Choosing the Right Incoterms

Incoterms, short for International Commercial Terms, define the responsibilities of the buyer and seller in a transaction. When shipping sea freight from China, it’s crucial to choose the right Incoterms as they affect the cost and logistics of the shipment. The common terms include:

• EXW (Ex Works): The supplier is only responsible for making the goods available at their premises. The buyer handles the rest, including transportation and customs duties.

• FOB (Free on Board): The supplier delivers the goods to the port of shipment and handles the export customs. The buyer is responsible for the sea freight and import customs.

• CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): The supplier arranges and pays for the shipping, insurance, and delivery to the destination port. The buyer handles import customs.

• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The supplier is responsible for all costs and risks associated with delivering the goods to the buyer’s location, including customs duties and taxes.

Selecting the Right Container size 

Choosing the right container is crucial when shipping container from China. The most common types include:

• 20’GP (General Purpose): This is a standard container that can carry a weight of up to 28,000 kg.

• 40’GP (General Purpose): This is twice the size of a 20’GP and can carry a weight of up to 28,800 kg.

• 40’HQ (High Cube): This is similar to a 40’GP but has an extra foot in height, allowing for larger volume shipments.

Types of Shipping Containers Beyond Standard Boxes

In addition to common intermodal containers, we can transport cargo via:

• Boxes – Smaller square or rectangular containers with lids, stacked on pallets.

• Envelopes – Flat paper packages for documents, sealed and shipped individually.

• Break bulk – Transporting goods separately in multiple pieces rather than containers.

• Rolls – Cylindrical containers moved by truck with a hook arm, rolled off on wheels.

Estimating Sea Freight Costs

The cost of shipping sea freight from China depends on several factors, including:

• Type of Goods: Different types of goods may require special handling or packaging, which can affect the cost.

• Weight and Volume: The weight and volume of the shipment directly impact the freight cost.

• Destination: The further the destination, the higher the cost.

• Incoterms: The chosen Incoterms will determine who is responsible for various costs during the shipping process.

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• Efficient Sea and Ocean Freight Container Shipping Services from China

  What is Sea Freight ?

  Sea freight, also known as ocean freight, is one of the most cost-effective ways to transport goods globally. It is especially popular for large-volume shipments from China, the world’s leading manufacturing hub. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of sea freight from China, from the initial planning stages to the final delivery at your doorstep.

  Sea freight can be divided into two main categories:

  Full Container Load (FCL) involves shipping an entire container, whereas Less than Container Load (LCL) involves sharing a container with other shippers.

  Less than Container Load (LCL) is a shipping method that allows customers to ship goods in smaller quantities and at a lower cost than full container loads. This method of shipping is becoming increasingly popular as businesses look for ways to save on transportation costs and increase their efficiency. With LCL, businesses are able to reduce their carbon footprint by reducing the amount of empty space in containers, leading to fewer trips for the same amount of products. By utilizing LCL, companies can also benefit from faster transit times, increased flexibility and improved visibility into their supply chain.