Shipping Garden Benches from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to New Jersey, USA: A Complete Guide
1. Sea Freight from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to New Jersey, USA
The primary port in New Jersey for container shipments is the Port of Newark, located near New Jersey’s metropolitan area. Shipping from China, particularly from major ports like Guangzhou or Shenzhen, takes approximately 24 days via sea freight, depending on the shipping route and the specific conditions at the time.
FCL (Full Container Load): When you choose FCL, you are booking an entire container (either a 20FT or 40FT container) for your garden benches. This option is ideal if you have a large shipment, as it guarantees that your goods will be the only cargo in the container, minimizing the risk of damage and theft.
- 20FT FCL: This is suitable for smaller shipments, typically holding around 20-24 cubic meters of goods.
- 40FT FCL: This larger container holds approximately 40-48 cubic meters and is more cost-efficient for bulkier shipments.
LCL (Less Than Container Load): If you don’t have enough goods to fill a full container, you can opt for LCL shipping. With LCL, your garden benches will share the container space with other shipments. LCL shipments are a great option for smaller volumes and are cost-effective when you don’t require a full container.
2. Shipping Terms: CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
When shipping under the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) term, the seller is responsible for the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight up to the destination port, which in this case is the Port of Newark, New Jersey. Once the goods arrive at the port, the buyer will be responsible for customs clearance and any additional charges, such as port fees and inland transportation within the USA.
3. Packaging for Garden Benches
Packaging is crucial to ensure the safety of the garden benches during transit. Proper packaging can help prevent damages and ensure that the items arrive in good condition. Here are some common packaging methods for garden benches:
Wooden Crates/Boxes: Garden benches, particularly those made of wood or metal, are often packaged in sturdy wooden crates or boxes. This provides an extra layer of protection against impacts and prevents any bending or damage during the long journey at sea.
Bubble Wrap and Foam: Each bench can be individually wrapped in bubble wrap to protect the delicate surfaces from scratches or dents. Additionally, foam sheets may be used to further cushion the benches inside the wooden crates.
Plastic Shrink Wrap: To protect the benches from moisture during transport, they are often wrapped with plastic shrink film. This is particularly important for items made of wood or fabric, as it shields them from humidity and saltwater exposure during the sea voyage.
Labeling and Handling Instructions: Clear labeling is essential to ensure that the cargo is handled correctly. Labels indicating “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” can help ensure the garden benches are treated appropriately during loading, unloading, and transshipment.
Palletizing: For LCL shipments, it’s common to place the garden benches on pallets. This makes it easier to load, unload, and handle the cargo, reducing the risk of damage when transferring between containers and trucks.
4. Sea Freight Transit Time
The typical sea freight transit time from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to New Jersey is around 24 days. This can vary depending on the shipping route, port congestion, and weather conditions. While transit time is fairly standard, it is essential to plan for any potential delays or unexpected circumstances.
5. Customs Clearance in New Jersey
Once your garden benches arrive at the Port of Newark, they will go through customs clearance. Customs procedures in the USA require that all imported goods comply with US regulations, including inspection and possible duties or taxes. Your freight forwarder or customs broker will assist in managing this process, ensuring that the necessary paperwork (including the bill of lading, commercial invoice, and packing list) is in order.
Once customs clearance is completed, the goods will be ready for delivery to your final destination in New Jersey.
