Shipping from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Incheon Port, South Korea: 20FT/40FT Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) Sea Freight Solutions
1. Full Container Load (FCL) – 20FT/40FT Containers
For businesses with enough goods to fill an entire container, Full Container Load (FCL) is an excellent option. When shipping to Incheon Port, companies can choose between 20FT or 40FT containers, depending on the volume of goods.
- 20FT Container: A 20-foot container typically holds up to 28-30 cubic meters or approximately 20,000 kilograms of goods.
- 40FT Container: A 40-foot container offers more capacity, typically holding 58-60 cubic meters or around 25,000 kilograms.
In both cases, the shipping service can be offered under a CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) term. This means that the shipping cost, insurance, and freight to Incheon Port will be covered by the seller, providing peace of mind to the buyer regarding the safe transportation of the goods.
2. Less than Container Load (LCL) – Shared Container Shipping
If you don’t have enough goods to fill an entire container, LCL is a great solution. LCL allows your goods to share container space with other shipments, reducing the cost significantly. The sea freight journey for LCL from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Incheon typically takes around 5 days, depending on the shipping line and weather conditions.
For LCL shipments, goods are loaded into containers together with other freight, and each cargo is separated with distinct labeling and packing to ensure its safe arrival at the destination. Upon arrival at Incheon Port, the goods will be unloaded, and each shipment is then delivered to its respective consignee.
3. Packaging for Sea Freight
Proper packaging is crucial for ensuring the safety of goods during the long sea voyage. Whether you are shipping via FCL or LCL, packaging standards need to be robust to protect your cargo from the harsh conditions encountered during sea transportation.
For FCL Shipments: When using a full container, goods should be packed securely in boxes or pallets, making it easy to load and unload the container. For bulky or fragile items, additional protective measures like foam or bubble wrap are recommended to prevent damage during transit.
For LCL Shipments: Since goods are mixed with other shipments, packaging plays an even more critical role. Smaller shipments should be packed in sturdy boxes, shrink-wrapped for additional security, and clearly labeled with the consignee’s information. Goods may also be placed on pallets to ensure they remain stable during the loading and unloading process.
Key Considerations for Packaging:
- Durability: Use heavy-duty packaging materials to withstand potential damage during handling.
- Labeling: Ensure that each package is labeled correctly with the consignee’s details, and indicate any fragile items.
- Protection: For items that are breakable or sensitive, use appropriate cushioning materials such as bubble wrap, foam, or packing peanuts.
- Sealing: Securely seal all packages with high-quality tape to prevent any accidental opening during transit.
