Shipping Pet Food from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Granada, Spain: FCL and LCL Options
When shipping pet food from Guangzhou or Shenzhen in China to Granada, Spain, businesses and individuals have two main sea freight options: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL). Here’s a detailed look at the process, including transport duration and packaging considerations.
Shipping Options: FCL and LCL
Full Container Load (FCL): If you have a large shipment of pet food, choosing FCL is a practical option. In this case, your goods are shipped in a 20-foot or 40-foot container, and the entire container is dedicated to your cargo. The shipping term for FCL is typically CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), which means the seller will cover the cost of shipping, insurance, and freight until the port of destination in Spain.
- 20FT FCL: Ideal for smaller shipments that can fill up a full 20-foot container.
- 40FT FCL: Suitable for larger shipments. If you have more than 20 cubic meters of cargo, a 40-foot container would be more efficient.
The container will be transported by sea for approximately 26 days to the Spanish port. After reaching the port, the cargo will go through customs clearance before being forwarded to Granada.
Less than Container Load (LCL): For smaller shipments, where the volume does not fill a whole container, LCL (Less than Container Load) is an efficient alternative. LCL shipments involve sharing container space with other consignments. This is a more cost-effective solution for smaller volumes, although the transit time may be slightly longer due to the need for consolidating shipments.
LCL Shipping Process:
- The pet food is loaded into the container along with other LCL cargo.
- The sea freight journey to Granada’s port in Spain takes approximately 26 days.
- Upon arrival, the cargo is unloaded and delivered to Granada.

Packaging of Pet Food for Shipping
Proper packaging is essential to ensure that the pet food remains safe and undamaged during the journey. Here’s how pet food should be packaged:
Primary Packaging (Product Packaging): Pet food is typically packaged in sealed, airtight bags to preserve freshness and prevent contamination. For bulk shipments, pet food is often packed in multi-layer plastic bags or laminated paper bags. In addition to ensuring freshness, these bags are moisture-resistant, which is especially important during long sea voyages.
Secondary Packaging: For additional protection during transit, pet food bags are packed into sturdy cartons or corrugated boxes. The cartons are designed to provide support and prevent any crushing or damage to the products during handling.
Palletizing: Once the cartons are ready, they are often stacked onto pallets for easier handling and transportation. Palletizing also helps with loading and unloading at ports and during final delivery. For LCL shipments, pallets help ensure that the goods are securely positioned within the container, reducing the risk of shifting or damage.
Labeling and Documentation: Each package must be clearly labeled with important information, including the product name, weight, destination, and a description of the contents. This is crucial for customs clearance, as it ensures that the pet food complies with import regulations in Spain.
Sealing: The cartons are sealed tightly with stretch film or shrink wrap to protect them from moisture, dirt, and handling damage. This extra layer of protection is vital when shipping goods via sea freight, especially for long voyages.