Shipping Hot Melt Adhesive from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Stockport, UK: 20FT/40FT Full Container Load (FCL) & Less Than Container Load (LCL) Options
1. Full Container Load (FCL)
For businesses shipping large quantities of hot melt adhesives, the Full Container Load (FCL) is the ideal option. With this service, the entire container is exclusively reserved for your shipment, ensuring that the goods are not mixed with other cargo.
Types of Containers Available:
- 20FT Container
- 40FT Container
These containers offer ample space for bulk shipments and help reduce the overall shipping costs per unit, making them the most cost-effective choice for large-scale businesses.
Transit Time:
- The sea voyage typically takes around 25 days from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to the UK, depending on the shipping line and route. Upon arrival at the UK port (usually Southampton or Liverpool), the goods will be transported to Stockport by truck or rail.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) Service:
- The CIF service means that the cost of shipping includes the cost of the goods, insurance, and all freight charges until the goods reach the UK port. Once the goods arrive at the port, customs duties and taxes are handled separately, and the shipment will be delivered to the destination via inland transport.
2. Less Than Container Load (LCL)
If the shipment volume doesn’t justify filling an entire container, the Less Than Container Load (LCL) service is a great alternative. This option is ideal for smaller shipments where the cargo will share space in a container with goods from other shippers.
LCL Shipping Process:
- Consolidation: Multiple shipments are consolidated into one container, making it a more affordable option for businesses with lower volume needs.
- Transit Time: LCL shipping still maintains a relatively fast transit time of approximately 25 days, although it may vary slightly depending on consolidation schedules and port handling times.
CIF Service for LCL:
- Like FCL, the CIF service for LCL also includes the cost of goods, freight, and insurance, up until the goods reach the destination port. Once the cargo is offloaded at the UK port, it will undergo customs clearance before final delivery.
3. Packaging for Hot Melt Adhesives
Packaging is crucial for ensuring that hot melt adhesives arrive at their destination in good condition. Here’s how hot melt adhesives are typically packaged for sea freight:
Primary Packaging:
The hot melt adhesive itself is usually packaged in drums or boxes, depending on the form (pellets, blocks, or granules). For bulk shipments, drums are the most common packaging method. These drums are made of sturdy, sealed materials that prevent leakage and damage during transit.Secondary Packaging:
Each drum or box is placed inside a stretch-wrapped pallet to enhance stability and protection. This also ensures that the cargo remains easy to handle during the loading and unloading processes.Protection Against Moisture:
Sea transport can sometimes expose goods to humidity. Therefore, moisture-proofing materials, such as desiccants and plastic shrink wraps, are often used to protect hot melt adhesives from water damage.Labeling:
Proper labeling with clear handling instructions (e.g., “Keep Dry,” “Fragile,” or “Handle with Care”) is essential for guiding warehouse staff and ensuring proper storage and transit handling.Loading and Securing:
During loading, the pallets are carefully secured with straps inside the container to prevent any movement that could cause damage. This step is particularly important for LCL shipments to ensure that the smaller cargo items are properly protected.
