Shipping Apparel from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Las Palmas, Canary Islands (20ft/40ft FCL, CIF Port-to-Port, LCL Shipping, 32-Day Sea Journey)

Shipping Methods

1. Full Container Load (FCL) – 20ft/40ft Containers

   • 20ft and 40ft FCL: When you choose FCL, the cargo occupies the full space of either a 20ft or 40ft container, allowing you to load a larger volume of goods. Typically, the shipping cost is more cost-effective when the container is fully loaded with your goods.
   • CIF Terms: The shipping is under Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms, meaning the seller covers the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges up to the port of arrival (Las Palmas Port). Once the goods arrive at the port, the buyer is responsible for customs clearance and further delivery.

2. Less than Container Load (LCL)

   • If you don’t have enough cargo to fill an entire container, you can opt for LCL (Less than Container Load). With LCL, your goods are consolidated with other shipments in a shared container, which can reduce costs significantly for smaller shipments.
   • The shipping time for LCL remains the same as FCL, with an estimated 32-day sea journey to Las Palmas from Guangzhou or Shenzhen.

Packaging of Apparel

Packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring that clothing arrives in good condition. Proper packaging minimizes the risk of damage during transport, handling, and transit.

1. Individual Garment Packaging

   • Poly Bags: Each piece of clothing should be individually packed in plastic poly bags to protect the garments from dust, moisture, and dirt. Ensure the bags are sealed tightly to prevent contamination during transit.
   • Branding and Labeling: The poly bags can be customized with branding, product details, and care instructions for easy identification.

2. Carton Boxes

   • After individual packing, garments are typically packed in corrugated carton boxes. This secondary layer of protection ensures that the goods are stacked safely in the container. Boxes should be strong and of sufficient quality to handle the weight of the garments.
   • Box Sizes and Weights: Depending on the volume of clothing, cartons should be appropriately sized to prevent overpacking or shifting during the journey. Ensure the weight of each box is manageable for easier handling.

3. Container Loading

   • Efficient Loading: Whether you are shipping via FCL or LCL, proper container loading is essential. In FCL shipments, the entire container is loaded with your boxes, while in LCL, your cargo is consolidated with other shipments. Ensure that cartons are packed tightly to avoid shifting or crushing of the garments during transit.

4. Humidity Control

   • Desiccants: To prevent moisture damage, especially on long journeys, it’s common to include desiccant packets in each carton. These packets absorb moisture and reduce the risk of mold or mildew on the clothing.