Shipping Folding Doors from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Des Moines, IA – CIF Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) Options
1. Shipping Options: FCL and LCL
Full Container Load (FCL)
For large shipments, the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) full container load (FCL) is the most cost-effective and efficient option. With FCL, your folding doors will be shipped in a dedicated container, minimizing the risk of damage and offering a streamlined process from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Des Moines, IA.
Container Sizes: The most commonly used containers are 20-foot (20FT) and 40-foot (40FT) containers. The size of your shipment will determine whether you opt for a 20FT or 40FT container. If your order is larger, the 40FT container provides more space.
Shipping Time: The sea voyage from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Des Moines generally takes around 37 days. The estimated transit time includes port handling and the journey through major transshipment hubs. While the direct shipping route might take slightly longer due to the need to transship in U.S. ports like Los Angeles or Long Beach, the journey is still relatively fast.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
For smaller shipments that don’t require a full container, LCL (Less than Container Load) is a viable solution. In LCL, your goods share container space with other cargo, reducing shipping costs. This option is ideal for smaller businesses or individuals who don’t have enough cargo to fill an entire container.
- Shipping Time: Like FCL, the LCL transit time is typically around 37 days. However, LCL shipments may require additional time for consolidation and deconsolidation at ports of origin and destination.
2. Packaging of Folding Doors
Proper packaging of folding doors is critical to ensure they arrive in excellent condition, especially when shipping via sea. Folding doors are typically made of materials like aluminum, glass, or PVC, and need extra protection against impact, moisture, and humidity during long journeys.
Here’s how folding doors are generally packaged for sea freight:
Use of Pallets: Folding doors are securely packaged on wooden or plastic pallets. The pallet provides a stable base and ensures that the doors are stacked neatly and do not shift during transit. For LCL shipments, pallets are important for easy handling and unloading at various ports.
Protection with Bubble Wrap: The folding doors are covered in high-quality bubble wrap or foam padding to protect the surface from scratches, dents, or any other physical damage. This is especially important for glass or metal folding doors that are prone to scratches.
Corner Protectors and Edge Guards: To avoid damage to the edges and corners of the folding doors, corner protectors made of cardboard or foam are used. This added protection prevents the doors from getting crushed during transport.
Waterproof Wrapping: Sea transport is exposed to humidity and moisture, so it’s important to ensure the folding doors are wrapped in waterproof shrink wrap or plastic. This prevents any water from coming into contact with the doors and protects them from the elements.
Marking and Labeling: Each pallet or package is clearly labeled with details such as the contents (e.g., folding doors), destination address, and handling instructions (e.g., “Fragile,” “Keep Dry,” etc.). This ensures that the goods are handled properly at each stage of transport.
Container Loading: In the case of FCL shipments, pallets are carefully loaded into the container to ensure the folding doors are stable and not at risk of shifting during transit. Proper stowage is essential for both safety and efficiency.
