Shipping Dried Fruits from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Bordeaux, France: A Comprehensive Guide to Ocean Freight (FCL & LCL)
1. Shipping Options: FCL vs. LCL
Full Container Load (FCL)
For businesses with larger volumes of dried fruits, Full Container Load (FCL) shipping offers a cost-effective and efficient solution. With FCL, a dedicated 20ft or 40ft container is used, exclusively for your cargo. This type of shipment is ideal for bulk orders, reducing the risk of damage and minimizing handling time at port.
- Transit Time: The sea voyage from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Bordeaux typically takes around 32 days.
- CIF Terms: Under CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), the seller covers the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight to the destination port (Bordeaux). Import duties and taxes at the destination are not included in CIF terms.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
For smaller shipments, Less than Container Load (LCL) is the best choice. LCL allows you to share container space with other shippers, thus lowering shipping costs when you’re not filling an entire container. However, it comes with slightly longer transit times due to multiple stops and handling procedures at ports.
- Transit Time: Similar to FCL, LCL shipments generally take around 32 days for the journey from China to France.
- CIF Terms: LCL shipments can also be handled on a CIF basis, with the seller covering all expenses up to the Port of Bordeaux.
2. Packaging of Dried Fruits
Proper packaging is essential to ensure that your dried fruits arrive in Bordeaux in the best condition, as they are often sensitive to moisture, temperature changes, and physical damage. Below are some key packaging tips:
Outer Packaging: Dried fruits are typically packaged in heavy-duty cartons or wooden crates. These should be sturdy enough to protect the contents during handling and transit. If you’re shipping larger quantities, using pallets to stack boxes can be an efficient method for securing the load.
Inner Packaging: For optimal protection, dried fruits are usually packed in vacuum-sealed bags or food-grade plastic bags to prevent moisture absorption. Vacuum sealing helps extend shelf life and ensures the fruits stay fresh.
Weight Considerations: As dried fruits are often packed in bulk, it’s important to consider the weight limitations of the shipping container. Proper weight distribution is critical to avoid any damage during transit or while loading/unloading the container.
Temperature and Humidity Control: If you’re shipping a significant quantity of sensitive dried fruits, it’s wise to consider climate-controlled shipping. This ensures that your goods are transported within an optimal temperature and humidity range to preserve quality.
