/ By TJ China Freight / Shipping

Expanding Trade Horizons – Unlocking Opportunities with Breakbulk

 

In a world of thriving global trade, various forms of cargo transportation and logistics have become integral components of the economy. In this context, Breakbulk, as a traditional yet crucial mode of transportation, has garnered renewed attention. This article will introduce the basic concepts of Breakbulk and its significance in today’s business environment.

What is Breakbulk?

Breakbulk is a widely used method of transporting bulk cargo. Unlike container shipping, Breakbulk involves breaking down cargo into smaller units, typically using bulk cargo ships or trucks for transportation. This mode of transportation is suitable for various bulk goods such as lumber, steel, machinery, heavy equipment, and other specialized cargoes like aircraft, ships, and components for large-scale engineering projects. Breakbulk not only offers greater flexibility but also provides an ideal transport solution for oversized or irregularly shaped cargoes.

Advantages of Breakbulk

  1. Flexibility: Breakbulk transportation can accommodate a wide range of cargo types and sizes. Whether you need to transport large machinery or bulk grains, Breakbulk can meet your requirements.
  2. Cost-Effective: Compared to container shipping, Breakbulk is often more cost-effective. This is because it reduces the time and costs associated with packing and unpacking while minimizing dependence on container and related equipment.
  3. Adaptability: Breakbulk transportation can adapt to different ports and transportation needs. This mode is applicable to ports and destinations worldwide, providing traders with more choices.
  4. Customization: Breakbulk transportation can be customized based on cargo characteristics. This includes special packaging and handling methods to ensure cargo safety during transport.

Business Opportunities with Breakbulk

As global trade continues to expand, Breakbulk transportation presents extensive business opportunities:

  1. International Trade: Breakbulk transportation is a vital part of international trade. It offers a reliable way for exporters and importers to transport goods worldwide.
  2. Infrastructure Development: Breakbulk transportation plays a critical role in large-scale infrastructure projects such as bridges, power plants, and mines. It efficiently transports heavy equipment and construction materials.
  3. Oil and Gas: Breakbulk transportation is crucial in the oil and gas industry, ensuring the stability of the energy supply chain, from oil well equipment to offshore platforms.
  4. Renewable Energy: With the growth of the renewable energy sector, Breakbulk transportation provides opportunities for the transport of wind turbines, solar panels, and other renewable energy equipment.

Conclusion

Breakbulk transportation is a field brimming with opportunities, offering diversity and flexibility to various industries and businesses. Whether you are an exporter, importer, or involved in large infrastructure projects, Breakbulk can add value to your operations. It not only provides economic benefits to businesses but also plays a crucial role in global trade. Therefore, understanding and utilizing Breakbulk transportation is likely to expand your international market reach and enhance competitiveness for your business.

 

In embracing the Breakbulk mode of transportation, you can unlock a world of possibilities with the support of Tj china freight. Our expertise in Breakbulk logistics ensures that you benefit from the full spectrum of advantages this method offers. We pride ourselves on our ability to tailor solutions to your unique cargo requirements, ensuring the safety and efficiency of your shipments. With Taiche International as your partner, you can tap into the global market, expand your horizons, and confidently navigate the intricacies of Breakbulk transportation. Let us help you break new ground and navigate the high seas of international trade with Breakbulk excellence. Choose Taiche International for Breakbulk logistics that go beyond expectations.

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

8 Main Ports in Australia

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

Port of Melbourne:

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

Port of Sydney:

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

Port of Brisbane:

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

Port of Fremantle:

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

Port of Adelaide:

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

Port of Darwin:

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

Port of Townsville:

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

Port of Newcastle:

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

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

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

Top 10 Freight Forwarders in the United States

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

Here are the top 10 freight forwarders in the USA:

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

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

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

What is Customs Entry and How Many Types of Customs Entry Are There

Customs entry, also known as customs clearance or customs declaration, is the process of complying with legal requirements and submitting necessary documentation to the customs authorities of a country to enable the import or export of goods across international borders. This process involves various procedures such as providing information about the goods being imported or exported, paying applicable taxes and duties, and obtaining any required permits or licenses. Failure to properly comply with customs entry requirements can result in significant delays, fines, or even seizure of goods. Thus, understanding the customs entry process is essential for businesses engaged in international trade to avoid potential legal and financial risks.

The information that is required in the Customs entry form:

Country of origin

Description of the goods

Cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value or the goods

Customs classification number, and

Approximate amount of duties you expect to pay on the goods.

There are 2 types of Customs entry: formal Customs Entry and informal Customs Entry.

Formal Customs Entry: Goods or merchandise valued at least, total up to 2500 USD, or higher must be covered by either an entry or surety bond in order to be accepted into the country. That means they all need a formal entry. Usually, these goods are imported for commercial purposes. Importers who already have customs entry bonds on file with the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are allowed to receive their goods before they’ve paid their taxes, fees, and duties.

Informal Customs Entry: Unlike formal customs, informal customs goods do not require an entry bond. Informal entries are typically granted to goods less than $2,500, and they are considered to be for consumption purposes. But there are some exceptions. One of the most notable exceptions is textile imports. For textiles, entries valued at $250 or over need to be declared as formal. You can confirm any exceptions with your specific port of entry.

 

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

Benefits of Cooperating With TJ China Freight as Your Logistic Partner

China is one of the world’s largest exporters and importers of goods. Its strategic location, developed infrastructure, and competitive labor costs make it a hub for international trade. As a result, the freight forwarding industry in China has grown tremendously over the years, with many companies offering a range of services to meet the needs of both importers and exporters.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of hiring TJ China freight as your partner and how we can help your business succeed in the global market.

Expertise and experience

Freight forwarding is a complex process that involves multiple stages, including transportation, documentation, customs clearance, and delivery. A professional freight forwarder in China has the necessary expertise and experience to manage every aspect of the process, ensuring that your shipment reaches its destination safely and on time.

We can provide valuable advice on the best mode of transport, the most efficient routes, and the necessary documentation required for export or import. Additionally, they have a good understanding of the local regulations and customs procedures, which can help you avoid costly delays or penalties.

Wide range of services

TJ China freight offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of different clients. These services include air freight, sea freight, rail freight, and multimodal transport. Whether you need to ship small or large consignments, urgent or non-urgent shipments, or hazardous or non-hazardous goods, TJ China freight team can tailor their services to meet your specific requirements.

We can also provide value-added services such as warehousing, packing, labeling, insurance, and customs brokerage. These services can help you streamline your supply chain and reduce your logistics costs, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.

Competitive Pricing

We also competitive pricing due to the high volume of shipments they handle. We have established relationships with transportation providers, such as airlines, shipping lines, trucking companies, and railways, which allows them to negotiate favorable rates and secure capacity even during peak seasons.

Moreover, TJ China can help you optimize your shipping routes and modes to minimize costs and transit times. Our professional team can also provide cost-effective solutions for customs clearance and documentation, which can reduce the risk of fines and penalties.

Risk management

Freight forwarding involves various risks, such as damage, theft, loss, and delay. A professional China freight forwarding service can help you manage these risks by providing comprehensive insurance coverage and tracking systems.

TJ China can also offer contingency plans and alternative solutions in case of unexpected events, such as natural disasters, port closures, or labor strikes. By partnering with a reliable freight forwarder in China, you can have peace of mind knowing that your goods are in good hands and that any issues will be promptly resolved.

Global network

TJ China freight have a global network of partners and agents, which allows them to provide seamless end-to-end logistics solutions. We can handle shipments to and from any location worldwide, using their extensive knowledge of local regulations, customs, and market conditions.

Conclusion

As one of the most professional China freight forwarders, TJ China freight offers a range of benefits that can help cross-border business expand business in a faster and safer way.

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

How to Calculate Freight Rate for Your Sea Shipping

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

how to calculate the sea freight rate

Calculate the volumetric weight of your shipment

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

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

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

How sea freight rate is determined

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

/ By TJ China Freight / Logistic • Shipping

China Main Ports List

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

Port of Shanghai

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

Ports in China – Port of Shenzhen

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

Port of Hong Kong

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

Port of Ningbo

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

The port of Guangzhou

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

Ports in China – Qingdao Port

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

Port of Tianjin

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

Ports in China – Port of Dalian

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

Port of Xiamen

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

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

LCL Shipping: Definition, Charges & More

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

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

Definition of LCL

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

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

Cost of Shipping LCL

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

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

Advantages of shipping LCL

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

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

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

Is LCL Right for you?

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

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

FCL Shipping: Meaning, Containers, Charges & More

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

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

What does FCL mean? The definition of FCL

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

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

How much does it cost to ship a shipping container?

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

Usually, the factors that affect the FCL rates are:

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

The benefits of shipping FCL

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

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

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

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

Should I choose FCL?

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

 

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

How to Reduce Containers Shipping Cost When Importing From China 2023?

Containers’ shipping cost is always a big expense for those international sourcing businesses, especially importing from China which was affected by Covid-19. However, after Chinaended the Covid restrictions in early December 2022, the ports will become busier and it is predicted that shipping rates will rise in 2023. To help you reduce the shipping cost when importing from China, TJ China freight here will share some tips:

First, choose a reliable local freight forwarder in China

Once you hired a suitable forwarder, you will find that importing process is extremely easy. The benefits you will get are the valuable resources in Asia. Most China forwarders provide customized services such as fcl, consolidation, re-labeling, and repackaging for a fraction of the cost compared to what it would cost at the destination. Also, they will follow up with the supplier in real-time and logistics info.

With a reliable China freight forwarder, your business is valued and service is personalized according to your cargo, your destination, your departure time, and unique requirements. As local forwarders are on the ground, they can easily find the best pricing based on their client’s specific logistics needs. With them having a detailed understanding of the local network, they can optimize your supply chain, saving you money and time.

Second, choose the best methods of shipping in advance.

When you decide to import products from China, planning your shipping will make the process more effective. It will include a clear description of your business scope, goods types, weights, quantities, destination, volumes, shipment frequency, lead times, and potential routes like sea freight, air freight or rail freight.

Each mode of shipping has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you should understand them. Choosing the right transport method can help reduce the cost and damage to the goods. When shipping by air, you will save a lot of time if you choose a direct flight. When shipping by sea, you will save a lot of cost for shipping large-volume cargo, but it will take longer time.

Third, properly packing to reduce the volume and damage

Generally freight rates are based on the shipment’s weight or volume, so it is important for you to pack your products properly. Otherwise, you will pay more than what you need to. Also some goods are special, so ensure that your goods have proper outer packaging, as well as inner packaging; that the boxes are sealed properly and labeled correctly.

If your shipments tend to be bigger quantities, it’s worthwhile to look into LCL (Less than Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) shipping. This is one area where you may be able to save substantially on shipping products sourced from a Chinese supplier.

If you want to ship enough products in one shipment for a full container, it is called FCL and you can use the whole container for yourself. Shipping FCL is normally a lot cheaper than if you ship by weight or volume.

Another advantage of shipping FCL is that you will be encouraged to buy larger quantities of products at the same time. This will reduce the cost per unit dramatically. On average, FCL shipping costs are between 30% and 40% lower than LCL shipping. This option is however only feasible if you do move larger quantities of goods at the same time.

Fourth, know the forwarding process well and plan ahead

After you know the process of freight forwarding, you will have a clear plan and instructions when communicating with your forwarder, and that will help you save some unnecessary expenses. For example, most veteran importers clearly understand the operating procedures of shipping and will book the space ahead of time and get cargo delivered according to the arrangement of the forwarders.

Planning ahead means you will have enough time to choose the suitable transportation method. A good freight forwarder will help you arrange the cargo shipping properly. All other shipping strategies for saving costs are based on this. Make sure to book your cargo two weeks earlier ETD when importing from China. For example holiday impact.

Chinese New Year (abt 3 weeks, lunar calendar)

National Holiday: 1 week, Oct 1st ~ Oct 7th

Fifth, Compare the rates of different companies.

To find the most competitive price, you can find many different companies and compare the rates and services. Different forwarders have their own advantages and services they can offer. It is advised that you use the same shipping method and one company to save costs. Shipping costs vary widely, even for the same freight company. Get a shipping quote from multiple freight forwarders, compare them and you can get the competitive one.

2023 has already come. This year will be with huge opportunities and potential for business. Good luck and TJ China freight is your best partner to help in handle your 2B logistics by sea, air and rail. Feel free to send a quote if you need any China forwarding service!