Shipping from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Caaguazú, Paraguay: 20FT/40FT FCL and LCL Sea Freight, 48-Day Transit, Packaging Guidelines
1. Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping: 20FT/40FT Containers
When shipping a large volume of goods, Full Container Load (FCL) is often the best option. This means your goods will occupy the entire container, ensuring that there’s minimal risk of damage, as your goods are not mixed with others.
- Container Sizes:
- 20FT Container: Ideal for smaller shipments (approximately 28–30 cubic meters of cargo).
- 40FT Container: Suitable for larger shipments (approximately 58–60 cubic meters of cargo).
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): With CIF shipping, the cost of transportation, insurance, and freight from Guangzhou/Shenzhen port to the port near Caaguazú is included. This gives you peace of mind as it protects your cargo against potential risks during transport, including damage and loss, up until it reaches the port in Paraguay.

2. Less-than-Container Load (LCL) Shipping
For shipments that don’t fill a full container, Less-than-Container Load (LCL) is a viable option. This is a more cost-effective choice if you’re shipping smaller amounts of goods and are willing to share the container space with other shippers.
- Shipping Timeline: The LCL sea freight from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Caaguazú usually takes approximately 48 days. This timeframe may vary slightly depending on port congestion, weather conditions, and specific shipping routes. It’s important to work closely with your logistics provider to track the shipment during transit.

3. Shipping Route and Transit Time
The 48-day sea voyage from China to Paraguay typically involves a few stages:
- Departure: The cargo departs from Guangzhou or Shenzhen, two of China’s largest ports.
- Main Route: The shipment will likely pass through major international shipping hubs before heading towards South America. This includes transshipment at larger ports like those in the US or Brazil.
- Arrival at Port: The final destination is typically a port that serves the region near Caaguazú. From there, goods are transported inland to the designated location in Paraguay.
4. Packaging Guidelines for Safe Transport
Proper packaging is essential to ensure that your goods arrive in good condition after a long ocean voyage. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
Use Strong, High-Quality Packaging Materials: Make sure all products are securely packed using durable materials such as corrugated cardboard, plastic wraps, stretch film, and shrink wrap. For larger or heavier items, wooden crates or pallets should be used to prevent damage.
Labeling: Clearly label each package with the destination address, handling instructions (such as “Fragile” or “Keep Dry”), and any other important shipping information. This helps ensure proper handling and quick identification.
Protection Against Moisture: Ocean freight can expose goods to humidity and water, so consider adding moisture-absorbing materials like silica gel packets to packages, or use waterproof wrapping to protect sensitive items from water damage.
Palletization: For easier handling and to avoid shifting during transport, goods should be palletized. This means stacking goods neatly on pallets and wrapping them securely. This method is particularly important for LCL shipments where goods are shared in a container with other shipments.
Stacking and Securing Cargo in the Container: Ensure that the goods are properly stacked and secured inside the container to prevent any movement during transit. This is especially critical for FCL shipments, as goods in a full container can shift and cause damage if not securely packed.