The Minimum Weight Requirement for Small Sea Freight Parcels: Key Points of Logistics Cost Control
In the composition of sea freight logistics costs, the minimum weight requirement for small parcels is a crucial control point. Mastering this key point is of great significance for effectively controlling logistics costs and improving corporate economic benefits.
From the perspective of the billing mechanism, shipping companies formulate freight standards based on the minimum weight requirement. When the actual weight of small parcels is lower than the minimum weight, the charge is based on the minimum weight; when it is higher, the charge is calculated according to the actual weight. Take a Southeast Asian route as an example, where a shipping company sets the minimum weight requirement at 50 kilograms. If a shipper consigns goods weighing only 30 kilograms, they still need to pay the freight for 50 kilograms. This requires enterprises to accurately calculate the weight of goods when planning transportation to avoid cost waste caused by insufficient weight.
Freight forwarders play an important role in cost control. Professional freight forwarders, with their rich industry experience and resource – integration capabilities, can help shippers optimize consolidation plans. By reasonably combining small parcels from different customers to meet the minimum weight requirement, the freight cost can be shared. For example, a freight forwarder merged small parcels from three customers for combined transportation, not only meeting the minimum weight requirement but also saving about 30% of the freight cost for the customers. Moreover, freight forwarders can assist shippers in choosing more cost – effective routes and sailing schedules to further reduce costs.
Enterprises themselves can also take various measures to control costs. In the goods packaging process, use lightweight and high – strength packaging materials, which can not only protect the goods but also reduce the packaging weight. At the same time, optimize product combinations by matching light – weight products with heavier ones for sales, increasing the weight of individual parcels. In addition, establish stable supply chain partnerships and plan goods transportation in advance to avoid paying high freight costs due to ad – hoc shipping. The minimum weight requirement for small sea freight parcels is a core element in logistics cost control. Enterprises and freight forwarders need to collaborate and start from multiple links to achieve effective cost control.