Shipping Excavators from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Reims Port, France: FCL & LCL Shipping Overview
1. Shipping Options: FCL vs. LCL
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping: FCL shipping is typically the best option for shipping large machinery like excavators. If you are shipping one or more excavators that can fill a 20FT or 40FT container, you can choose FCL. This means your machinery will be loaded into a container that will be exclusively used for your goods.
- 20FT Container: Ideal for shipping smaller quantities or one compact excavator.
- 40FT Container: Suitable for larger or multiple machines.
For FCL shipping, the terms you’d typically choose are CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), which means the shipping cost, insurance, and freight are covered until the goods arrive at Reims Port. The shipping time for a 20FT or 40FT FCL from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Reims Port is approximately 32 days, depending on the shipping route and sea conditions.
Less-than-Container Load (LCL) Shipping: If your cargo doesn’t fill an entire container, you can opt for LCL. This method consolidates your cargo with goods from other shippers, reducing costs. However, LCL shipping involves a longer transit time due to the consolidation process, and your excavator will be part of a mixed load, which can make unloading more complex at the destination port.
Estimated shipping time for LCL:
- The estimated transit time for LCL shipments is generally similar to FCL, around 32 days, but you may need to factor in extra time for consolidation and de-consolidation at port.
2. Packaging and Handling of Excavators
Proper packaging and handling are crucial when shipping heavy machinery like excavators to ensure they arrive in perfect condition. Here are some key packaging steps:
1. Inspection and Preparation: Before shipping, your excavator should undergo a thorough inspection to ensure there are no existing issues that could worsen during transit. This may include draining all fluids, disconnecting any loose parts, and cleaning the equipment to meet the destination country’s customs requirements.
2. Securing the Excavator for Shipping: Once the excavator is prepared, it will be securely loaded into the container. Excavators are often transported on flat-rack containers, but in some cases, they may be disassembled or packed into a 20FT or 40FT container.
- Use of Ramps: If the excavator is large and cannot fit into a container, it will be loaded onto a flat-rack using a ramp and fastened securely with straps or chains to prevent shifting during transport.
- Lashing & Securing: Heavy-duty lashing materials are used to secure the excavator inside the container. This ensures that even with the rolling movement of the ship, the machinery remains stable and undamaged.
- Custom Crating: In some cases, the excavator or its parts may be custom-crated or packed with protective padding, such as foam or timber, to prevent any scratching, dings, or damage during transit.
3. Documentation & Compliance: Ensure that all the necessary shipping documents are prepared, including:
- Bill of Lading (BOL)
- Customs Declaration
- Insurance Certificate (if opting for CIF)
- Invoice and Packing List
Having these documents in order is crucial for smooth customs clearance and transport at both the port of departure and arrival.
3. Port-to-Port and Delivery Services
Upon arrival at Reims Port, your cargo will go through customs clearance before being transported to its final destination in France. For FCL shipments, the entire container is typically unloaded at the port, while LCL shipments require de-consolidation and sorting of the goods.
From there, the cargo can be delivered by land transport to the final location, either directly or through further inland logistics services, depending on the delivery terms.
