax is $800.

All goods valued below this value are not subject to duty.

2. Import Duty

To determine the import duty value, you must check the commodity code then apply the import duty rate for this code.

The specified tax is due on the cost of the goods without shipping.

Handling Customs Clearance when Shipping from Canada to US

Customs clearance is not as complex as people are made to believe.

When a shipment arrives at the customs, you have to follow the below process:

1) A Custom Officer will look at the Paperwork for the Shipment

Every international shipment must have a commercial invoice listing the shipper and receiver’s contact information.

In addition are the airway bill number and export date.

Also, it will have a description of the product and the total value.

2) Customs Officer will Check to See if any Duties or Taxes Apply to your Shipment.

The values will depend on the laws of the importing country, their value and type of goods.

If the customs officer finds that the value of the goods is above the tax threshold then they check whether the duties and taxes have been paid for.

3) If the Import Duties and Taxes haven’t been Paid, Customs will Demand Payment.

If a shipment is tagged as Deliver Duty Paid, it means that payment of duties and taxes have been paid for.

There are express couriers that can process the payment for you through their custom brokers.

When you pay for the label, customs brokers get services at a fixed price.

If the shipment is tagged as Deliver Duty Unpaid, customs have to forward the package to an independent customs broker to collect the needed amount.

Since brokers are independent and they charge a different fee structure, the costs can be very expensive.

Fees such as storage, brokerage, and late payment fees can apply, making it hard to tell customers what their final payment will be.

i. After confirmation that the outstanding taxes and duties have been paid, the shipment can be released and continuous onto the final destination.

Once you have all the paperwork and know how to handle duties and taxes, clearing customs should not be a problem.

Courier Services to use in Shipping from Canada to US

Most clients prefer shipping their packages using courier services because they get detailed trafficking information.

FedEx Shipping from Canada to US

FedEx has excellent tracking capabilities, reliable delivery times, and offers support in finding the right custom documents.

It also has overnight tracking and shipping features/capabilities.

Shipping from Canada to US using UPS

UPS is the worlds largest courier company.

They are the most reliable offering several services within and outside Canada.

They have UPS Express Early for delivery in 1 day and UPS Worldwide Express Plus for delivery in 2-3 business days.

Canada Post from Canada to USA

All the packages sent through Canada Postare often handed over to USPS once the shipment crosses the border.

It is one of the largest courier services in Canada with efficient service and great rates.

Dwarka Courier Service

It is one the best courier and cargo services as it provides cheaper and secure way to send packages to the US.

Dwarka offers door-to-door service express delivery and pick-up line from home to the US.

Loomis Express

This courier company is highly reliable with excellent tracking capabilities.

You can track your shipment as it moves from Canada to the US.

Purolator

A Canadian courier company providing very efficient services and competitive pricing.

Purolator offers guaranteed shipping times such as Express 9 and 10.30 AM.

At times Purolator cooperates with other shipping companies like UPS where it handles the delivery to the border while UPS takes it to the final destination.

Due to the reliability of these two courier companies, using a third party to complete the delivery is very safe.

DHL

DHL is a huge company offering courier and shipping services.

DHL Express is a good option when shipping packages directly from Canada to the US.

USPS

USPS offers not only tracking but also insurance services for your goods from Canada to the US.

It offers USPS tracking numbers that customers can use to track their goods as they are transported to their final destinations.

Best Time to Ship from Canada to USA

The best time to ship from Canada to USA is during the middle of the month.

During this time, carriers struggle to fill their vessels hence they lower their prices.

Carriers are capable of introducing increases to shipping charges referred to as General Rate Increases (GRI) especially at the beginning of the month.

That said, you should book during the latter two weeks of the month as you save money.

Note: take note of the peak seasons both in Canada and the US when shipping your goods.

Freight rates, especially air freight rates and FCL sea freight are affected by seasonal factors.

Times when there are big events such as Holiday Shopping Season in the Fall months, the shipping costs are very high.

Avoid shipping during these times unless you are willing to pay high costs.

Hazmat Shipping from Canada to USA

Hazmat (Hazardous materials) are among the most expensive, regulation-heavy or complicated products to ship.

There are several rules and regulations needed to transport them because they pose a danger to the environment, property and people.

If you are found to have willfully ignore the hazmat shipping regulations, you can get fines or legal action.

Hazmat include explosives, radioactive materials, toxic materials and gases to minor products like nail polish, sprays, and liquor that could pose a handling and shipping risk.

When shipping from Canada to US:

i. Classify the Hazmat material. You have to fill a safety data sheet that will guide the person handling the product.

ii. Choose the right courier to handle your package

iii. Select the most appropriate packaging

There are laws for how you can package your hazmat products.

For instance, you can packaged dangerous liquids in a drum, aluminum, steel, or plastic drum.

It all depends on the specific type of liquid.

iv. You can mark and label your package

Marking our Hazmat depends on ID number, class of products, weight and other properties of the product.

Ensure that you follow the right regulations when marking, labelling and even placarding.

Something as little as the orientation of your arrow is very important, otherwise your package may not be shipped to the final destination.

v. Preparation of shipment papers

Ensure that you have filled all of the appropriate shipment documents otherwise your shipment may be delayed.

vi. Comply with the additional courier requirements

Ensure that you follow all of the requirements of your courier service.

DHL, UPS, FedEx, and USPS all ship hazardous materials.

Truck Shipping from Canada to USA

Truck shipping involves the use of road.

You transport large volumes of cargo, can fill a container.

Courier companies pick up cargo from Canada and take them to the US.

Less than Truckload (LTL) Shipping from Canada to USA

LTL is used in the transportation of relatively small freight.

You can equally use it when freight does not require the use of a full trailer.

It is preferable when the freight weighs between 150 – 15,000 pounds.

When a person is shipping LTL, the shipper pays for a part of the standard truck trailer their freight occupies while the remaining shippers and their shipment fill the unoccupied space.

Benefits of LTL:

LTL carriers often give tracking capabilities via the Bill of Lading number, pick up date range, shipment reference number, PO number, PRO number and others.

With LTL you get access to special services like inside pickup, liftgates or delivery.

LTL shipments has increased security.

The LTL shipments are packaged onto pallets before they are loaded onto a truck.

As compared to shipments with several smaller handling units, a one-well packaged pallet is more secure.

LTL shipping reduces costs.

One only pays for the part of the trailer used when shipping.

The other occupants of the trailer’s space cover the remaining cost.

Full Truck Load (FTL) Services from Canada to USA

FTL takes a whole trailer which is why it is chosen for large shipments.

It is equally suitable for time sensitive freight and when the good’s weight make them more cost effective.

Overall, it has a shorter transit time.

Benefits of Truck Freight from Canada to USA

• There are shorter transit times depending on the destinations
• There is wide range of transportation from LTL to FTL
• Door-to-door delivery without bulk breaking
• Weather delays are shorter
• More cost-effective
• There is increased security for shipments
• There is tracking capabilities
• There is more flexibility to where the goods can be delivered due to availability of roads

Limitations of Truck Freight from Canada to USA

• It is not as fast as air freight
• It is not as cheap as ocean freight
• There is high energy consumption
• There is extreme vulnerability to external factors such as bad weather/climate
• There is limited carrying capacity

Ocean Freight/Sea Freight from Canada to USA

Ocean/Sea Freight shipping includes LCLs and FCLs.

No matter the destination or size of shipment, Ocean/Sea Freight from Canada to US is the best shipping alternative.

Benefits of Ocean Freight from Canada to USA

• There is more flexibility on the type of cargo or amount you can ship due to the ship’s size
• It is more reliable as whether conditions do not affect the departure and arrival times
• It is suitable for longer distances and heavier items/goods
• It can safely carry hazardous and dangerous goods from Canada to the US
• It is economical as it offers the most competitive freight charges/costs to its shippers, especially over long distances.
• It is environmentally friendly

Limitations of Ocean Freight from Canada to USA

• It is a slower form of shipping option for your goods/packages
• It is less secure because there is increased opportunity for theft or damage
• There is limitation to places they can deliver the goods to

Ports in Canada

i. Port of Vancouver (the port code is CAVAN)

ii. Port of Montreal (the port code is CAMTR).

iii. Toronto Port (the port code is CATOR)

iv. Port of Saint John

v. Port of Halifax

vi. Port of Prince Rupert

vii. Port of Nanaimo

Ports in USA

America has around 360 commercial ports serving America.

Below are some of the ports that you can use for shipping your goods from Canada to the US:

i. Port of Virginia

ii. South Carolina Ports

iii. Port of Houston (Port Code USHOU)

iv. Port of Virginia

v. Port of Seattle Tacoma NW Seaport Alliance

vi. Georgia Ports

vii. Port of New York (Port Code is USNYC)

viii. Port of New Jersey

ix. Port of Long Beach

x. Port of Los Angeles (Port Code is USLAX)

• Shipping Companies from Canada to USA

Air Freight from Canada to USA

Air freight form Canada to USA is suitable for low-volume and high-value shipments.

It is the most reliable to meet quick shipping objectives.

Benefits of Air Freight from Canada to USA

• It is suitable for packages/goods that weigh less, around 100kgs.
• It is the fastest means of shipping your goods to Canada from USA. They move at 900km/hour. Shipment takes a few hours.
• Air fresh shipments are highly reliable. Airlines have dependable arrival and departure times hence one receives their packages at set times.
• Air freight shipments are easy to track. You can easily track your air freight shipment because you can look at the flight information and number of when the flight leaves and arrives at destination.
• Airfreight shipments are very secure. One does not have to worry about their goods getting damaged or stolen. It is often mostly used for high-value shipments which require safety. The goods also undergo very minimal handling making them safer. Back at the airport, there are tight safety controls over the cargo and the goods are cleared within a short time reducing the risk of damages/theft.
• There is reduced cost for insurance, warehousing, and packaging.

Limitations of Air Freight from Canada to USA

• Air freight from Canada to USA is very expensive that it is not suitable for low-value commodities.
• They are less likely to ship very large packages because of the weight. It has a small carrying capacity.
• Highly unreliable due to the unpredictable weather changes. Flights can be easily cancelled due to bad weather.
• High risk. A minor glitch can cause significant losses.

International Air Ports in Canada

There are several international Air ports in Canada that offer shipping services such as:

• Toronto Pearson International Airport
• Vancouver International Airport
• Winnipeg International Airport
• Victoria International Airport
• Thunder Bay International
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport
• Gander International Airport
• Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL),
• Ottawa McDonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
• Calgary International Airport
• International Air Ports in USA

The following are the International Airports in USA:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Los Angeles International Airport
• O’Hare International Airport
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
• John F. Kennedy International Airport
• Denver International Airport
• San Francisco International Airport
• Seattle–Tacoma International Airport
• Miami International Airport
• Orlando International Airport
• Cleveland Airport

Airlines to use during Air Freight from Canada to USA

You can use these airlines for Air freight from Canada to the US:

1. Air Canada
2. United Flights
3. Delta flights
4. Alaska Airlines
5. WestJet
6. American airlines

Labeling Requirements when Shipping from Canada to USA

Canada has rolled out a number of requirements mandating the labelling of some products or that some information be communicated on the packages and labels.

Labelling requirements are outlined under provincial laws, and Canadian federal regulations, laws, and policies.

Sadly, the labelling requirements are all not found in one place.

Health Canada requires under the Consumer Products Safety Act, Hazardous Product Act and Regulations of Narcotics and Controlled and Restricted Drugs that products have to be labelled appropriately.

Hazardous Products Labelling

All hazardous products have to be labelled with a warning sign.

They could be dangerous, inhalation hazard, radioactive, corrosive, poisonous, oxidizer, flammable, or combustible.

Every label has to represent a hazard of the material contained in the package.

The label will be affixed to or printed on the surface of the package close to the proper shipping name marking.

Importers are not allowed to label any misleading information that can result in negative effects on the human body and health.

Pre-Package Labelling

Importers must provide accurate information as labels on the already packaged consumer products thus helping with making informed decisions.

The label contains the accurate information about the quantity of the pre-packaged product.

This label must also contain the information about the age, quality, quantity, size, performance, geographic origin, composition, and material content.

You should ensure that you attach a legible and visible shipping label.

The shipping label is directly applied to the largest side of the container’s outer part.

This label is applied away from package seams and closure.

The postal code and address have to be written print lettering and upper case.

You can wrap a label around the edges of a counter if the shipped item is smaller than the shipping label.

Even so, the address the barcode of the item has to be flat and visible.

Quality Standards to Considering during Shipping from Canada to USA

Below are the quality standards that shippers/companies have to adhere to when shipping from Canada to US:

• CCPSA
• ISO Container Standards; this standard ensures that the containers have the right dimensions to appropriately fit the goods they are intended to carry.
• I.R. Certification
• CSC Certification
• National ambient air quality standards and objectives
• Canada-Wide Standards

Goods to Ship from Canada to USA

Below are the goods you can ship from Canada to the US:

• Food, chocolate and candies
• Personal belongings/personal effects
• Sold/permanent goods
• Temporary imports

Benefits of using Canada Freight Forwarder to Ship from Canada to USA

There are several Freight Forwarders in Canada.

When you ship with Canada Freight Forwarder from Canada to USA, you can enjoy the following benefits:

More Flexibility

With a freight forwarder, a shipper can reroute goods much easier via other carriers or port of loadings.

A shipper is therefore not tied down to a particular carrier for their popular routes.

For instance, if there are market changes and other carriers offer better packages for the customer then the shipper can take advantage of those rates.

Diversified Services

When dealing with a freight forwarder, a shipper can deal with one point of contact to ship goods door-to-door rather than port-to-port.

They offer trade-related services such as:

• Managing the inventory so the right amount of goods is transported
• Insurance for all shipped products
• Handling documentation for shipments like Bill of Lading and Bank Papers.

Value Services

Canadian freight forwarders offer value-added services that gives the shippers comfort and peace of mind.

They offer credit terms and purchase order track mechanisms.

Rather than shippers paying for goods before they reach their destinations, they are granted credit so they pay for freight cargo when they arrive.

Competitive Costs

Freight forwarders offer competitive costs and this depends on the services a company needs.

It is possible to lower prices to particular company making special arrangements with other companies.

They bring all of the shipments to form a single unit thus lowering the freight charges.

How Door to Door Shipping from Canada to US Work

Freight forwarding companies in Canada can handle door to door shipping from Canada to US.

Their work is to collect goods from the source (Canada) and deliver them to the final destination (US).

It is an excellent shipping process because it is easy to track.

Door to Door shipping eliminates the use of several intermediaries during the shipping process.

For this service, DAP is the most appropriate.

It does not cover for taxes and duties are applicable.

Some of the door-to-door services are:

Shipping a consignment as per a client’s instructions

Customs clearance in Ca

Every year, billions of U.S. dollars go into imports of goods, products and commodities from Indonesia to USA.

In this guide we look deeply at the shipping dynamics involved when goods are transported from Indonesia to USA.

Cost of Shipping from Indonesia to USA

The cost of shipping goods from Indonesia to USA varies due to:

Method of Shipping

Air freight is the most expensive while sea freight is the cheapest mode of shipping from Indonesia to USA.

For instance, a cargo weighing 200kg per 1cbm will cost USD 2,200 by air, USD 896 by sea.

Air freight cost is calculated by the weight while sea freight is by volume or full container flat rate respectively.

Express services are affordable when shipping goods weighing 100 kg/0.2 cubic meters or less. C

argos above 100kg/0.2cbm are cheaper to shipped via air freight.

Size of Cargo

Cargo size comes in when using LCL or air freight because the cost is derived by calculation the weight and volume.

Air freight cost however increases with the weight while in LCL it goes up by the space needed.

Location

The port of departure and arrive affect the cost depending on the zone of the port.

The higher the zone level the higher the cost of shipping.

Best Shipping Times from Indonesia to USA

Off-peak

Shipping peak seasons fall between mid- August to mid-October fall when the demand for supplies always doubles.

This increase in demand leads to increase in ocean cargo for shipping thus affecting the cost of shipping.

To avoid such unnecessary rise in expenses, plan your shipment early before the seasons kick in in both Indonesia and USA.

Towards End Month

The rate of the containers goes up every beginning and mid-month, this increase is known as General Rate Increase (GRI).

During these times, the demand for goods is high hence container availability becomes hard.

Plan your shipping in between the GRI times to save you money

Normal Days

Holiday seasons such as Halloween and Christmas affect the pricing due to high container demand.

This in turn affects shipping rates thus increasing cost of shipping.

Any other day that is not holiday times in Indonesia or USA is best time for shipping.

How to get Cheapest Shipping to USA from Indonesia

If you want the cheapest shipping options from Indonesia to USA, you should consider the following:

Book Early

Early planning on your part will see you ship your cargo using ocean freight without fearing transit times.

This enables you to avoid last minute rush that forces you to settle for the expensive available options.

Get Different Quotations

Having different quotations from different shipping companies enables you to gauge the prevailing market rates and settle for the cheapest option.

Have the Right Documentation

Make sure your cargo has all the required documents for customs exit clearance as well as custom entry clearance.

This avoid incurring penalties associated with non-compliance of customs laws and regulations.

Avoid Peak Seasons

Try and ship during off-peak to save you from the high rates of shipping in peak season.

Understand your Goods’ Codes

All goods being shipped from Indonesia to USA are classified in a Harmonized Code system (HS).

This classification determines the tariffs applicable and chargeable by customs.

Incorrect classification of goods leads to penalty, correction fees as well as payment of applicable taxes and duties.

How to Label Cargo Shipping from Indonesia to USA

Labelling of goods and commodities for shipping to USA must adhere to the standards of product labeling in USA.

The label should be in English and large fonts that are easy to read, this also applies to signs and symbols.

The labels should have:

• Product’s country of origin
• Shipper’s mark
• Weight in pounds and kilograms
• Number and size of products inside in inches and centimeters
• Port of entry
• Cautionary markings such as “This side up”
• Handling marks with international pictorial signs and symbols
• Hazard materials label
• Storage conditions “cool dry place” “refrigerate after opening”
• Ways of disposing, etc.

Food Products Labelling

This category includes; foods, pharmaceutical,s and medical products.

These require a certain way of labelling and information on their packages.

Harmless dyes should be used for labelling and with ingredients and quantities, brand names, manufacturing country.

Other information such as allergies, manufacturing and expiry dates, vegetarian and non-vegan should be included.

Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) is the regulatory body for food products in the USA.

Any food imports that do not meet their labelling standards are not cleared for entry and might be destroyed at the port.

Non-Food Labelling

Any other product that is not food related falls here and they follow similar process as above but with less restrictions.

Customs Clearance Process when Shipping from Indonesia to USA

Custom official at the airport or port of exit in Indonesia check the paperwork for the shipment for correct documenting.

They then calculate the taxes and duties applicable to the shipment which is then paid before goods are cleared for shipment.

Upon arrival in USA airport or port, the cargo is subjected to the U.S Customs and Border Protection process.

The CBP officials then inspects the cargo against the paperwork submitted.

They ensure all imports to USA meet all the customs laws and regulations as stipulated by the law.

The customs inspection checks for the right classification, whether the goods are allowed and the purpose of import.

Once the cargo satisfies the CBP laws, taxes and duties applicable is paid then cleared for entry.

This is a tedious process in shipping therefore, ensure all the documents are correctly filled to avoid delays or consignment seizure.

You can use the services of customs brokers if you are not sure of the process for Indonesian and USA side.

Choosing Insurance for Cargo when shipping from Indonesia to USA

An insurance cover is necessary when shipping from Indonesia to USA to protect the cargo in transit against loss, damage, etc.

You can get one from a third-party insurance agent or a comprehensive cargo cover from your freight forwarder.

The cost of insurance is typical a percentage of the total cost of the goods being shipped usually, 0.3 t0 0.5%.

Taxes and Duty Chargeable when Shipping from Indonesia to USA

Goods and commodities shipped from Indonesia to USA are subjected to export and import duties and taxes respectively.

Customs duty and taxes are charged to protect domestic goods, and their flow in and out of the country.

In Indonesia, the Indonesia Customs Law (ICL) govern the customs and excise duties applied at the Indonesia customs territories.

All taxable exported goods are subjected to 0% value added tax (VAT) while specific goods are charged export duty.

The calculation is arrived at as follows:

Ad Valorem (percentage of value): Export duty=tariff of export duty x standard export price x quantity x exchange rate

Specific (currency per unit): Export duty=amount of export duty in Indonesian rupiah x quantity x exchange rate

The goods being shipped must be declared in the customs export declaration form (PEB-PemberitahuanEksporBarang).

When goods arrive in the USA Import laws are used to determine the taxes and duties applicable.

The import customs duties applied are either ad valorem or specific.

Customs duty vary between 0 to 37.5% while a normal duty rate is 5.63%.

Others import taxes chargeable are preferential duty for goods from free trade countries, sales tax, merchandise processing fees, etc.

U.S.CBP relies on an import declaration form, commercial invoice, HS Codes, etc. which help determine the value of imports and taxes applicable.

Penalties are exemptions on goods are applied depending on the country’s customs laws on import and export.

Documents you need to Ship from Indonesia to USA Shipping

You cannot ship from Indonesia to USA without the correct paperwork. Some of the key documents required include:

Commercial Invoice

This document is a proof of sales transaction between buyer and seller.

It has details such as:

• Buyer and seller’s address and contacts
• Shipping address
• Item description, unit size and quantities
• Value of goods which will determine the insurance cost
• HS codes for tariffs levies

Custom agents use it to determine levies applicable.

Packing List

This is a form that shows how goods were arranged for inspection and shipping.

It is filled by the exporter or freight forwarder when goods are re-packed.

Upon receipt of goods, the consignment receiver signs it.

It contains information such as:

• Name and address of the consignor and consignee
• Packing equipment such as pallet, crates, etc.
• Packing details
• Description of goods
• Hazardous information

Bill of Lading (B/L)

Bill of lading is a legal document between the carrier and the shipper that must accompany the goods being shipped.

It serves three purposes; contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, receipt of goods and as a document title of goods.

Bill of lading can also be used for:

• Tracking shipment using the number on the master bill of landing
• Payment of goods because it is a requirement for the letter of credit processing
• Insurance claims incase of loss or damaged cargo

Details included in the B/L include; shipment details, loading details and terms of contract.

• Types of bill of lading

1. Onboarding B/L issued by the carrier upon loading of cargo in the shipping vessels. It indicates the condition of goods at the time of loading as either clean of foul B/L.
2. Order B/L can be used as security for seller in that goods are only delivered upon payment.
3. Received-for-shipment B/L is a confirmation of goods receipt by the carrier from freight forwarders but is not proof of loading.
4. Sea waybill is a form of house B/L used for goods shipping but it does not serve as title document.
5. Straight B/L is when a seller has been paid and the goods can be delivered “straight” to the buyer.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

This is a record showing the physical, chemical, biological, radioactive or explosive content of dangerous goods being shipped.

MSDS is provided by the manufacturer and shared with the cargo carriers to guide them on safety precautions to take.

It also helps in calculating the shipping cost for “dangerous goods”

Shipper’s Letter of Instruction

This is a note to the freight forwarding company directing them on how your cargo should be shipped and location.

It is a proof of transaction between the exporter and the freight forwarder and normally contain details such as:

• Exporter and the receiver of cargo’s contacts
• Incoterms applicable
• Transit route
• Description of shipment with corresponding HS codes
• Goods dimension and weight

Certificate of Origin (COO)

This is a document that shows that goods are manufactured, processed or produced in Indonesia.

It has the details of the consignor and consignee, shipment routing and goods description.

Other additional information is; exporter declaration confirming goods’ country of origin and the inspection certificate evidencing goods have been inspected.

It is a required document for customs clearance and import statistics and levy duties.

Freight forwarders use it to know the prohibited goods.

Letter of Credit

This is a guarantee of payment by the bank of the buyer in USA to the bank of the seller in Indonesia.

It is necessitated by the fact that international trade normally experience delay in funds transfer.

Shipping Quote

This is a document that shows the cost breakdown of the shipment and other extra fees that may be incurred. Shipping quotation come with a validity period.

Important information included in the shipping quotation and which determine the cost are:

• Pickup and drop off points
• Mode of transportation
• Cargo details such as; weight, item description and dimensions.

Booking Confirmation

This is a receipt from the carrier confirming that your cargo has been booked for shipment by ocean or air.

The receipt information includes:

• Booking number that aids in tracking your cargo
• Transport plan i.e., port of origin and destination and estimate time of arrival
• Equipment used i.e., number of pallet and cargo size
• Load itinerary

Major Ports in Indonesia for shipping Cargo to USA

These are some of the major and busiest ports in Indonesia that you can ship from:

1. Surabaya, Java (Tanjung Perak) whose code is IDSUB
2. Jakarta, Java (Tanjung Priok) whose code is IDTPP
3. Semarang, Java (TanjungEmas) whose code is DSRG

Major Ports Destination in USA

1. New York whose code is USNYC
2. Los Angeles whose code is USLAX
3. Houston whose code is USHOU

The codes are unique to these ports and cannot be used by any other port.

Ocean Freight from Indonesia to USA

Transit Time from Indonesia to USA

Using FCL freight method is 27 to 39 days for port-to-port and 55 to 59 for door-to-door delivery.

LCL freight shipping takes longer; port-to-port takes 30- to 42 days while door-to-door takes 44 to 49.

It is easier to unload LCL container than FCL thus the less delivery days for door-to-door.

Benefits of Ocean Freight from Indonesia to USA

Some of the benefits of ocean freight are:

• It is the cheapest shipping mode available
• Convenient for bulky goods

Limitation of Ocean Freight from Indonesia to USA

• Takes longer transit time that may lead to goods delay
• Chances of goods getting damaged or lost are high with LCL mode and especially during high season.

Air Freight from Indonesia to USA

Transit Times form Indonesia to USA using Air Freight

Air freight cargo will take between 8 to 17 days to be transported from Indonesia to USA.

Benefits of Air Freight from Indonesia to USA

• It is the fastest mode of shipping from Indonesia to USA
• The cost does not change with the distance covered.
• It is ideal for high valued cargo that need the tight security when handling as done at airports
• Can be used to ship perishable and fragile products

Limitations of Air Freight from Indonesia to USA

• The cost of shipping is very high compared to other modes
• It has a weight limit and cannot ship goods beyond the weight limit.
• Cargos that cannot be palletized cannot be shipped by air freight.

Reliable Airlines from Indonesia to USA

• Singapore Airlines
• Citilink
• KLM
• United Airlines
• American Airlines

LCL Shipping Process from Indonesia to USA

Less container load is a shipment that cannot fill 20 feet or 45 feet container hence are consolidated with other goods.

The volume of a standard 20ft container is 1,172 CFT/33.2 CBM while 45ft is 3,122CFT/88.4 CBM.

Compared to FCL’s flat container rate, LCL freight charges is gotten by calculating the volume of the cargo.

This is the space that the goods take in the container and is measured in cubic meters (CBM).

To use LCL sea freight, you need to take into consideration:

1. Cargo size smaller cargos that do not occupy 13 CBM and above 100 kg of a container are ideal for LCL. Below 13 CBM and less than 100kg can be shipped by air whereas above 15 CBM is FCL recommended.
2. The cost is less when you are shipping a cargo that does not occupy more than half the container space. LCL is charged per CBM, this eventually cost more if much space occupied within the container. In this case, FCL would be better than LCL.
3. Transit time for a cargo from Indonesia to USA is 25- 30 days LCL. Air freight and FCL are 7-10 days and 15-22 days respectively.

LCL freight shipping from Indonesia to USA has benefits associated with it. They include:

• LCL cost less because it is charged on the space occupied as opposed to the flat container rate on FCL.
• It is cheaper to use LCL than air freight for a cargo weighing the same.
• They are easily available throughout the season unlike FCL whose demand increases with season.
• You do not need a big storage space at once compared to FCL.

LCL shipping is not without limitation:

• Takes longer to ship due to the unloading and offloading of other cargos at different ports
• It involves a lot of handling between shipping thus goods can easily get lost or damaged. Not ideal for fragile goods.
• Delay in other shipment affect the rest because it is a groupage shipment and cannot proceed without the other.
• LCL may be expensive if the space occupied in the container is bigger than half the container.

FCL Shipping Process from Indonesia to USA

Full container load is a sea shipping method whereby only one shipment occupies an entire 20- or 40-feet shipping container.

The shipment may or may not fill the container during the shipping from Indonesia to USA.

How FCL from Indonesia to USA operates

When shipping your cargo in FCL method, you will have two delivery options: live or drop.

For live delivery, the driver waits as the goods are being offloaded at the warehouse in USA.

When this cannot be accomplished with the two hours then you can opt for the drop option.

In drop option, the driver will offload the container at the warehouse in USA and come collect it later.

The latter option is a bit costly because the driver makes two trips to your warehouse as opposed to live delivery.

Before you opt to ship using FCL method from Indonesia to USA you have to consider certain factors:

1. Delivery point if it requires prior booking and their approximate waiting time. This is normally longer for FCL than LCL. Most companies allow driver waiting a maximum of two hours to unload the container. Beyond two hours, you will be charged extra fees by the hour.
2. Port congestion; avoid shipping to busy ports and during peak seasons. This will lengthen your waiting time hence accruing port surcharges.
3. Demurrages and detention fees; there is a free port waiting charges usually four days in USA after which demurrages apply. You should therefore ensure that the container is clear and collected withing the four days to avoid extra charges.

After goods collection, the container should be returned to the port within four days.

Failure to do so leads to detention charges, which are calculated per day.

FCL sea freight has its own benefits like:

• There is no groupage of other goods thus reducing the chances or damage or loss.
• It is easy to track your cargo from Indonesia to USA.
• The transit time from Indonesia to USA is less since there is no stoppage to offload other goods along the route.
• Once goods are sealed in Indonesia, they will remain so till the last drop off in USA.
• It is a cheaper method when your cargo can fill a smaller container or occupy at least 75% of the space. This is because it is charged at a flat rate for the whole container.
• FCL method is ideal for shipping fragile high-volume cargo that need extra care in handling from Indonesia to USA.

FCL is not entirely without disadvantages and therefore you some of the downside associated with it are:

• FCL is costly when the shipment is smaller than 13 cubic meters
• It requires more capacity for handling personnel during loading at the factory in Indonesia and at the terminal in USA. You may need to pay extra in case there is need.
• The shipment is large and handling may be complicated at the port of destination.
• It requires more storage space when the cargo is large.

Unlike LCL, FCL charges the shipper for the whole container despite its occupancy level.

This flat rate normally seems high when the container is not filled to at least 75%.

When planning to ship using FCL method it is important to factor in the cost and availability of the containers.

The pricing goes up during holiday season when the demand for supplies increases, during peak season and at the beginning and mid-month.

Applicable Shipping Laws and Regulations when Shipping from Indonesia to USA

Shipping laws and regulations of both Indonesia and USA that are applied in this case include:

Marine Casualty

This defines who takes responsibilities in the event of vessels collision, pollution, vessel salvage and wreck removal and limitation to liabilities.

Each country has adopted a well define way of handling or mitigating such events from happening.

Cargo Claims

These laws are used in the event a carrier losses or damages cargo, compensation plan, etc.

Delivery Options when Shipping from Indonesia to USA

There are various options for delivery services to choose from when shipping with a freight forwarder from Indonesia to USA.

Port-to-Port Delivery

This involves shipping of goods from loading port in Indonesia to discharge port in the USA.

It is the middle-leg of the shipping process. It does not include transportation of goods from the source to the loading port and from destination port to your doorstep.

When using port-to-port delivery option you need to consider inland transportation, port schedule, customs clearance and cargo insurance.

• Inland transportation is the movement of cargo from source to the port of loading and from offloading port to your address. This is facilitated by trucks or cargo trains.
• Port schedule is important to help plan around drop off and collection of goods from respective ports. Be sure to know the opening and closing times, working hours on weekend and public holidays. This will save you from unnecessary delay, inconveniences and port demurrages and surcharges.
• Customs Clearance is not part of port-to-port delivery services therefore, you need to arrange for them separately. You can arrange for the customs clearance using customs brokers of respective countries. this will save you the headache of paperwork and customs requirements.
• Cargo Insurance is important because it covers your cargos from unforeseen risks at sea. The carrier liability cover provided is not enough to make claims in case of losses thus the need for cargo insurance.
• Local charges such as release fee for bill of landing, port charges, etc. may not be included in the delivery service.

What port-to-port service quotation covers:

• Ocean freight cost is how much is charged for your cargo transport whether FCL or LCL.
• Container renting fee for cargo transportation
• Security fee applies for the security services offered while at sea.
• Cargo tracking by the freight forwarders from when the cargo leaves the port till arrival in USA port.
• Free time loading and offloading is the period between picking and dropping of container to the port for loading or unloading.
• Document issuing such as bill of lading is done at a cost
• Documents submission fee for destination specific documents filling.

Door-to-Door Delivery

Unlike port-to-port deliver this covers the shipping process end to end from source to destination.

It involves picking up of the cargo from the warehouse in the country of origin to the port of loading.

This is followed by port-to-port shipment as the second and main leg of shipment.

Custom clearance is covered in this process both at the point of entry and exit in Indonesia and USA respectively.

The freight forwarder then organizes for port to door in USA using their own means of transportation.

Handling costs, customs documentations, duties and tariffs as well surcharges are all covered in the door-to-door delivery services.

Advantages of using door-to-door services

• There are no many hands dealing with your cargo hence, there is a sense of security.
• All the services are included in the process
• It is fast and easy to track.

Express Services from Indonesia to USA

Express services help ship smaller freight from Indonesia to USA within the shortest time possible.

Their delivery time ranges from overnight, next day delivery to between 1 to 4 days.

The providers of express services are Dwarka courier, UPS, FedEx, DHL, TNT, Aramex, among others.

Using express courier services is easy, faster and you can make your bookings payments online once you create your account.

It is also possible to track your shipment and dictate the time of arrive in USA.

How to Ship from Indonesia to USA using Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders are companies that facilitate end to end movement of freight seamlessly.

They do not own the ships, or airplane but work in collaboration with carriers to make this possible.

There are freight forwarders who specialize in ocean cargo and others, air cargo.

Services offered by Freight Forwarders

• They handle the entire shipping process for you
• Prepare all the shipping paperwork on your behalf
• Provide warehousing services
• They handle any problems that may arise during shipping

What to Consider before Settling for a Freight Forwarder

• Type of handling needed by your goods
• The price and services offered by the freight forwarder
• Area of geographical coverage

When Approaching Ocean or Air Freight Forwarder for their Services you will use the steps below:

1. Request for a quotation from the freight forwarder based in Indonesia giving full details of your shipment in terms of: Size, weight, dimensions, packaging, etc. This will determine the cost calculation and services to provide.
2. Once you agree on pricing and services, a contract is drawn indicating the terms of service, incoterms and insurance cover.
3. The freight forwarder will then arrange for goods collection or receipt from the source depending on the agreement.
4. The freight forwarder will negotiate for better shipping costs with the carrier for your goods and prepare the necessary documentation. Thereafter, they will drop the cargo to the carrier for shipment and track it while on transit keeping you updated.
5. Once goods arrive in USA at your airport or port, they will clear with the customs. Afterwards, you will be notifiedto collect or drop to your door step.

Containers Types to use when Shipping from Indonesia to USA

Standard Shipping Containers/Dry Vans

These are the 20ft and 40ft airtight containers that are used for general cargo transportation.

They are not fit with any temperature regualting device thus adopt prevailing enviromental conditions.

They can hold up to 11 pallets on theor fllor base when full.

Flat Rack

These are shipping containers that have collapsible sides and with no top part.

They are used in shipping of goods with measurements beyond standard height and cannot fit through the door.

The collapsible sides make them easy to load and unload

If you’re shipping from Spain to USA, you will find all information right here.

From restricted imports, shipping method, custom clearance, cost of shipping to type of shipping container to use.

Let’s dive right in.

Prohibited and Restricted Goods to Ship from Spain to the USA

To avoid the possibility of your cargo being sent back from the USA due to illegality, here is a list of prohibited and restricted goods to evade in your shipment.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided a list of the country’s products and goods termed illegal.

In one way or another, these are products that pose a danger to the community, the health of persons, public safety, the American workers, children, domestic plant, and even animal life.

The CBP has partnered with other agencies to ensure that your shipment aligns with the rules and regulations of shipping into the U.S.

These rules apply to everyone globally, even Spain.

From the CDC to the Department of Agriculture, the officers in charge commit themselves to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens by checking what goes in and out of the country.

Spain being quite an economically stable state, business trades through exports and imports tend to be frequent.

Consequently, Spain has restrictions and regulations concerning shipping’s.

However, if you are considering making a Spain shipment to the U.S., ensure that you are free from the following illegal products:

Absinthe

This is a powerful alcoholic beverage that can cause death if consumed in excess.

Absinthe has been illegal for most of the years in the U.S.

This was up until 2007 when the restrictions lessened to a given percentage of Thujone.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that the absinthe should be Thujone free.

Alcoholic Substances

The U.S. has laws governing alcoholic beverages.

In case you are in the business of alcoholic drinks, it is best to ensure that the governing agency licenses your cargo.

Articles

Articles that majorly revolve around the defense department are software or hardware, including technology, blueprints design plan, and technical information concerning the U.S. defense system or even Spain.

Top clearance for shipping such articles is required.

Moreover, any reports suspected to violate the rights of copyrights of trademark regulations are regarded as illegal.

Automobile

It is not that shipping cars to the U.S. are illegal.

It is unlawful only when the car or cars do not fit the requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of transportation, under the office of vehicle safety compliance.

Your vehicle should ensure that it meets all the safety protocols.

It is also essential to ensure that you fill the CBP 7501 form and all the EPA and DOT compliance.

Failure to which, your car is termed as illegal

Biologicals

For these, you will require a clearance form for the CDC agency to make a smooth shipping.

Firearms

Shipping firearms into the U.S. comes with stringent regulations that must be adhered to.

This includes making sure that you are working with a licensed import agency that is answerable to the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives.

Dog and Cat Fur

It is illegal to import or even export cat or dog fur into the Unites states without any custom clearance permit or certifications.

The offense attracts a penalty ranging from $10,000-$3,000 depending on how the officials assess your crimes.

Moreover, pets and other animals must be checked for any diseases.

In fact, in the case of pets, the animals go to a mandatory quarantine, and a certified veteran approves of the animal’s safety.

Medicinal Drugs

You have to be specific with the kind of drugs you are taking to the U.S.

Narcotics and other drugs with the potential of being abused are prohibited by the USA.

The FDA plays a significant role in ensuring the drugs that you are shipping are licensed and approved for import.

Moreover, medical paraphernalia should be approved by the required licensed body.

For all other products, foods, and agricultural products, check-up with the CBP and ensure your product is free from restrictions.

The CBP is very efficient and very thorough in conducting its work.

Their officers are situated in most of the U.S. ports, ready to assess your cargo and advise you accordingly.

Goods to Ship from Spain to the USA

As long as you are shipping a good or merchandise that is not in the category of restricted or prohibited goods into the USA, then your goods are safe in the United States.

All you have to ensure is that your paperwork is well taken care of.

Besides, you should adhere to the rules and regulations of shipping in Spain and import rules for the USA, whether temporary or permanent.

Also, confirm with the relevant authorities whether your goods are safe to ship to the USA from the Spain authorities.

You can also seek further information from the USA authorities just to be sure.

Transit Time when Shipping from Spain to USA

Time is very crucial, especially if you are shipping perishable and edible goods.

Nonetheless, no one appreciates delays.

Shipping agencies making freights to the USA for their clients is very time conscious and ensures goods reach on time.

As much as these agencies are committed to ensuring your goods arrive on time, it all depends on the means you choose to transport your goods.

The primary means being air and sea/ocean.

Significant factors such as shipping from Spain to U.S. and shipping type determine your goods’ time to arrive in the U.S.

Time it takes for Ocean Freight Shipping from Spain to USA

It will take a week or even two to get your merchandise by the Ocean to the United States.

This all depends on the type of freight agency you use to help you ship your goods.

On average, 15 to 37 days is all it takes to reach the USA from Spain, factoring in the type of shipping one is using.

Here is a list showing timelines for Ocean freights from Spain to the USA.

• Valencia-Chicago—18 days FCL, 27 days LCL.
• Barcelona-Miami—15 days FCL, 31 days LCL.
• Valencia-Cleveland—31 days FCL, 25 days LCL.
• Barcelona-New York—18 days FCL.
• Bilbao-Chicago—31 days FCL, 30 days LCL.
• Bilbao-Los Angeles—37 days FCL, 34 days LCL.
• Barcelona-Los Angeles—28 days FCL, 31 days LCL.
• Bilbao-Houston—26 days FCL, 35 days LCL.
• Barcelona-Philadelphia—22 days FCL, 21 days LCL.
• Barcelona-Atlanta—27 days FCL, 22 days LCL.
• Valencia-Los Angeles—34 days FCL, 34 days LCL.
• Barcelona-Houston—24 days FCL.
• Barcelona-Savannah—20 days FCL.
• Bilbao-Seattle—34 days FCL

Time for Air Freight Shipping from Spain to USA

Air being the fastest means of transport globally, it would take no longer than three days to get your goods to the USA.

On average, a maximum of 8 days, depending on the location of your port.

Air transport is very convenient, especially for edible and perishable goods.

How Ocean Freight Shipping from Spain to USA Works

Ocean freights from Spain to the USA are relatively straight forward.

Like any other forms of shipping, all customs are counter checked to ensure the legal steps are fully adhered to.

From securing your cargo is custom cleared to loading it to the ship and ensuring that it arrives at the disclosed USA destination.

Main Ports in Spain

Spain hosts a number of ports to cater to shipments needs to the U.S.

If you are in Spain and need a port to help you reach the U.S., here are a number of ports that support you with your Agenda.

For Ocean freights, consider;

• Vigo
• Valencia
• Barcelona
• Bilbao
• Algeciras

For air freights, the following ports from Spain will help serve the purpose;

• Madrid
• Barcelona
• Bilbao

Main Ports in the USA

The main ports that can serve as receiving ends for shipments from Spain to the USA are as follows.

For Ocean freights, the main ports include;

• Miami
• Los Angeles
• Long Beach
• Savannah
• Seattle

Apart from the five main cargo ports in the U.S. earlier mentioned, shipments from Spain can find their way into the United States as well through the following international passages;

• New York
• Houston
• Baltimore
• San Francisco
• Oakland
• New Orleans
• Boston
• Atlanta
• Charleston
• Norfolk
• Tacoma
• Port Everglades
• Mobile

Benefits of Air Freight from Spain to the USA

Air Freight comes with a list of advantages compared to ocean freight.

With Air freight;

• Your goods will arrive faster than Ocean, after all, the air is the fastest means of transport.
• You can conveniently ship perishable goods.
• The security of your cargo is guaranteed.

International Airports in Spain

Spain has three main international airports that can transport your cargo from Spain to the USA.

They are;

• Madrid
• Barcelona
• Bilbao

International Airports in the USA

The following are the airports that will serve as the receiving ports for your cargo from Spain.

• Los Angeles
• Miami
• Cleveland
• Atlanta
• Dallas/Fort Worth

• New York JFK
• Charlotte
• Denver
• El Paso
• Houston
• Philadelphia Seattle
• Chicago
• Cincinnati
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• Boston
• Detroit
• Sacramento

Handling Customs Clearance when Shipping from Spain to USA

Customs clearance is important during the transportation of your shipment from Spain to the USA.

Shipping your goods from Spain to the U.S. will not be a walk in the park if your paperwork is not aligned with the Customs clearance rules and regulations from both states.

It would be best if you were fully accountable for your shipment.

As a result, special documents should accompany your cargo as you await a go-ahead to ship your countries to the USA.

Due to the voluminous work entailed in the process of acquiring customs clearance, most people hire the services of freight forwarders.

They are committed to ensuring that all your shipment needs are in line with the customs and regulations required.

Moreover, freight forwarders have specialized in the shipping process bringing about professionalism in the shipping industry.

Nonetheless, you will be required to avail of some documents which mandatorily should come from you as the shipper.

These documents entail;

• Certificate of origin
• Packing list
• Commercial invoice
• Airway Bill or Bill of loading depending on whether it is air or ocean freight
• Credit letter or any other document describing terms of agreement for parties involved in the cargo.

If needed, any licenses and permits to help credit your cargo and evade the U.S. scrutiny on your cargo should as well be presented.

This is especially if your shipment involves any sort of merchandise that is not acceptable in the U.S. border without a CBP clearance certificate or permit.

Spain also has a custom export clearance procedure that is mandatory for every cargo owner to adhere to.

Calculating Cost of Shipping from Spain to USA

The cost of shipping involves a lot of factors.

From the type of shipping, you opt for to the size of container for your cargo.

The three major factor that will play a major role in determining the pricing for your cargo revolve around;

• The means of transport
• The type of shipping
• And your cargo size

The Means of Transport

Air freights are more expensive compared to Ocean freights.

Especially if your cargo is sizeable as well.

Ocean freight rates are more pocket friendly compared to air freights.

However, you will pay the price of time over the monetary ones, which is sort of worth it.

Here is a trick, if you want to beat the time with ocean fright, always make your bookings early in advance.

This way you will have cut costs.

Sometimes the best way to conduct business is to always be ahead of time.

Type of Shipping

This might either be between LCL and FCL.

As for LCL, your cost will be much less expensive because you only pay for the space your cargo is occupying.

And maybe some service fee.

As for the FCL, you are accountable for the size of your cargo in terms of pricing.

It might be a little pricy if you have a large size shipment.

Although sometimes there are discounts. But the larger your cargo, the higher the price.

Sometimes it’s the size of the container, not even the size of your cargo.

Hence it becomes pricy to use FCL for small cargo.

Hence, it is advisable to go for the LCL, although time-consuming.

How LCL Shipping from Spain to USA compare to FCL Shipping from Spain to USA

Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping mostly entails sharing a shipping container with other shippers.

It is very convenient for small shipments that cannot fill up a container.

Also, you will not have to face the hustle of choosing a container size to fit your goods.

However, if your shipment is fragile, heavy, or perishable, LCL might not be your best option.

Additionally, your cargo might take longer to arrive; hence it is advisable for goods that are not urgently needed.

Full Container Load (FCL) shipping has your container full to capacity.

There is no sharing of your container space.

Your shipment is thus sealed and requires no consolidation.

The advantage FCL has over LCL is that it is much faster to transport.

Moreover, if your cargo is urgently needed, FCL will make it on time.

Your goods are guaranteed privacy since the shipment is sealed all the way from Spain to the U.S.

Once your shipment arrives, it does not have to go through de-consolidation.

This is much attributed to the fact that LCL has to go through a process of offloading to ensure every shipper’s goods are accounted for.

For the FCL, your goods arrive as they get delivered to the destination of your preference.

How Door to Door Shipping from Spain to USA Works

There are three container shipping services that are made available to all shippers. These are;

• Door to door container shipping
• Port to door container shipping
• Port to port container shipping

For the Door to door shipping services, you get to give full attention to your cargo, from the pickup point to the drop of point.

The Door door Shipping is very convenient as you are assigned a forwarder to help in keeping track of your merchandise.

The following activities are involved when you choose the Door to door shipping.

First off, your cargo will be picked from where you wish and delivered to the port

Then your freight forwarder organizes the transport for your shipment be ensuring your cargo gets a spot in the ship.

To ensure your goods are not tampered with, the forwarder keeps track of your cargo until it arrives at the stipulated destination.

Thereafter, your cargo’s transportation from the port to the exact drop off destination is arranged by the forwarder.

There you have your cargo shipped fast and efficiently.

However, it will be a little costly compared to the Door to port and port to port shipping.

Nonetheless, it is all worth it, especially if you have fragile goods that need that extra care during shipping.

How Drop Shipping from Spain to USA Works

Dropshipping might just be one of the lucrative business ideas which serve to be beneficial in Spain provided that you have traffic on your website.

In the event that you find yourself a client in the USA for your goods or services on your website, it is quite easy to get the goods to your client.

Once your client deposits the amount as per your sale, as the owner of the business, you then make orders to your supplier.

Thereafter, your supplier organizes for shipping to your clients’ destination in the U.S.

Airlines to use when Shipping from Spain to USA

The following airlines will guarantee you a safe arrival for your cargo to the USA if you are shipping from Spain.

For direct flights, Madrid has airlines connected to the U.S. airport directly.

• DHL Aviation,
• Swift air,
• Kalitta air.
• DPS airlines
• Turkish Cargo.

Shipping Companies to use in Shipping from Spain to USA

There are dozens of shipping companies in Spain that can help in delivering your cargo to the USA.

Below are a few of them;

• Alfa ship. Company. It best serves shipments from the strait Gibraltar and the Canary Islands.
• Albatros shipping company. With its main office in Barcelona, Albatros company extends its shipping services to its branches in Algeciras, LasPalmas, Tarragona, and Valencia.
• Mold trans
• Vit logistica
• Arola Commercio Internacional
• Bluewater shipping
• Transmit Group
• Xarxa Spain
• Full safe logistics
• All logistics
• Logistics
• New block International and Customs Agency
• Logistica MC
• RMT logistics
• OMP logistics
• ALC logistics
• Z. logistics
• Across logistics
• Resa Expo logistics
• Volans
• Acirfa Shipping International
• Nice
• LeoProex
• Cargo club Forwarders

All of these shipping companies are based in Spain across the cities of Barcelona and Madrid.

Labeling Requirements when Shipping from Spain to USA

Labeling makes it easier to identify your cargo and thus even promote ways of better handling your cargo during shipping.

As a result, Spain has put regulations and guidelines to help shippers identify their cargo.

This is key; for example, in the case of fragile goods, the shipping agency in charge will know how to handle them.

It also serves the US CBP officers well since the goods will be directed to the agency in charge for inspection purposes.

So when you are shipping your goods to the USA from Spain,

• The language used on labeling should be English; however, the U.S. still accepts any other language used in the labeling of your cargo.
• It is mandatory to state the origin of your cargo, that is, “Made in”
• The weight of your cargo should appear in the standardized metric units.
• For foodstuffs, ensure you list all the ingredients present.

This is key to ensure that no illegal substance gets to the USA.

The U.S. food and Drug Administration, in collaboration with the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Agriculture, take keen scrutiny of foodstuffs being exported or imported into the state.

• For textile and fabrics, instructions on how to take good care of the apparel are of importance.
• Drugs Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics require a mandatory and detailed label of their chemical composition. The same applies to fertilizers and fungicides.

How to Package Goods before Shipping from Spain to USA

The USA has strict rules regarding your packaging style.

The rules serve to ensure that your goods are not tampered with, and they arrive safely.

If you want your goods to arrive safely then;

• Ensure your cargo has a friendly packaging style.

That is, if you opt for Ocean freights, oceangoing containers, or even pallets, it offers you safety as well as a friendly means to package your cargo.

• The cargo should also be in containers that suit your cargo’s weight. That is, the container and your cargo should be evenly distributed.
• The package should be well sealed in a protective manner and be able to provide a moisture absorbent protection mechanism. There are containers suited to serve this need.

How Courier Service from Spain to USA Works

Just like any other courier service, Spain to USA courier services attract rules and regulations.

Not much work encompasses the courier services.

Only that the mails and parcels are picked up from the destination you dropped and taken to the depot.

Afterwards, they are sorted together with other mails and parcels according to designated addresses.

The Parcels to USA are then sent to the depots in USA where they are again sorted and delivered to the given address routes.

There are many companies that offer this service including:

• Cango box
• Packlink
• FedEx International
• EcoParcel
• Eurosender
• Voovit
• ParcelsPlease
• Parcel hero
• DHL
• Parcel2go
• Pharos Parcel Delivery
• Sendmybag
• UPS
• Citibox España
• Transglobalexpress

Factors Affecting Cost of Shipping from Spain to USA

Several factors account for the total costs a shipper has to incur to ensure the goods arrive at the destination.

Moreover, sometimes the given destination is not the final destination.

That is why there are different packages made available for your choosing to ensure your goods arrive on time.

So here are the main factors that will affect your cost of shipment from Spain to the USA;

· Time

This majorly revolves around the type of shipping you will opt for.

Air freights are considered to be much more expensive compared to Ocean freights.

This is because air freights, as much as they have a higher guarantee of security, they are much faster compared to Ocean freights.

Size and Weight of your Shipment

This majorly determined by your container size.

Large and heavy containers tend to be pricy compared to the small and less weighty ones.

Goods weighing in the range of 35kg-100kg are pricy on Ocean freights.

However, for Ocean freights, the charges are less costly.

Shipping Distance

As earlier outlined, Spain hosts various ports connected to U.S. ports.

Some are further from each other hence accounting for the time difference in freights shipping from different ports.

The longer the distance the higher the price charged.

Type of Shipping

When it comes to choosing between FCL and LCL shipping types, FCL might be a little costly.

This is majorly accounted for by the amount of space occupied by the merchandise.

Nonetheless, FCL is more efficient for the heavy and large cargo shipments.

For the Door to door shipping, its costs might be a little higher compared to the port to Door and port to port shipping.

This is majorly because of the amount of service offered to door to door shipping.

It is a fully hands-on type of shipping that keeps track of your cargo until it arrives at its final destination.

Quality Standard Requirements for Products You’reShipping from Spain to USA

Spanish products are under the mandatory process of quality assurance involving testing, inspection and later granting a certification.

All these procedures are regulated by the Spanish standards association.

Once the products arrive in the USA ports, a retest, a re-inspection, and certification is counterchecked for eligibility and to ascertain the quality standards are met.

This is because the USA quality standard requirement for goods is not the same as that of the Spanish hence the need for further standards check.

Generally, for quality standards of products, both countries require that your goods be tested and checked against the rules and regulations of the country.

This is to ensure that both imports and exports have the necessary certifications, licenses, and permits of your cargo.

How Dangerous Goods Shipping from Spain to USA Works

Dangerous goods are divided into several classes as outlined below:

Class 1 includes Explosives

Class 2 describes Toxic Gas

Class 4 encompasses all Substances which in Contact with Water Emit Flammable Gases (Dangerous When Wet)

Class 6  Explains on Infectious Substances, Category A

Class 7 outlines on Radioactive Materials

Spain has put a number of regulations that guide the transportation of dangerous goods.

This is in collaboration with the ADR agreement for ground transport and the IATA which regulates air transportation.

All paperwork defining the type of dangerous goods you are shipping should be presented to the relevant authorities.

The shipment as well should be in line with the Dangerous goods shipping guidelines.

Shortest Shipping Route from Spain to USA

For the sake of saving time and money, you might want to be in the know on the shortest route available for your cargo to arrive in USA from Spain.

For Ocean freights, the Barcelona to Miami route takes the shortest time compared to the others.

In a span of 15 days, your cargo will enter the borders of the U.S. through the Miami port.

Other routes that you might want to take into consideration are the Barcelona to New York and Valencia to Chicago routes.

Both of these routes take an average of 18 days to get to the USA.

These days are estimated with The FCL shipping method.

As for the FCL, the difference is no longer than 15 days from Spain to the U.S.

When to Use New or Used Container when Shipping from Spain to USA

New containers guarantee safety for your cargo in terms of quality, durability and aesthetics.

If you wish to achieve those factors on your shipment, purchasing a new shipping container will be highly recommended for you.

Moreover, new containers do not bare logo marks or wear and tear marks.

Therefore, once you have made your shipping to the USA, the container can be further converted into a business office or even a residential place.

It all depends on your preference on how well to put your container into more use.

Used containers, although they serve the transport purpose as efficiently as one would expect, they come as rusty containers due to their long exposure to oxidation processes over the years.

Used containers are usually between 8-12 years of age.

However, if aesthetics is not a problem to worry about with your cargo, then getting used containers, would be a cost-effective venture to ship your merchandise.

Moreover, the containers can be refurbished.

Hence you can as well convert the container into a storage unit, or serve other non-residential purposes.

Documents you need when Shipping from Spain to USA

As earlier mentioned, there are five main document you need to ensure are in your possession when shipping from Spain to USA

• U.S. Customs Invoice.
• Inward Cargo Manifest.
• Commercial invoice.
• Bill of Lading.
• Packing list

Best Incoterms to use to Ship from Spain to USA

Incoterms are very key, especially if you are a business person involved in cross-border trade.

Incoterms provide a complete guide on how to handle merchandise between buyers and sellers as they outline the responsibilities of the key players in the shipment process.

Due to the complexity involved when dealing with incoterms, groupings have been put in place to help shippers settle on a choice quickly.

As a result, there are four groupings, C, D, E, and F.

These groupings major around two core factors, that is, the point of delivery for the goods, and payment responsibility between the parties involved.

For group C, the seller is accountable for all transportation means until the goods arrive at their destination.

Thereafter, all risk is transferable once it’s loaded on the transport means, thus to the buyer.

For group D, the seller bears all transport costs and risks until the arrival of the goods to its preferable destination.

For group E, the buyer takes up the mandate of being accountable for his goods by claiming the goods from the seller and taking up all transport and risk costs

Shipping labels are considered the most significant requirement for shipping, and if you haven’t filled the details with proper concentration, it will lead to serious consequences for your shipment.

For your ease, our technical team has gathered all of the possible queries, and we have answered them in the best way for you to avoid any inconvenience for your future business shipments.

Q1. How Do You Define Shipping Labels And How They Are Created?

The shipping label contains the key information required for a courier to deliver the shipment from its origin that can be a warehouse, for example, to its end destination, which can be the customer’s home.

The information which is there on the shipping label includes your postal/zip code, country’s name, tracking ID, the date on which the parcel has to be shipped, the shipment quantity and its weight, validation, origin address, and destination address, which includes shipping street name, house no. and city.

Sometimes the shipping labels also state the contents included in the shipment, especially if they are to be shipped internationally.

Shipping labels also include information regarding the shipping medium or method such as Express, Standard, etc.

• Every shipping label created for a shipment is incomparable; that is why you cannot reuse a label again.
• A fresh shipping label must be created for every single delivery.
• Normally the shipping labels are created while order processing.
• Every courier service provider has some specific standards for a shipping label.
• In order to generate a shipping label, you must fulfill the courier service provider’s requirements.

You can either visit your local post office, pay for the label there, or you can arrange the label yourself.

You can generate the shipping labels online through the courier’s website, or you can use shipping label software.

For more information regarding how to create a shipping label please visit the following video link or contact customer service:

Q2. What Are Amazon Shipping Labels?

Amazon is the largest e-commerce in the world.

Amazon USA alone has the potential of more than 450 billion dollars; thus, Amazon is a great market for your business, and you should follow proper labeling terms of Amazon; otherwise, you would end up rejecting your inventory from Amazon.

Usually, there are two types of labels for Amazon.

One is the item label, which contains Bar code and a special code; it must be labeled on every item shipping to amazon.

Second is the Box label, which contains the supplier address, box details, amazon warehouse details, and bar code of your shipment plan.

Every amazon market has its shipping label options, and if you are a seller on Amazon.

• you should access your seller central; now select the item you want to ship to Amazon.
• Tap on “print item labels,” and then you can set the number of item labels you want.

• You can get the Box label once you are done making the shipment plan; you should send this box label to your supplier or freight forwarder.
• This box label must be on 2-3 sides of each box shipping to amazon.

This shipping label should be pasted so that it can be clearly scanned and identified by the amazon logistics team.

Tj chinafreight china is providing sea and air shipments for your Amazon FBA stores.

For more information, please visit the following video link:

Q3. How Are The Shipping Labels Generated And Printed?

You can use three different methods to arrange a shipping label.

A shipping label can be created by using the courier company’s online platforms or tools.

Almost every courier service company has its own dedicated online tool where you can create your shipping labels that fulfill their specific requirements.

You have to visit our website, complete the shipping label template and then copy the label file to your computer so that you can print it out.

However, this is not the fastest method for generating a shipping label because if you have multiple orders, then for every order, you will have to visit the courier company’s website or an online tool and then manually fill out all the required information repeatedly.

You can also use shipping label software.

By using the shipping label software, you will be able to download the shipping label template of the courier service provider and then fill out the label on your computer.

This will allow you to create a shipping label in your own way using a wide range of unique functionalities of shipping tools.

An efficient shipping tool is directly connected with your store and retrieves all the required information related to the orders for creating a label.

Hence, you only have to print out the label created.

Tj chinafreight China is providing customized shipping label for your shipments.

If you have a considerable number of orders, this is where a shipping tool comes in handy; it can save you time and effort, eliminating the need to fill out each of the labels.

For more information regarding how to generate and print a shipping label please visit the following video link:

Q4. What Care Should Be Taken For Shipping Labels?

It is really important to have knowledge of attaching the shipping label to a parcel.

You should remove any old shipping labels attached to your shipment.

Old shipping labels or address labels will create confusion when scanned and is most likely to mislead drivers or personnel handling the parcel.

First, you should clean the surface of the parcel and then attach the label to it.

Ensure that the shipping label is prominent to read when you are attaching it to the parcel.

Paste the shipping label on the widest side of the parcel so that it can be scanned at the terminal without any inconvenience.

It is suggested for the smaller parcel to paste the shipping label in a manner that both the barcode and the address information are displayed on the adjacent sides.

Protect the shipping label at all costs because once the label is damaged, the parcel will be returned.

Hence it is advised to use adhesive tape on the sides of the shipping label to prevent it from getting damaged.

It is necessary to paste the shipping labels on all the parcels, even if they are being delivered to the same location.

It is recommended as a precautionary measure to stick a label on each side of the package.

Q5. How Can You Help Us With Shipping Labels?

Tj chinafreight China is always available to its customers for any kind of assistance.

We can assist you as well as your supplier with the shipping label.

We have a logistics team to help you with the details of the shipping label; we review your shipping labels and inform you in case of any mistake.

Either you are handling bulk products of container load or having a load of 5kg, and we will guide you with the best way so that your shipping label can be interpreted in every stage of logistics.

In case of any error or mistakes in your shipping label, we keep a proper follow-up with the logistics team, custom teams, and transit team so that your load is shipped to the desired address.

Q6. Is The Shipping Label Essential For Every Shipment?

Shipping labels contain information related to your identity and address details of both seller and buyer; hence it’s quite important for you to label a package properly.

There are other details on a shipping label, such as shipping type, tracking number, product description, and bar code.

These details are essential for the smooth travel of your shipment; otherwise, it could haul your shipment at any stage of logistics.

Shipping labels provide key supply chain information required to move the package from one place to another, from the warehouse to the customer’s doorstep.

You should avoid handwriting on the shipping label because it can be confusing as well as it doesn’t seem professional, plus it saves your time.

Suppose you are shipping more than 100 parcels in a day, and each parcel consumes 20 seconds, then it almost saved you more than 30 minutes in a day.

Shipping labels make your package more secure.

Sticky tape is not only a hassle, but it can also cause the label to be a rip-off during shipping, which means that your parcel cannot be delivered.

Special stick-on labels are not required; just print the shipping label on a piece of paper and tape it to the parcel.

Shipping label minimizes the probability of the problems occurring delivering your packages.

Printing shipping labels will allow you to smooth your packaging and posting process.

If you can quickly print large amounts of professional-looking labels and simply stick them to packages, you will save yourself hours every week, as well as a lot of unnecessary stress.

You can get your package insured; as few shipping companies provide declared value coverage, you can get insurance coverage confirmation on the shipping label itself.

For more information, please visit the following video link:

Q7. Can We Use Handwritten Labels As Shipping Labels?

You may handwrite the shipping label, and the courier services will deliver the package as long as the label is readable.

Still, it is essential for you to get a system generated barcode on your shipping label.

If the volume of the orders were high, it would not be feasible to write the shipping addresses on each of the packages, which can become time-consuming.

There is also a greater possibility that you will make a mistake if you handwrite all of your shipping labels.

You are better off using the large range of tools available online, which will make your shipping label process easier and efficient.

It does not matter that you have good handwriting or the content you have written is visible and easy to read; it is just that it is not considered professional to use written information on shipping packages.

You can use handwritten shipping labels if you send the package to your relatives, friends, etc. but not to your professional clients.

If you use handwritten shipping labels of bulk packages and the courier cannot read the address, then all costs of the transporting cost would go in vain; hence, it is not recommended our logistic team.

For more information, please visit the following video link:

Q8. How Does The Shipping Label Work?

We all see different shipping labels in our everyday lives, but most people do not understand how a shipping label works and how it transports a package from one place to another.

The shipping label has many sections, and each section carries its importance, which is used to help the couriers identify and sort out the packages so that they can be transported to the correct destinations.

The shipping label’s basic structure includes the address of both seller and buyer.

It also contains the initial date of shipment, package dimensions, and weight, tracking number, and shipping type.

In case your product is not delivered to the mentioned address, then the return address is used to ship the product back to the seller’s business address.

Tj chinafreight china use destination information to deliver the package to mentioned address.

Usually, the whole delivery address is important, but a ZIP code is quite important for the safe delivery of your shipment.

You should also include details related to the apartment number, floor number, and company information.

The date mentioned on the shipping label is the date when the package begins its traveling through the delivery process.

Shipping dates help track your package’s timeline, and it keeps you updated with the status of your shipment.

The weight of the package is used in calculating the total cost of shipping and is also used to categorize the packages.

While being transported, the packages are evenly distributed all over the transporting truck by weight to ensure that the truck or container is balanced properly.

The shipping priority enables you to decide your package’s shipping speed, and it contains categories such as standard delivery, overnight delivery, etc.

The tracking ID is used to track the current status of your shipment.

There are also other pieces of information like shipping cost, proprietary barcode, postal barcode, and more, which are encouraged to be included on the shipping label but are not necessary.

For more information, please visit the following video link:

https://youtu.be/00SnAhHT25k

Q9. What Details Are Required On Shipping Labels?

A shipping label requires the information that is required to send your product parcel to the desired destinations.

You can keep a check on your parcel through the shipping label, and you can also verify the shipping details and services.

Every courier service has its template for its shipping label.

The details required are the names and addresses of both the sender and the recipient, a routing code, the postal barcode, tracking ID, level of service, package weight, and shipment date.

Generally, Tj chinafreight china automatically generates most of the information.

Q10. How Can We Get A Shipping Label?

You can generate a shipping label by yourself.

If you are using an e-commerce website, you should use the system-generated labels of the following platform.

You can use a handwritten label, but it should identify all of the details related to addresses and products.

You can ask our services to generate shipping labels.

For more information, please visit the following video link:

Q11. What Are The Different Ways Of Pasting The Shipping Labels On A Parcel?

There can be different ways of pasting the shipping labels on the parcel depending upon the courier services we are using and the destination to which we are sending the shipment.

It mostly depends on the courier services we are using as there are different guidelines for every courier service.

We will discuss the most recommended way of pasting the shipping labels, which is mostly accepted by every courier service.

So, the first and most basic thing for pasting the shipping labels is that they are always meant to be pasted outside the box; however, it is recommended for people to drop a copy of the shipping label inside the box as well so that if the externally pasted label gets damaged or it comes off the parcel, then the carrier would still be able to deliver the parcel to its destination.

The labels can be printed as adhesive stickers, or they can be printed on a normal A4 size paper.

If they are printed on as stickers, then that is simple to paste them on the widest outer-side (usually it’s the top) of the parcel where it can be easily seen.

And if the label is printed on a normal A4 size paper, we need to use strong adhesive transparent tape to paste it on the widest outer-side (usually it’s the top) of the parcel.

We also need to take care of not covering any important data with tape, making it unreadable for the carrier.

Q12. What Should Be The Size Of Shipping Labels?

The prime purpose of creating the shipping labels and pasting them on the parcel is to identify the parcel through the tracking barcode and specify the important information such as addresses, names, and weight.

It is very important that our shipping label must be neat enough so that the carrier can read and see it easily.

If the label is not printed decent enough or the print is a blur, then the purpose of that shipping label will end.

So, for the same purpose of making our label readable enough, we have to ensure that we follow the standard sizes, which are commonly used for printing the shipping labels.

The standard size of printing from our team for the shipping label is 4 by 6 inches (10 by 15cm).

If your parcel is of a size that does not fit this standard size, you can use different standard sizes of 6 by 3 inches (15 by 7cm) and 4 x 4 inches (10 by 10cm).

Q13. What Is The Price Of A Shipping Label?

Shipping labels are the most important part of shipping and as well as eCommerce businesses.

Shipping labels are not a very expensive thing, but people are still very curious to know whether the shipping labels are free of cost.

So here is the answer, Yes.

eCommerce sellers who are selling their products online can get the labels for free, but they cannot ship their parcels until the shipping fee is paid.

You may also have to pay a minimal fee for additional services such as insurance options and a tracking facility.

So, with such a scenario where one thing alone doesn’t do the job with others, you may have to buy the whole package, and it is impossible to quote an exact amount for the complete package.

Q14. Can Shipping Labels Expire?

Shipping labels are meant to be an identification document for a parcel, which is why they are essential for a parcel to get delivered where it belongs.

The shipping labels consist of many important things for a customer, but there is one most significant thing in the shipping label, which is the tracking barcode.

The tracking id or tracking barcode is given for the customer to track their parcel during the whole process of shipment.

So this id is something that may get expire sometimes, but this depends on the company.

Some companies allow the customer to use the tracking id days after it is generated; however, there are companies that do have a time limit of 90 days of the tracking barcode’s validity.

Other than the tracking barcode, the parcel is also supposed to be shipped according to the “ship by” date mentioned on the label.

There is always a chance of complexities during the shipment process if the parcel or package is not shipped within the mentioned “ship by” date.

Some companies do accept the parcel after the date, but still, this can create complications.

So it’s better to follow the dates properly, to avoid any inconvenience in future.

Q15. When Is A Shipping Label Created?

The shipping label is created when you book a shipment for your products or parcels.

This stage of generating the shipping labels is a step of the whole process of shipping the parcels from one place to another.

This also depends upon the person who is creating the shipping labels.

Suppose the person is a seller on an eCommerce website and wants to deliver its inventory to the particular eCommerce website’s warehouse.

In that case, the process is a bit changed but, for a normal person sending a parcel from one place to another its standard.

The person needs to create the shipping label from the courier service provider’s website while booking the parcel shipment.

While booking the shipment, the customer needs to give specific information regarding the parcel, such as weight, quantity, and addresses.

These are important for the courier service provider to safely deliver the parcel to its destined location without giving you any trouble.

For more information, please visit the following video link:

Q16. Can Regular Paper Be Used For Printing The Shipping Labels?

Many people are confused regarding the printing of the shipping labels.

This confusion exists because the shipping labels have barcodes in them, and people think that the barcodes are something that needs a special printer to be printed.

Moreover, they are also confused regarding the material of the printing paper.

Let’s just clear this confusion right away.

So, the shipping labels are as normal as any worksheet or document typed on Microsoft Word; just the content and arrangement of the content are different.

So you don’t need to arrange anything special for printing the shipping labels.

They can be easily printed on a normal A4 size page with a normal printer.

However, there is another option which you may opt for to make your work easier.

That is to use a thermal printer and adhesive 4 x6 sticker labels.

This is the costliest option which you can go for.

This expensive option saves your efforts to use a separate adhesive tape to stick the label on the parcel yourself.

Instead, you can just paste the stickers directly onto the parcel with the least hassle.

For an economical option, you must opt for a simple printer with standard A4 size pages.

Q17. Can The Same Shipping Label Be Applied To Multiple Parcels?

Shipping a package or packages from one place to another place is not as simple as it sounds.

There are some scenarios where a few complexities can come up during the shipment process.

Such a scenario can as follow: If your shipment has multiple boxes or parcels.

So, in this case, a question arises, which creates confusion about whether we need a different shipping label for each box.

So the solution is that you will need to apply a different label on every parcel as every parcel needs to be taken care of as a separate box but of the same shipment.

Let’s consider an example of a shipment with two boxes of different weights, weighing 5 kg and 10 kg.

So, in this case, you need to print two separate labels for each box as their characteristics are different.

The two shipping labels will have two different weights mentioned on them as well as a different tracking barcode or id.

The tracking Barcodes will help in the tracking of each parcel throughout the whole journey to its destination.

There can be a scenario where the boxes have been transported on different means of transport due to any reason such as lack of space, so, in that case, as well a different tracking barcode or id is required.

Q18. What Is The Significance Of A Shipping Label?

Shipping labels are one of the most important bits in the complete process of shipping a parcel from its origin to the final destination.

The whole process or chain of events through which a parcel goes through gets halted if the label is not correctly pasted or it is missing in any case.

The reason behind this huge value of shipping labels is that they provide the parcel with an identity through which it can be recognized throughout the process.

The shipping label specifies all the important and required information for the messenger or carrier who is supposed to transport the parcel from the beginning (Home or Warehouse) to the destination.

Tj chinafreight China also provides you the services of door to door shipping which includes the delivery of your shipment to a warehouse or at your doorstep.

The information which is present on the shipping label includes the date on which the parcel is to be shipped, country, city, state, street, postal code, tracking barcode, package quantity, package weight, and the shipping method.

Sometimes it’s necessary to specify the parcel’s content, especially if it’s for international shipping.

The shipping label’s prime purpose is to identify the parcel uniquely and also to specify wants inside.

Q19. Can Shipping Labels Be Printed In Color Ink?

The shipping labels are meant to be clean and prominent so that the carrier or machine may read them easily.

So it’s recommended to use the highest contrast possible for printing the shipping label, such as black ink with white paper.

Printing the shipping labels is a comparatively easy task as it doesn’t require any special equipment such as a printer or printing material.

It can easily be printed using a normal standard inkjet or laser printer with standard A4 size white paper.

However, there are some other options for using a special printer with a special printer material, but that’s not necessary.

That option is for avoiding a little hassle of sticking the shipping labels with adhesive tape or pasting them by using glue.

For that, we require a thermal printer with adhesive stickers of 4 x 6 inches sticker labels.

This option reduces the mistake of covering the barcode with tape while pasting the shipping label on the box or parcel.

If the adhesive tape covers the barcode so it may be possible that the barcode reader might not be able to read or scan the covered barcode.

Q20. Is Tracking Id Necessary For Shipping Labels?

The shipping label is a major part of the shipment process as it specifies the key information in the box or parcel.

We should not overlook that the shipping label is not as useful for the customer who is shipping the parcel from one place to another.

Instead, it’s more useful to our team who is handling the parcel.

If the shipping labels have wrong information on them, such as the destination address, so the carrier will have to waste a lot of time to figure out the fact that the address is wrong on the label.

So the one thing on the shipping label and is very useful for the customers is the tracking barcode or the tracking id.

This is the thing that facilitates the customer to track the parcel throughout the shipment process from the beginning to the end.

With the help of this tracking id, the customer can know where the parcel is at a particular time of the day.

The customer can know whether the parcel is on time or not and when it will probably be delivered to its final destination.

Q21. Is A Barcode Required For Shipping Labels?

A shipping label is incomplete with some of its essential parts.

One of those essential parts is the barcode on the shipping label.

The barcode on the shipping label is not just a standard requirement that needs to be there on the label for the sake of fulfilling the courier service company’s requirements; instead, it is very important for the process of delivering the parcel from its origin to its destination.

The barcodes on the shipping labels are there to be read by the machines or barcode readers at different phases of delivering the item to its destiny.

These barcodes consist of the essential information necessary for the carrier to know while transporting the parcel.

Such information like the parcel’s content that needs to be taken care of due to its fragility is crucial for the carrier to arrange a suitable mode of transportation for the parcel.

These barcodes are supposed to be read by the barcode scanners at different phases during the shipment process.

These phases can be when inventory is being received at the fulfillment centers to know the required details about the parcel.

Other situations can be receiving a return from the customers who did not like the product or damaged product.

So in these kinds of situations, the barcode information proves to be handy.

Q22. Is A Shipping Label Different From A Packing Label?

Yes, a shipping label is completely different from the packing list.

Both documents are there because they have their usage in different situations.

A shipping label is a document that specifies all important information related to the parcel.

The shipping labels consist of the information required for your carrier to deliver the parcel to its desired doorstep.

While the packing list is the list of items inside the parcel that are to be shipped by the carrier, this information is important as the carrier and the receiver both should be aware of the items which are inside the box.

The packing list is sometimes called a packing checklist.

Q23. Which Shipping Labels Can Be Used For An E-Commerce Business?

There are number of templates for the shipping labels, and it depends upon your e-commerce business.

If you are a seller on Amazon, then you should have a box label and item label on your shipment.

If you are using any other platform and have your own warehousing facility, you require an item label that should contain seller address and delivery address and the details of the product.

Q24. Can The Shipping Labels Be Generated Online?

To avoid standing in long queues of postal services to get your shipping label printed, now there is the facility to get your shipping labels generated online at home without any stress and wasting time.

There are many online courier services, each of which has its dedicated online tools.

You just have to insert all the required information, and with just a single click, you can download your own personal shipping label and get it printed.

Regarding the payment method, your shipping label can be billed against your Visa or debit card.

Q25. How Long A Package Can Be Mailed After The Shipping Label Is Printed?

It depends upon your requirement for the delivery, and there isn’t any particular deadline or expiry to the s