Shipping Leisure Apparel from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Mbabane, Eswatini (Swaziland) – 20ft/40ft Full Container and LCL Sea Freight
Shipping Options: FCL and LCL
There are two primary shipping methods to choose from when sending leisure apparel:
- Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping:
- 20ft and 40ft Containers: The FCL option is ideal for larger quantities of goods, where the entire container is reserved for your shipment. A 20ft container can typically hold approximately 10,000-12,000 pieces of leisure apparel, while a 40ft container can accommodate up to 20,000-25,000 pieces, depending on the packaging and the type of clothing.
- CIF Terms: Under CIF terms, the supplier will arrange and pay for the cost of shipping the goods, insurance, and freight to the destination port in Eswatini. The buyer is responsible for all additional charges such as port duties, customs clearance, and inland delivery from the port to Mbabane.
- Less-than-Container Load (LCL) Shipping:
- Consolidation Service: LCL is a cost-effective option when the quantity of goods is not enough to fill an entire container. Your leisure apparel will be consolidated with shipments from other exporters, reducing the overall shipping cost.
- 34-Day Sea Journey: The sea journey typically takes 34 days, depending on the specific shipping route, transit time, and any potential delays.
Packaging Leisure Apparel for Shipping
Proper packaging is crucial for protecting your leisure apparel during the long journey. Here are the recommended packaging methods:
Polybag Packaging:
- Individual Items: Each piece of apparel (e.g., t-shirts, jackets, pants) is typically packed in a polybag to protect it from dust, moisture, and dirt during transportation. Polybags are lightweight and cost-effective, ensuring that the goods stay in good condition.
- Size Considerations: It’s important to consider the size and type of apparel. Bulkier items like jackets or sweaters may require larger polybags, while lighter, thinner garments such as t-shirts or shorts can be packed in smaller bags.
Carton Boxes:
- After polybagging, the items are usually packed into carton boxes. These boxes should be strong enough to withstand handling during transport and the weight of the clothing inside.
- For ease of handling and storage in the container, the cartons should be uniform in size and weight. Boxes are also easier to stack, allowing for efficient space utilization in the container.
Labeling:
- Clear Labels: Each box should have clear and visible labels showing the contents (e.g., leisure apparel), quantity, and destination. This is important for both customs clearance and inventory management.
- Marking for Fragility: If any of the apparel is delicate or requires special handling, such as being sensitive to moisture, it should be marked with fragile or keep dry labels.
Shrink Wrapping:
- For additional protection, especially if the goods are being shipped in LCL, shrink wrapping can be applied to the palletized cartons to prevent them from shifting during transport. This helps secure the boxes and provides an extra layer of protection from external elements like moisture.
Customs Clearance and Delivery to Mbabane
Once the goods arrive at the port in Eswatini, they must go through customs clearance. With CIF shipping terms, the supplier will typically handle the import duties and taxes until the goods arrive at the port. After customs clearance, the goods will be delivered to Mbabane by inland transport.
