Shipping from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Yokohama Port, Japan: FCL and LCL Options for 20FT/40FT Containers and Sea Freight Transit Time of 5 Days
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping
20FT and 40FT Containers
For businesses looking to ship large quantities of goods from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Yokohama, a Full Container Load (FCL) is an ideal choice. FCL means that your cargo will occupy an entire container, whether it’s a 20-foot (20FT) or 40-foot (40FT) container, providing secure and cost-effective transportation for bulk shipments.
- 20FT Container: Typically used for smaller shipments or heavier goods, a 20FT container can hold up to 28 cubic meters of cargo, with a maximum weight of around 22 tons, depending on the type of goods being shipped.
- 40FT Container: A 40FT container offers double the capacity of a 20FT container, with a volume of about 58 cubic meters and a maximum weight of around 27 tons.
The transit time from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Yokohama Port is typically 5 days by sea, depending on weather and port conditions. Shipping from China to Japan under the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) Incoterm means the seller is responsible for all costs up to the arrival of goods at Yokohama Port, including freight charges, insurance, and other shipping-related expenses.
Packaging for FCL Shipments
Packaging for FCL shipments must be robust to withstand the long journey. Common packaging methods include:
- Wooden Crates/Boxes: For fragile or high-value items, wooden crates or boxes are ideal for providing maximum protection.
- Palletizing: Goods can be palletized, making them easier to load and unload, while also offering some protection during transit.
- Shrink Wrapping: To secure smaller items, shrink wrapping is often used to keep goods intact and shield them from moisture or dust.
Less-than-Container Load (LCL) Shipping
If you do not have enough cargo to fill a whole container, LCL is an excellent alternative. LCL allows multiple shippers to share a single container, which is more economical for smaller shipments.
LCL Transit Time and Advantages
The transit time for LCL shipments from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Yokohama is typically around 5 days, similar to FCL. However, because the goods are consolidated with other shipments, the overall shipping process might take a bit longer, as the container needs to be filled, sealed, and unloaded. Despite the longer handling time, LCL shipping offers flexibility for those who need to ship smaller quantities of goods and avoid paying for an entire container.
Packaging for LCL Shipments
For LCL shipments, packaging is even more crucial to ensure that goods are not damaged during transit due to handling and consolidation with other cargo. The best practices for packaging LCL shipments include:
- Individual Boxes: Products should be securely packed in individual boxes, ensuring they are strong enough to withstand the rigors of transport.
- Labeling: Proper labeling on each package is essential to facilitate easy identification and prevent mix-ups during loading, unloading, and customs clearance.
- Padding and Cushioning: Fragile items should be cushioned with bubble wrap, foam, or other materials to minimize the risk of damage.
Customs Clearance and Documentation
Whether you are shipping FCL or LCL, customs clearance is a vital step. For CIF shipments, the seller is responsible for handling the necessary import documentation, which includes:
- Bill of Lading (BOL)
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Import Customs Declaration
- Insurance Certificate
At Yokohama Port, the goods will undergo customs inspection before being released to the consignee.
