Shipping from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Fortaleza, Brazil: 20FT/40FT FCL and LCL Sea Freight, CIF
1. Full Container Load (FCL): 20FT/40FT
For large shipments, opting for a Full Container Load (FCL) is often the most cost-effective and efficient solution. In this case, you can choose between a 20-foot (20FT) or a 40-foot (40FT) container, depending on the size and volume of your cargo.
- 20FT FCL: A 20-foot container is ideal for shipments that occupy a full container but do not exceed its maximum load. It can hold approximately 28-30 cubic meters of cargo.
- 40FT FCL: A 40-foot container provides a larger capacity, holding around 58-60 cubic meters of cargo. This is suitable for larger shipments or those looking to ship bulkier goods.
In terms of logistics, the shipping is done on a CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) basis, meaning the seller covers the cost of goods, insurance, and transportation to the port of Fortaleza. This method is often preferred for high-value shipments as it provides additional security and peace of mind, ensuring the goods are insured during transit.
- Port to Port: For FCL shipments, the goods will be transported from the loading ports in Guangzhou or Shenzhen to the Port of Fortaleza. The sea voyage typically takes around 68 days, depending on weather conditions and the specific shipping line used.
2. Less Than Container Load (LCL)
For smaller shipments, opting for Less than Container Load (LCL) is a flexible and cost-effective solution. LCL allows you to share space in a container with other shippers, which reduces the overall cost for those with smaller loads.
- Transit Time: Just like FCL, the sea voyage for LCL shipments takes around 68 days from China to Fortaleza. However, because the goods need to be consolidated and de-consolidated at various points during the journey, the overall process might take slightly longer than FCL.
3. Packaging for Sea Freight
The packaging of goods for sea freight is crucial in ensuring that the cargo arrives in good condition and is properly protected during the long journey across the ocean. For both FCL and LCL shipments, the packaging must adhere to the international shipping standards to prevent damage during transit.
- General Packaging Guidelines:
- Wooden Crates: For fragile or valuable items, such as electronics or machinery, using sturdy wooden crates is a common choice. These crates provide excellent protection and can be sealed for security.
- Cartons: Standard cardboard boxes are often used for smaller items, such as clothing, household goods, and consumer products. These boxes should be reinforced with extra layers of tape and clearly labeled.
- Plastic Wrapping and Shrink Wrap: To ensure protection from moisture and dirt, especially for goods that may be exposed to humid conditions during the voyage, shrink wrapping or plastic wrapping is commonly used.
- Palletization: Many goods, especially in LCL shipments, are packed onto pallets. Palletizing the goods ensures that they are easier to handle and minimizes the risk of shifting during the transit. The pallets should be wrapped tightly with shrink wrap to prevent any movement.
- Temperature-Sensitive Packaging: If the goods are temperature-sensitive, such as food or pharmaceuticals, insulated packaging or refrigerated containers (reefers) may be required.
For FCL shipments, since the entire container is allocated for one shipper, the packaging can be optimized to utilize the full space without concern for other goods. For LCL shipments, it’s important to ensure that the cargo is packed securely and efficiently, as it will be shared with other shipments and must be properly sealed to prevent damage.
