Shipping Plastic Basins from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Espoo, Finland: A Comprehensive Guide
Shipping Options: FCL and LCL
1. Full Container Load (FCL)
If you are shipping a large quantity of plastic basins, Full Container Load (FCL) is often the best choice. For a 20-foot or 40-foot container, shipping costs are fixed, and the entire container is dedicated to your shipment. FCL provides more security, as the goods are not mixed with other shipments, reducing the risk of damage and loss.
CIF Terms (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)
Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight up until the arrival at the port in Espoo (Helsinki Port). Once the goods arrive at the port, the buyer will be responsible for import duties and additional charges to finalize the delivery.
- 20ft and 40ft Containers: A 20-foot container can carry approximately 10-11 cubic meters of goods, while a 40-foot container holds about 22-24 cubic meters. If your shipment of plastic basins is large enough to fill one of these containers, FCL offers the advantage of cost savings per unit.
2. Less than Container Load (LCL)
For smaller shipments, Less than Container Load (LCL) is a more cost-effective option. Instead of filling an entire container, LCL allows you to share a container with other shippers, which reduces the cost for smaller volumes.
- Sea Freight Duration: LCL shipments typically take around 40 days from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Espoo (Helsinki Port), as the cargo is consolidated at the port and then delivered to Finland. LCL shipments may require additional time due to the consolidation process at the departure port.
Sea Freight Journey: Duration and Routing
The journey from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Espoo, Finland, involves an ocean freight route that typically takes around 40 days. The goods will first travel to a major transshipment hub, such as the Port of Rotterdam or Hamburg, before making their way to Finland’s main port, which is located in the nearby capital of Helsinki. From there, the goods are delivered to Espoo, which is close by.
Estimated Sea Freight Time:
- Total Duration: Approximately 40 days (Port-to-Port)
- Transshipment: This may add extra time if the cargo is consolidated in another European port.
Packaging of Plastic Basins for Shipping
Proper packaging is crucial to ensure that the plastic basins arrive in perfect condition, especially during a long sea voyage. Here are the general steps followed for packaging:
Individual Packaging: Each plastic basin is typically wrapped in protective plastic to prevent scratches and damage during transit. For fragile or more delicate products, additional bubble wrap or foam padding may be used.
Carton Boxes: After being individually wrapped, plastic basins are usually packed in strong, durable carton boxes. The size of the box will depend on the dimensions of the basins, and care should be taken to avoid overloading the boxes to minimize the risk of crushing.
Palletizing: For FCL shipments, once the basins are packed into cartons, the boxes are often stacked onto wooden pallets. Palletizing helps keep the cartons stable during the sea freight journey and simplifies the loading and unloading process at the port.
Shrink Wrapping: Pallets of plastic basins may be wrapped in stretch film (shrink-wrapping) to further secure the goods. This prevents shifting during transit and keeps the cargo protected from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.
Labeling: Each package and pallet should be labeled with important information such as product details, handling instructions, and destination port. This helps ensure proper handling and timely customs clearance.
