Shipping Cat Litter from Guangzhou/Shenzhen, China to Reykjavik Port, Iceland: 20FT/40FT FCL and LCL Sea Freight Options
1. Sea Freight Options: FCL and LCL
a) Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping
FCL is an ideal option when you have enough cargo to fill a full 20FT or 40FT shipping container. For shipping cat litter, this means you’ll have exclusive use of the container, which ensures no sharing of space with other goods. FCL provides the advantage of faster and more direct shipping with less risk of cargo handling issues since the entire container is filled with your goods.
- 20FT Container: This is the standard size for smaller shipments. It can hold around 25-28 tons of goods, depending on the product’s density and packaging.
- 40FT Container: If you’re shipping larger quantities of cat litter, a 40FT container might be more suitable. It offers double the capacity of a 20FT container, typically accommodating around 55-58 tons of goods.
b) Less Than Container Load (LCL) Shipping
LCL is the best choice if your shipment doesn’t fill a whole container. With LCL, your goods are consolidated with other shipments in a shared container, meaning you only pay for the space you use. While LCL can be more economical for smaller shipments, it does take a bit longer due to the need for consolidation and deconsolidation at both the origin and destination ports.
- Transit Time: The sea freight journey from China to Reykjavik typically takes about 38 days for both FCL and LCL shipments.
2. Port-to-Port Transport (CIF Terms)
The shipment will be made under CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) terms, meaning the seller (exporter) will be responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight up to the Reykjavik Port. Once the shipment reaches Reykjavik, the buyer is responsible for customs clearance, taxes, and further transportation to the final destination.
Key Advantages of CIF:
- The exporter takes care of shipping costs and insurance.
- It reduces the risks and responsibilities for the buyer during the transit phase.
3. Packaging for Cat Litter
Packaging is an essential factor to ensure the safe transport of cat litter. Since cat litter is typically a bulky and heavy product, proper packaging will prevent spills and damage during transit.
Primary Packaging: Cat litter is generally packed in heavy-duty plastic bags or multi-layered paper sacks, which are sealed tightly to prevent any leakage. These bags are usually lined with an inner waterproof material to keep the litter dry and intact.
Outer Packaging: To ensure that the cat litter bags are handled properly during transport, they are packed into sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic crates. These boxes should be reinforced to handle the weight and prevent damage. In the case of FCL, the boxes or crates can be loaded directly into the shipping container.
Palletization: For both FCL and LCL shipments, goods should be palletized for easy handling. The pallets should be securely wrapped with stretch film to avoid any shifting during transit. The pallets should be stacked efficiently, ensuring the container is fully optimized for space while maintaining stability.
Protection from Moisture: Given the sensitivity of cat litter to moisture, moisture-absorbing materials like desiccant packets or moisture-proof shrink wrap should be used. This will help protect the goods from the potential humidity changes during the sea voyage.
4. Port Handling and Customs
Upon arrival at Reykjavik Port, the cargo will be unloaded and undergo customs clearance. Depending on whether it’s an FCL or LCL shipment, the process may differ slightly:
- FCL Shipments: The whole container is unloaded and customs inspection takes place. Once cleared, the container can be delivered to the final destination.
- LCL Shipments: Since the cargo is consolidated with others, the goods will be separated, and the individual cargo will need to undergo inspection. After clearance, they will be ready for final delivery.
5. Final Delivery to Destination
After customs clearance, the goods can be delivered to their final destination within Iceland. This could involve transportation to a warehouse, distribution center, or directly to retail outlets or homes, depending on the agreement with the buyer.
