Process, Precautions and Suggestions for Shipping Oversized Furniture from China to Canada​

Process, Precautions and Suggestions for Shipping Oversized Furniture from China to Canada​

I. Selection of Transportation Modes​

(I) Sea Freight​

1. Full Container Load (FCL)​

• Suitable Situations: When there is a large quantity and volume of oversized furniture that can fully occupy a container, full – container transportation is more appropriate. For example, when shipping a complete set of large solid wood living room furniture (sofas, coffee tables, TV cabinets, etc.) with large dimensions and occupying much space, choosing FCL can better protect the goods.​

• Operation Details: It is necessary to determine the appropriate container size. The internal volume of a common 20 – foot container is approximately 5.69m X 2.13m X 2.18m, and 40 – foot containers (including 40GP and 40HQ) are larger. Containers should be booked in advance to ensure availability at the planned transportation time.​

• Transportation Time: From major ports in China to major ports in Canada, for example, from Shanghai to Vancouver, it usually takes 30 – 40 days; for ports like Toronto and Montreal, which may involve transshipment, the transportation time is approximately 40 – 50 days.​

2. Breakbulk Shipping​

• Suitable Situations: For furniture with extremely special shapes, oversized dimensions, and that cannot be disassembled and are difficult to fit into standard containers, such as large – scale special – shaped sculptural furniture and extra – large customized wooden cabinets, breakbulk shipping is a choice.​

• Operation Details: The goods need to be loaded, unloaded, and fixed separately. At the port of loading, professional hoisting equipment should be used to load the furniture onto a specific position on the ship. During transportation, the furniture is secured by special lashing and bracing methods to prevent displacement and damage during the voyage. At the port of destination, professional equipment is also required for unloading.​

• Transportation Time: Usually longer, as it needs to be arranged according to the ship schedule and loading/unloading requirements. Generally, the transportation time from China to Canadian ports is about 40 – 60 days, subject to factors such as port congestion and ship schedule.​

(II) Air Freight (Considered in Special Urgent Situations)​

1. Suitable Situations: When there is an extremely urgent time requirement for oversized furniture, such as furniture for an important exhibition about to be held in Canada, or urgently needed special – customized furniture.​

2. Operation Details: First, contact airlines with the ability to transport oversized goods and determine whether the aircraft’s cargo size and weight limits can meet the furniture transportation requirements. Airlines will customize special cargo loading plans according to the furniture size, which may involve special pallets, fixing devices, etc. At the same time, ensure that the airport has the corresponding loading/unloading equipment and operating space.​

3. Transportation Time: Significantly shorter than sea freight, generally 1 – 3 days from major airports in China to major airports in Canada. However, the subsequent customs clearance and pick – up processes at the airport need to be added. Overall, it may take 3 – 5 days from the start of transportation to receipt of the goods.​

II. Pre – shipment Preparations​

(I) Packaging​

1. Material Selection​

• For oversized wooden furniture with easily scratched surfaces, first wrap it completely with bubble wrap, then cover it with thick cardboard, and finally fix it with a wooden frame. It is recommended to use wooden boards with a thickness of not less than 1.5 cm for the wooden frame to ensure sufficient strength.​

• For oversized glass furniture (such as large glass dining tables), first wrap it with thick sponge pads, then wind it with multiple layers of bubble wrap, and customize a wooden box outside. Fill the gaps inside the wooden box with foam boards to prevent the glass from shaking.​

• For oversized upholstered furniture (such as large fabric sofas), first put on a plastic dust cover, then wrap it with a blanket, and finally tightly wrap it with shrink film to avoid stains and deformation during transportation.​

2. Packaging Techniques​

• All corner parts should be strengthened with key protection, and L – shaped corner protectors can be used for reinforcement.​

• For movable parts of furniture (such as cabinet doors and drawers), fix them with tape to prevent shaking and collision during transportation. Soft materials can also be padded at the contact points between the movable parts and the main body.​

• If the furniture consists of multiple parts, mark the installation positions and sequences of each part to facilitate assembly after receipt in Canada.​

(II) Document Preparation​

1. Commercial Invoice: List in detail the information of the oversized furniture, including the name, model, material, quantity, unit price, and total price of each piece of furniture. The invoice must be issued and stamped by the seller.​

2. Packing List: Indicate the size, weight, and detailed list of furniture in each package, corresponding accurately to the information on the commercial invoice, and clearly showing the packaging situation of the oversized furniture.​

3. Transportation Contract: A contract signed with the transportation company clarifying the rights and obligations of both parties, including key terms such as transportation mode, transportation time, costs, and insurance liability.​

4. Other Possibly Required Documents: Such as the certificate of origin of the furniture (if applicable for preferential tariff policies, etc.), and quality inspection reports (required for some furniture made of special materials). If transporting self – used oversized furniture in an individual’s name, copies of personal identification documents, visas, and other relevant materials also need to be prepared.​

III. Transportation Process​

(I) Delivery of Goods to the Transportation Company​

1. Domestic Transportation to the Port of Loading: If sea freight is chosen, contact domestic logistics companies to transport the oversized furniture to the corresponding port of loading (such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, etc.). During transportation, ensure that the logistics company has experience and equipment for transporting oversized goods, such as flatbed trailers and professional hoisting equipment.​

2. Delivery to the Transportation Company’s Warehouse: Deliver the furniture to the designated warehouse of the transportation company. Warehouse staff will check the integrity of the furniture packaging, quantity, etc., and verify it with the provided document information. If any problems with the packaging are found, reinforce or rectify it in a timely manner.​

(II) Export Customs Clearance (Taking Sea Freight as an Example)​

1. Submission of Customs Declaration Documents: The transportation company or customs broker will submit the prepared commercial invoice, packing list, transportation contract, and other customs declaration documents to the Chinese customs.​

2. Customs Inspection: The customs may inspect the goods to check whether the goods are consistent with the declared information and whether the packaging meets the requirements. If inspected, cooperate with the customs work and provide relevant explanations and assistance.​

3. Customs Clearance Release: After the customs review is passed, customs clearance release will be granted, and the goods can be shipped.​

(III) Sea Transportation (Under the Sea Freight Scenario)​

1. Loading onto the Ship: According to the ship schedule, load the oversized furniture onto the corresponding ship. For FCL, the container will be lifted and placed in a fixed position on the ship; for breakbulk shipping, the furniture will be specially lashed and fixed in a suitable position in the cargo hold by professionals.​

2. Transportation Tracking: The transportation company will provide a cargo tracking service. You can query the cargo transportation status in real – time through the system or platform provided by them, including the ship’s location, estimated arrival time, and other information.​

(IV) Operations after Arrival at Canadian Ports​

1. Import Customs Clearance​

• Submission of Customs Clearance Documents: The transportation company or its agent in Canada will submit commercial invoices, packing lists, transportation documents, and other documents to the Canadian customs. At the same time, detailed descriptions of the furniture, material instructions, etc. may be required to determine the tariff rate.​

• Customs Inspection and Taxation: The Canadian customs may inspect the goods to check whether they meet the Canadian import standards and whether there are prohibited items. According to the furniture category, a certain proportion of tariffs (usually 0 – 5%) and a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be levied.​

• Customs Clearance Release: After the customs clearance procedures are completed and the taxes are paid, the customs will grant release.​

2. Pick – up and Delivery​

• Full Container Load: If the door – to – door service is selected, the transportation company will arrange to transport the container directly to the designated delivery address; if self – pick – up is selected, the consignee needs to go to the designated warehouse to pick up the container.​

• Breakbulk Shipping: After the goods are unloaded from the ship, the transportation company will transport the oversized furniture to the warehouse, and then arrange door – to – door delivery or allow the consignee to pick up the goods from the warehouse according to the agreement with the consignee.​

IV. Precautions and Suggestions​

(I) Precautions​

1. Packaging Firmness: During transportation, oversized furniture may go through multiple loading/unloading operations and long – distance transportation bumps. Insecure packaging is extremely likely to cause damage to the furniture. Ensure that the packaging materials are of high quality and the packaging method is scientific and reasonable. Carefully check for any weak points in the packaging before shipment.​

2. Document Accuracy: For both export and import customs clearance documents, any errors or omissions may lead to cargo delays, customs fines, or even failure to clear customs. When preparing the documents, carefully check each piece of information to ensure accuracy.​

3. Transportation Insurance: Oversized furniture is usually of high value, and there are risks of damage and loss during transportation. It is recommended to purchase adequate transportation insurance. When signing the contract with the transportation company, clarify the insurance liability and compensation scope.​

4. Changes in Customs Regulations: The customs regulations of China and Canada may change over time, especially regarding the requirements for furniture materials, environmental protection standards, etc. Before transportation, keep abreast of the latest customs policies to avoid transportation obstacles due to policy changes.​

5. Port Operation Restrictions: Different ports have different regulations and restrictions on the loading/unloading and warehousing operations of oversized goods. Communicate with the transportation company in advance to understand the specific operation requirements of the port of destination to ensure that the furniture can be smoothly loaded/unloaded and transferred at the port.​

(II) Suggestions​

1. Choose a Professional Transportation Company: A professional transportation company with experience in transporting oversized goods has more complete transportation solutions, professional equipment, and skilled operators. They can better handle various problems that may occur during transportation, improving transportation safety and efficiency. When choosing, check the company’s qualifications, customer reviews, etc.​

2. Plan the Transportation Time in Advance: Considering various uncertainties in the transportation process, such as customs inspection time and ship schedule delays, it is recommended to plan the transportation time in advance and reserve sufficient buffer time to avoid affecting use due to transportation delays. Especially for furniture transportation with time – sensitive requirements (such as for business openings), make reasonable arrangements.​

3. Maintain Communication with the Transportation Company: Maintain close communication with the transportation company throughout the transportation process to keep informed of the cargo transportation status. If problems occur, promptly negotiate solutions. At the same time, actively cooperate with the requirements and suggestions of the transportation company to ensure the smooth progress of transportation.​

4. Mark the Goods Properly: In addition to the regular shipping mark information, use eye – catching colors to mark the center of gravity position, fragile parts, etc. on the outer packaging of the oversized furniture, which is convenient for transportation personnel to pay attention to protection during loading, unloading, and handling.