Shipping Glazed Tiles from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Milwaukee, WI - Sea Freight (FCL & LCL)
Shipping Options: FCL vs LCL
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping
FCL shipping is the most efficient and cost-effective option for large shipments. In this case, a 20ft or 40ft container is fully loaded with your cargo of glazed tiles.
Advantages of FCL:- Dedicated container space, reducing the risk of damage during transit.
- More control over the shipment timeline and faster turnaround.
- Typically, lower cost per unit when shipping a large volume of tiles.
Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping
For smaller shipments, LCL is a more economical choice. It involves consolidating multiple smaller shipments into one container, where your tiles share space with cargo from other exporters.
Advantages of LCL:- Ideal for smaller shipments, reducing the need to pay for unused container space.
- Flexible shipping options if you do not have enough volume to fill an entire container.
Sea Freight Transit Time:
The estimated sea voyage from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Milwaukee, WI, takes about 37 days. This is the average shipping time for both FCL and LCL cargo. However, the total duration can vary depending on the exact departure and arrival ports and any delays during transshipment.
Packaging of Glazed Tiles
Proper packaging is crucial to ensure the safe arrival of glazed tiles, which are generally fragile and susceptible to cracking or chipping during transit. The steps to ensure your tiles are well-packaged include:
Tile Wrapping
Each tile should be individually wrapped in bubble wrap or foam padding to protect the surface from scratches or impacts. For extra protection, tiles can also be wrapped in kraft paper or stretch film.Palletizing
After wrapping, tiles are arranged on wooden pallets. This helps stabilize the tiles and ensures they are easier to load and unload. Each pallet is typically secured with shrink wrap or strapping bands to keep the tiles in place.Protection Against Moisture
Since glazed tiles are sensitive to moisture, using moisture-resistant materials for packaging is essential. Plastic sheeting can be used to cover the pallets, especially for long voyages, to prevent any water damage.Sturdy Cartons for LCL Shipments
If opting for LCL, the wrapped and palletized tiles are placed in sturdy cardboard cartons for easier handling and stacking. These cartons are carefully labeled to ensure proper handling during the consolidation and deconsolidation processes.Container Loading
For FCL shipments, once the pallets are wrapped and protected, they are loaded into the shipping container in a way that maximizes space and minimizes the chance of shifting. Padding materials, such as foam blocks or air cushions, can be used between pallets to further secure the load.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) Shipping
When choosing a CIF shipping option, the seller assumes responsibility for the cost of shipping, insurance, and freight up to the destination port (in this case, Milwaukee, WI). This provides peace of mind to the buyer, knowing that the shipment is insured during transit. However, once the cargo arrives at the destination port, the buyer is responsible for additional costs such as customs clearance, duties, and inland transportation to the final destination.
