Shipping Hand Cream from Guangzhou/Shenzhen, China to Sandakan Port, Malaysia: A Guide to Full Container and LCL Ocean Freight
Shipping Options: FCL vs. LCL
Full Container Load (FCL): For businesses looking to ship large volumes of hand cream, FCL is an ideal choice. In this case, the cargo occupies an entire container—either a 20-foot or 40-foot container. The shipping process begins at the warehouse in Guangzhou or Shenzhen, where the goods are loaded into the container, which is then sealed for transport to Sandakan. FCL ensures a direct and faster route with the goods transported directly from port to port, with minimal handling along the way.
Less than Container Load (LCL): If you’re shipping smaller quantities of hand cream, LCL might be more suitable. This method involves sharing container space with goods from other shipments. In LCL shipping, the cargo is consolidated at the port and will be packed into a shared container. After arrival at Sandakan, the goods will be deconsolidated and sent to the final destination. Though slightly more cost-effective for smaller shipments, LCL typically takes a bit longer due to the consolidation and deconsolidation processes.
Estimated Ocean Freight Duration
The ocean freight for both FCL and LCL shipments from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Sandakan Port generally takes around 13 days. This timeline covers the typical ocean voyage, customs procedures, and unloading at the destination port.
Packaging of Hand Cream for Ocean Freight
When shipping hand cream, proper packaging is essential to ensure that the products remain secure and undamaged throughout the journey. Hand creams are typically packaged in soft, squeezable tubes or jars, which are susceptible to damage from pressure or impacts during transport.
To ensure the hand cream arrives in good condition:
Primary Packaging: Hand creams are usually packaged in high-quality plastic or metal tubes or containers that are sealed tightly to prevent leakage.
Secondary Packaging: The individual tubes or jars of hand cream should be packed into cardboard boxes. These boxes provide an extra layer of protection against rough handling.
Cushioning: To prevent the products from shifting or being crushed during transit, the boxes should be lined with bubble wrap or foam inserts. This cushioning helps absorb shocks and impacts during loading, unloading, and transit.
Sealing and Labeling: Once the boxes are packed, they should be securely sealed with strong adhesive tape to prevent accidental opening. Additionally, clear labeling with destination details and any necessary handling instructions (e.g., “Fragile” or “Keep Upright”) should be affixed to the exterior of each box to ensure safe handling.
Container Loading: When loading the container, the boxes of hand cream should be placed in a way that ensures stability. It’s important to stack the boxes neatly and avoid overloading to prevent any crushing. For FCL shipments, the container should be packed with care to ensure the cargo is secure throughout the ocean journey.
