Shipping Plastic Extruded Foam Boards from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to Minneapolis, MN (USA) via Ocean Freight
Shipping Options: FCL and LCL
Full Container Load (FCL)
For larger shipments, opting for a Full Container Load (FCL) is ideal. In this case, a 20-foot or 40-foot container (20FT/40FT) can be used to transport the extruded foam boards. With this option, you own the entire container, and your goods are loaded directly into the container without sharing space with other shipments. The estimated ocean transit time from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to the port of Minneapolis, MN, is approximately 23 days.Less than Container Load (LCL)
If your shipment volume is smaller and does not fill an entire container, the Less than Container Load (LCL) option is more suitable. LCL shipments are consolidated with other cargo, and the freight charges are shared among multiple shippers. This option is more cost-effective for smaller quantities of goods. Ocean freight transit time remains the same, around 23 days.
CIF Shipping Terms
In this scenario, the shipping term is CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight). Under CIF, the seller (in China) is responsible for the cost of goods, the cost of shipping, and insurance until the goods reach the destination port, which is Minneapolis, MN, USA. Once the goods arrive at the port, the buyer is responsible for customs clearance, inland transportation, and delivery to the final destination.
Packaging of Plastic Extruded Foam Boards
Proper packaging is essential to ensure the safety and integrity of plastic extruded foam boards during transport. Here’s how the cargo is typically packaged:
Plastic Wrap and Shrink Film
The foam boards are usually wrapped in heavy-duty plastic or shrink film. This protective layer shields the boards from moisture, dust, and physical damage during transit. The shrink wrap also keeps the boards tightly bundled together for easier handling.Palletization
To prevent the foam boards from shifting during transit, they are often placed on wooden pallets. The pallets are then secured with plastic strapping or stretch film. Palletization allows for easy loading and unloading and helps maintain the shape and condition of the foam boards during the journey.Corner Protectors and Edge Protectors
To prevent any damage to the edges and corners of the foam boards, additional protective materials such as corner protectors or edge protectors are applied. These protectors ensure that the boards remain in perfect condition even when they are stacked or loaded into containers.Stacking and Securing in the Container
When shipping via FCL, the foam boards are carefully stacked inside the container to maximize space and minimize the risk of damage. The goods are tightly secured with cargo straps to prevent movement during transport. For LCL shipments, the foam boards are loaded into the shared container and similarly secured, but with additional padding to ensure protection from other cargo.Marking and Labeling
Clear and visible labels are placed on the packaging, indicating handling instructions, the contents of the shipment, and any other necessary information such as weight, dimensions, and consignee details. This ensures smooth and accurate processing at both the origin and destination ports.
Ocean Freight Process and Transit Time
The ocean freight process typically takes 23 days for the journey from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Minneapolis, MN. During this time, the goods will be loaded onto container ships, passing through international shipping lanes and stopping at various transshipment ports if necessary. Once the goods reach the destination port, the shipping company will notify the consignee to arrange for the collection or delivery of the goods.
Key Steps in the Freight Process:
Cargo Consolidation (for LCL)
If you’re shipping LCL, your cargo will be consolidated with other shipments in a container at the origin port.Ocean Transit
The container will then be transported by sea, passing through major transshipment ports. The estimated transit time from Guangzhou or Shenzhen to Minneapolis, MN is about 23 days.Arrival at the Destination Port
Upon arrival at the port in Minneapolis, MN, the goods will be unloaded from the ship and processed for customs clearance.Customs Clearance and Delivery
After clearing customs, the cargo can either be picked up directly at the port or delivered to the final destination via inland transport (trucking, rail).
