Sea Freight from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Pescara Port, Italy: 20FT/40FT FCL & LCL Shipping of Desiccant Bags
1. Shipping Options: FCL and LCL
Full Container Load (FCL)
For larger shipments, Full Container Load (FCL) shipping is the preferred choice. This method involves filling an entire container, either a 20-foot (20FT) or 40-foot (40FT) container, with desiccant bags. It ensures that the goods are transported together without sharing space with goods from other shippers. This is ideal for businesses that need to ship large volumes of desiccant bags at a more cost-effective rate per unit.
20FT FCL Container: The 20-foot container typically holds about 10-12 tons of goods, depending on the packing and the density of the products. A full 20FT container can accommodate thousands of desiccant bags, depending on their size and packaging.
40FT FCL Container: For even larger shipments, the 40-foot container provides more space, typically holding about 22-25 tons of goods. This is an excellent choice for companies with higher shipping demands.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
For smaller shipments that do not fill an entire container, Less than Container Load (LCL) is the perfect solution. LCL allows businesses to share container space with other shippers. This reduces shipping costs for smaller volumes but can result in slightly longer transit times due to the consolidation and deconsolidation processes at the ports.
2. Transit Time & Shipping Route
The shipping route from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Pescara Port in Italy typically takes around 30 days, depending on the specific shipping line and any potential delays along the route. The journey usually involves the following steps:
Port of Departure: Guangzhou or Shenzhen, two of China’s largest and busiest ports, serve as primary shipping hubs for international freight. The goods are loaded onto ships here after all necessary customs clearances and preparations.
Transit: Once the shipment is onboard, the journey to Pescara Port involves sailing through key international shipping routes, passing through regions such as the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Suez Canal, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Port of Arrival: Pescara Port, located in central Italy, is an important gateway for goods entering Italy. Once the ship arrives, the goods will undergo unloading, customs clearance, and be ready for final delivery to the consignee.
3. Packaging of Desiccant Bags for Sea Freight
Proper packaging is crucial for ensuring that the desiccant bags remain in optimal condition during the sea freight journey. As desiccants are moisture-absorbing products, proper packaging is essential to avoid exposure to excess humidity, which could degrade the quality of the product.
Individual Packaging: Each desiccant bag should be individually sealed in moisture-resistant plastic packaging (such as polyethylene bags) to ensure that they remain dry throughout the shipping process. This is especially important when using LCL, as these containers are more prone to humidity fluctuations.
Bulk Packaging: Multiple desiccant bags are usually packed into cartons or pallets for more efficient handling and transportation. Each carton or pallet should also be wrapped or sealed in moisture-resistant material to provide extra protection during long transit times.
Container Load Considerations: For FCL shipments, desiccant bags should be neatly arranged inside the container, ensuring that they are stable and protected from potential damages during handling. Pallets are often used to stack and secure the products. Straps, shrink wrap, or other securing methods can be used to ensure the cargo remains in place during transportation.
Labeling and Documentation: It’s also important to label the desiccant bags appropriately with the correct shipping details, product descriptions, and handling instructions (e.g., “Keep dry” or “Handle with care”). This will help prevent mishandling and ensure that the goods are properly managed during the entire shipping process.
4. CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) Shipping
For businesses that prefer a more comprehensive service, CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) shipping provides a full package that includes not only the shipping costs but also insurance coverage for the goods during transit. This reduces the risk of loss or damage during the journey, making it a popular option for high-value or delicate shipments like desiccant bags.
Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of shipping, insurance, and freight charges up to the port of destination (Pescara, Italy). After the goods arrive at the port, the buyer assumes responsibility for customs clearance, import duties, and inland transportation to the final destination.
