Guide to Sea LCL Consolidated Shipping: A Cost – Effective Method for Transporting Goods from Taobao and Alibaba Abroad
For situations where the volume of goods is large and there is no strict requirement for transportation time, sea LCL (Less than Container Load) consolidated shipping is an excellent choice to reduce transportation costs. In terms of the process, first complete your purchases on Taobao and Alibaba, and then send the goods to the domestic warehouse of a professional sea LCL consolidation company. After receiving the goods, the consolidation company will conduct an inventory and inspection. If any abnormalities are found, they will promptly communicate with the customer. Subsequently, the consolidation company will assemble the goods of different customers into one container and prepare documents such as packing lists. After the goods are loaded onto the ship, they will provide the bill of lading and transportation tracking information. Upon arrival at the port of destination, the recipient needs to handle customs clearance procedures with the bill of lading and other documents, pay customs duties and related fees, and then can pick up the goods.
When using sea LCL consolidated shipping, several points should be noted. First, the transportation cycle is relatively long, usually taking 20 – 45 days or even longer. Plan your purchasing time in advance. Second, sea LCL has high requirements for the packaging of goods. Ensure that the goods are packed firmly to prevent damage during transportation. Third, the customs clearance policies and tariff rates vary from country to country. Understanding and preparing relevant documents in advance, such as invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin, will help with smooth customs clearance. Fourth, some sea LCL companies have restrictions on the weight and size of individual goods. Confirm with the consolidation company before purchasing large items.