Sea Freight from Guangzhou/Shenzhen, China to Sao Jose dos Pinhais, Brazil: 20FT/40FT FCL and LCL Options
1. Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping
Full Container Load (FCL) is the most straightforward shipping option when you have enough goods to fill an entire container. For larger volumes, shipping an entire 20FT or 40FT container from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Sao Jose dos Pinhais offers cost efficiency and a more streamlined process. These containers are loaded, sealed, and sent directly to the destination port.
20FT and 40FT Container Options: A 20FT container can typically hold 28-30 cubic meters of cargo, while a 40FT container holds about 56-58 cubic meters. Depending on the size of your shipment, you can choose the appropriate container size for your goods.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): The CIF shipping term covers the cost of transportation, including insurance and freight, until the goods reach the port of destination. In this case, it refers to the delivery from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to the port of Sao Jose dos Pinhais.

2. Less-than-Container Load (LCL) Shipping
If your shipment volume is smaller and doesn’t justify a full container, LCL is the perfect alternative. LCL allows you to share a container with other shippers, reducing the overall cost by consolidating multiple shipments into one container.
Consolidation and Transit Time: LCL shipments from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Sao Jose dos Pinhais will be consolidated at the port before being shipped, with transit time typically around 35 days. Since LCL involves multiple shippers, it can take a bit longer for the cargo to be loaded, unloaded, and delivered.
Customs Clearance and Delivery: Once the goods arrive at Sao Jose dos Pinhais, they go through customs clearance before being sent to the final destination. The LCL option also ensures that the cargo is transported directly from the port to the consignee’s location in Brazil.

3. Packaging Requirements
Proper packaging is essential for the safe transportation of your goods from China to Brazil. Whether shipping FCL or LCL, the packaging should ensure that the items are protected from potential damage during transit.
For FCL Shipping: In a full container load, the cargo will be placed directly in the container, and it is crucial to secure the goods to prevent shifting during transit. Cargo can be packed in pallets or crates, and plastic wrapping or stretch film is commonly used for additional protection. For sensitive items, wooden crates and boxes may be required to provide extra stability.
For LCL Shipping: Since your goods will be consolidated with other shipments, it is important to ensure that your cargo is well-packaged to avoid damage and leakage. Wooden pallets or strong cardboard boxes are typical for LCL cargo. It is advisable to use shrink-wrap or heavy-duty plastic for waterproofing and securing smaller items. Labeling is also critical to ensure accurate identification during the handling process.
4. Transit Time
Shipping from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Sao Jose dos Pinhais typically takes about 35 days by sea. This timeframe can vary slightly based on port conditions and customs processing times at both the departure and destination ports. It’s important to plan for potential delays, especially when shipping under LCL terms, as consolidation and deconsolidation processes may extend the overall transit time.