Shipping Dried Fruits from Guangzhou/Shenzhen, China to Dunkirk, France: 20FT/40FT FCL and LCL Sea Freight
Shipping Options: FCL and LCL Sea Freight
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping: For businesses with larger shipments, FCL offers a more cost-effective and secure option. With FCL, your dried fruits are loaded into a 20FT or 40FT container, depending on the shipment size. The cargo is shipped directly from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Dunkirk under a CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) arrangement, meaning the cost of the goods, transportation, and insurance is covered by the seller until the port of arrival.
- 20FT Container: Typically holds about 12-15 metric tons of dried fruits, depending on the packaging and product type.
- 40FT Container: Can accommodate around 25-30 metric tons of dried fruits, providing ample space for larger shipments.
This option is ideal if you have enough volume to fill an entire container, offering better control over cargo handling, reduced risk of damage, and often quicker transit times.
Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping: For smaller shipments that don’t fill an entire container, LCL shipping is the ideal choice. In this case, your dried fruits will share container space with goods from other shippers. The sea freight journey for LCL is usually slightly longer due to the need for additional handling and stops at other ports before reaching Dunkirk. The estimated shipping time for LCL from China to France is around 31 days, factoring in transit time, customs clearance, and potential delays at port stops.
LCL is a cost-effective option for those shipping smaller quantities, as you only pay for the space your cargo occupies in the container.
Estimated Shipping Time and Journey
The total sea freight journey from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Dunkirk typically takes around 31 days. This duration includes:
- Port Loading Time: Depending on weather, congestion, and customs procedures, loading your cargo can take a few days.
- Ocean Transit Time: The voyage itself usually lasts between 25 and 30 days.
- Port Unloading and Customs Clearance: Once your goods reach Dunkirk, customs clearance and unloading can take a few additional days, especially during peak seasons.
Packaging Requirements for Dried Fruits
Proper packaging is essential to ensure that your dried fruits arrive in optimal condition, especially given the long journey and exposure to environmental factors during shipping. The packaging process for dried fruits includes several key elements:
Primary Packaging: Each dried fruit is typically packed in airtight, moisture-resistant bags or vacuum-sealed pouches to preserve its quality. This type of packaging prevents spoilage, retains flavor, and protects the fruits from external elements like humidity.
Secondary Packaging: The vacuum-sealed bags are then placed in sturdy, corrugated cardboard boxes. These boxes are designed to withstand rough handling during the loading and unloading process. It’s essential to use strong, double-walled boxes for added durability.
Palletizing: For larger shipments, especially FCL, the boxes of dried fruits are stacked on pallets to facilitate easier handling and loading. Palletizing helps prevent the boxes from shifting during transit and ensures better stability within the container.
Protection Against Moisture: To protect against moisture and humidity during sea transit, desiccant packets (silica gel or clay desiccants) can be placed inside the containers or boxes to absorb any excess moisture. This step is particularly important as dried fruits are sensitive to water and humidity, which can affect their texture and quality.
Labeling and Documentation: Ensure each package is labeled correctly with essential details, including the type of dried fruit, weight, and handling instructions. Proper labeling is crucial for customs clearance and facilitates smooth delivery at the destination port.
