Case 1: Mechanical & Electrical Equipment (Shenzhen → Bangkok)
Cargo Info: Small generator set, wooden crates, total weight 8,500kg, total volume 18CBM, trade term CIF Bangkok.
Option 1: LCL
| Cost Item |
|---|
| LCL Ocean Freight |
| Port LCL Charge |
| Wooden Crate Fumigation Fee |
| Customs Clearance Fee |
Option 2: FCL (20GP)
| Cost Item |
|---|
| 20GP Ocean Freight (Shenzhen→Bangkok) |
| Trucking Fee (Factory→Shenzhen) |
| THC + Docs + Customs |
Comparison Conclusion
| Option | Difference |
|---|---|
| LCL | ❌ Baseline |
| FCL 20GP | ✅ Save around 37% in costs |
Key Decision Point: 18CBM is close to half the capacity of a 20GP (20GP approx. 33CBM), so FCL unit cost is significantly lower. When volume >12-15CBM, always consider calculating the FCL option first.
Case 2: Household Items (Ningbo → Hamburg)
Cargo Info: Plastic household storage items (light cargo), cartons + pallets, total weight 3,200kg, total volume 22CBM.
Original Option (LCL)
Optimized Option (Volume Reduction)
By optimizing pallet arrangement (switching from random packing to optimal pallet configuration), volume reduced from 22CBM to 18CBM:Savings: about 18%
Packaging Optimization Tips
1. Vacuum Compression: For fluffy textiles and plush toys, vacuum compression can reduce volume by 30%-50%
2. Standardized Cartons: Unify carton sizes to improve pallet utilization
3. Remove Unnecessary Inner Boxes: Streamline packaging while ensuring safety
Case 3: Chemical Raw Materials (Shanghai → Hamburg)
Cargo Info: Non-hazardous chemical resin raw materials, bulk bags on pallets, 21,000kg, 26CBM.
| Option | Assessment |
|---|---|
| ✅ 20GP | Best Choice |
| ❌ 40GP | Pay extra, wasted space |
Key Decision Point: Heavy cargo (large weight but small volume) suits 20GP; no need to choose 40GP for "extra space".
Core Principles for Saving Freight Costs
| Principle | Savings Potential | Applicable Cargo |
|---|---|---|
| Compare FCL if volume >15CBM | 20%-40% | All cargo |
| Optimize packaging to reduce volume | 10%-30% | Light cargo |
| Heavy cargo: choose 20GP over 40GP | 15%-25% | Heavy cargo |
| Avoid peak season (Aug-Oct) | 20%-50% | All cargo |
| Get multiple quotes and compare | 10%-20% | All cargo |
| Consolidate volume for long-term contracts | 10%-30% | Large volume enterprises |
Get a Free Freight Analysis: 13075678958 | info@zhbfwl.com
Related Logistics Services
Bofeng Logistics offers the following related services, feel free to inquire:
