LCL / FROM CHINA
Less than a container. Plan the whole journey.
A few cartons, several pallets or cargo from several suppliers? Start with final packing and the delivery address, then compare freight, warehouse handling and destination delivery together.
Request an LCL quote ↗CARTONS → CFS → DESTINATION
The full journey. Not just the ocean rate.
- 01Cargo: final count, dimensions and gross weight
- 02Receiving: warehouse, shop or collection
- 03Responsibility: charges, handling and delivery scope
01 / BEFORE BOOKING
Check the cargo. Then choose the plan.
Can the packages be stacked?
Provide dimensions, gross weight and packing photos. Declare fragile, oversized, heavy or non-stackable cargo; confirm acceptance for batteries or liquids first.
Will cargo meet the receiving cutoff?
Confirm warehouse address, reference, appointment and receiving cutoff. Track readiness and warehouse arrival separately; recheck sailing and storage if the cutoff is missed.
Who collects at destination?
Confirm deconsolidation warehouse, release conditions, collection appointment and unloading equipment. Define port, warehouse or door scope in writing.
Where can consolidation save costs?
Request both options for the same cargo and delivery address. Compare these three items rather than a single ocean rate.
- Minimum charges per shipment
- Separate: check origin and destination minimums for each shipment. Consolidated: check receiving, consolidation and extra handling charges.
- Waiting and storage
- Confirm whether free storage starts at each receipt or after all cargo arrives. Schedule supplier deliveries and compare storage and timing for waiting versus splitting.
- Final billable cargo
- Pre-pallet volume is not a substitute for finished dimensions. Review packing charges, final counts, weights and dimensions, plus destination deconsolidation and collection charges.
Several suppliers. Three decisions before dispatch.
One supplier is late. Wait or split the shipment?
List each supplier’s expected arrival date, then compare the cost and timing of waiting versus separate shipments. Confirm when storage charges start, whether a free period applies and who approves a split before booking.
Will palletizing change the quoted volume?
Provide carton dimensions, weight and stacking limits. If palletizing or repacking is needed, agree handling charges separately and recheck the freight quote using the finished package dimensions and gross weight.
How do we agree what goes in this shipment?
Reconcile carton marks, counts and packing by supplier, with missing cargo or pending checks listed separately. Approve the shipment list before dispatch and specify any photo, pallet-list or nominated-forwarder requirements in advance.
Before a door quote, check the receiving setup.
No forklift at the receiving address?
Tell us whether delivery is to a warehouse, shop, residence or jobsite, with dock access, equipment and vehicle restrictions. Confirm liftgate needs, unloading labour, appointments and waiting time; door delivery does not by itself define indoor placement.
What should I check before collecting cargo?
Confirm the collection address, release notice, appointment requirements and charges. Check final dimensions, weight, vehicle capacity and loading arrangements, including your own vehicle, labour and time in the comparison.
LCL / FIELD RECORDS
Different packages. How do they load together?
LCL / PACKAGING DETAILS
Shared container. Different packing details.
From crates and pallets to bags: show the cargo clearly before discussing the loading plan.
View full image ↗Crates and pallets in one load
Palletized cargo sits above wooden crates. Include packaging construction and permitted stacking conditions with dimensions and weight.
View full image ↗Bags and cartons: look between the layers
Bags and cartons occupy different layers, with padding visible between them. Check actual weights and packaging strength before deciding what can go above.
INCORRECT EXAMPLES / ISSUES TO CATCH
It fits. That does not make it a good load.
These two photos show incorrect examples. Look beyond quantity: check carton deformation, offset stacks and gaps between packages.
View full image ↗Uneven mixed stacks and deformed cartons
Look at carton corners, compressed areas and gaps between bags and boxes. When deformation is found, inspect the packing and cargo before deciding on repacking, rearrangement or additional support.
View full image ↗Leaning, offset cartons with visible deformation
Layers are offset and some cartons are visibly bent. Space remaining is not enough reason to add cargo; first check carton weights, stacking limits and packaging condition.
Still coordinating supplier orders?
Supplier dates, order quantities and exceptions belong to sourcing preparation. Explore our consolidation and export handoff service for that support.
Explore sourcing-side consolidation →Bring the cargo details. Compare on equal terms.
Send product and use, packing photos, count, dimensions, gross weight, China pickup address, ready date, destination and port or door scope. Confirm inclusions for origin, ocean, destination handling, taxes and delivery.
Request an LCL plan ↗