Shipping Canned Goods from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to France (Besançon Port) via Sea Freight (FCL & LCL)
Shipping Process Overview
1. Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping
If you have a large volume of canned goods to ship, opting for Full Container Load (FCL) might be the best choice. FCL shipping involves booking an entire container for your shipment, either a 20-foot (20FT) or a 40-foot container (40FT). This method is ideal for bulk shipments as it reduces the risk of cargo damage and offers a more direct and efficient route.
20FT/40FT Container Options: Depending on the quantity of canned goods, a 20FT or 40FT container may be used. A 20FT container can typically hold around 10-12 pallets of canned goods, while a 40FT container can accommodate up to 22-24 pallets.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): When shipping FCL under CIF terms, the cost includes the sea freight, insurance, and the cost of transportation to the destination port in France (Besançon). The seller will bear the responsibility for goods until they arrive at the port of destination.
2. Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping
For smaller shipments that do not require a full container, Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping is an excellent alternative. In LCL shipping, your goods are consolidated with other shipments into one shared container, reducing the shipping costs for smaller quantities.
Transit Time: The sea freight transit time from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Besançon Port is approximately 32 days, depending on the route and shipping conditions. LCL shipments may take a bit longer due to the consolidation and unloading process at the port.
LCL Benefits: LCL is cost-effective for smaller shipments, but it does come with the disadvantage of handling delays and potential cargo handling risks since the goods are mixed with other shipments. However, for less-than-full loads, it remains a popular and budget-friendly option.
Packaging of Canned Goods
Packaging is a critical aspect of shipping canned goods to ensure they are protected during transit. Here are some best practices for packaging canned goods for sea freight:
Primary Packaging: Canned goods are generally packed in metal or aluminum cans. Ensure that the cans are securely sealed to prevent leaks or contamination during shipping. The cans should also be free from dents or any physical damage that might affect their quality.
Secondary Packaging (Cartons): To protect the cans during transit, they should be placed in durable cardboard cartons. These cartons are typically designed to hold multiple cans, reducing the chance of damage. The boxes should be strong and well-sealed to withstand handling during loading and unloading.
Palletization: Once the cartons are packed, they should be stacked on wooden pallets to make the handling and loading process easier. The pallets help ensure the weight is evenly distributed and prevent the cartons from being crushed. For FCL shipments, pallets are used to maximize container space efficiency.
Shrink Wrapping: For additional stability and protection, pallets of canned goods are often shrink-wrapped. This keeps the cans and boxes firmly in place, reducing the chance of shifting during transit and protecting them from moisture and external factors during the journey.
Labeling and Documentation: Each carton and pallet should be properly labeled with necessary shipping information, including the destination port (Besançon), product details, and handling instructions. Accurate documentation, including invoices and customs declarations, should accompany the shipment to ensure smooth customs clearance at the French port.
Climate Considerations: Since canned goods are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and humidity, it is essential to ensure that the packaging is designed to protect against moisture or extreme temperatures during shipping. Using moisture-absorbing packets inside the cartons and ensuring proper ventilation in the container can help preserve the quality of the goods.
