Before manufacturing, it is important to research shipping options to find the most suitable and cost-effective way to
ship your goods from the factory to their next destination.
Most international shipping is now based on shipping containers. Shipping containers have greatly increased the ease
and efficiency in which goods are handled. They have also substantially reduced shipping costs and have revolutionized
shipping and international trade.
Twenty or forty-foot containers are used for most shipments. Whenever possible, the quantity of goods ordered should
be adjusted to best utilize container space.
A full container load (FCL) is the most cost-effective way to ship goods. In most cases, there is a significant drop
in unit shipping costs when goods are shipped by the container load. For some shipments, such as fragile products that
require special packing or other special care, FCL may be the only shipping option available.
Various circumstances prevent clients from ordering and shipping by FCL. For these shipments, the transportation costs
are based on less than full container load (LCL). While LCL is more expensive than FCL, it is nonetheless more cost
effective than other shipping methods. LCL shipments are first sent to a container freight station (CFS) where they are
combined with other shipments to make a full container. After the shipment reaches its country of destination, the goods
are separated at another CFS.
Different types of cargos require diverse types of containers. For example, perishable goods are shipped in thermal
containers (also known as reefers), tank containers are used for liquids and gasses, dry bulk containers are needed for
free-flowing solids such as grain. However, the most common type of container is the general purpose or dry cargo
container used for most shipments.
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