Shipping Road Rollers from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Genoa, Italy: 20FT/40FT FCL and LCL Options
1. Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping: 20FT and 40FT Containers
For large shipments, such as road rollers, FCL shipping is often the most cost-effective and reliable option. In this case, a full container (either 20FT or 40FT) will be used to ship the road rollers from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Genoa, Italy.
20FT and 40FT Container Options
- 20FT Container: Suitable for smaller shipments or one or two road rollers, depending on their size.
- 40FT Container: A better choice for larger shipments, as it provides extra space to accommodate more equipment.
The CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) incoterm covers the cost of the sea freight, insurance, and transport to the port of Genoa. The seller is responsible for all costs and risks associated with the shipment until it reaches the destination port.
2. Less-than-Container Load (LCL) Shipping
For smaller shipments, where the volume of goods doesn’t fill an entire container, LCL is a great alternative. This option involves sharing a container with other shipments. The cargo is consolidated at the port of origin and deconsolidated at the destination.
- LCL Benefits: Cost-effective for smaller loads.
- Transit Time: Similar to FCL, LCL shipping from China to Genoa typically takes around 27 days.
In LCL shipping, the road roller would be packed and secured separately in the shared container, ensuring that it is protected during the journey.
3. Packaging and Handling of Road Rollers for Sea Freight
Shipping large and heavy machinery like road rollers requires specialized packaging and handling to ensure that the equipment arrives safely at its destination. Here’s how the road rollers are generally packaged:
1. Securing the Equipment
- Wooden Crates and Frames: Road rollers are often loaded onto flatbed containers or placed in custom-built wooden crates for additional protection. These crates are designed to prevent movement during transit, ensuring the machinery stays stable and secure.
- Steel Straps and Chains: The machinery is fastened with steel straps or heavy-duty chains to prevent any shifting during the ocean journey. This is particularly important for large items like road rollers, which could otherwise cause damage to other cargo in the container.
2. Protection from Weather
- Waterproof Covers: Road rollers are covered with waterproof tarpaulins to protect them from sea water, humidity, and rain during the ocean voyage.
- Rust Prevention: Some shipments may require additional rust protection, especially if the road rollers will be exposed to saltwater during transit.
3. Handling Special Considerations
- Heavy Lift Equipment: Since road rollers are typically very heavy, cranes or forklifts are used for loading and unloading. Ports like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Genoa are equipped with the necessary facilities for handling heavy machinery.
- Customs Documentation: Road rollers require specific paperwork for export and import clearance. This includes ensuring compliance with customs regulations, taxes, and duties in both China and Italy.
4. Shipping Transit Time
The estimated transit time from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Genoa is around 27 days. This timeframe includes the time taken for loading, ocean travel, and unloading at the destination port. However, additional time may be needed for customs clearance, unloading, and delivery to the final destination in Italy.
