LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping, as an important mode of international cargo transport, can meet the transportation needs of various industries for different goods. To ensure that sea freight can be shipped via LCL, booking a space is the first step. Below, we introduce how to book a space for international LCL shipping.
The general process for booking international LCL shipping is roughly as follows:
- Confirm the shipping route and contact us
- Contact us to consult based on specific needs, whether it is door-to-door with both customs clearance or door-to-port service.
- Provide cargo information
- Provide us with detailed cargo information, including the cargo's name, quantity, weight, size/volume, place of origin, destination, and expected shipping date. If the cargo is special (e.g., dangerous goods, refrigerated cargo, etc.) relevant special cargo declaration documents must also be provided.
- Confirm the quotation
- We calculate the LCL freight rate based on the provided cargo information. After the customer confirms acceptance of the quotation, they entrust the logistics company to book the space.
- Prepare the cargo and provide documents
- Prepare the cargo in advance, provide the Booking Note, and supply the required documents, including contract, commercial invoice, packing list, declaration elements, and consignor/consignee and address information.
- Book space and load cargo
- We book the space according to the customer's requirements and the cargo information needed for LCL shipping, and issue a warehouse receipt. After the customer prepares the cargo, they can entrust us to pick up and deliver the cargo to the warehouse, or arrange their own vehicle to deliver it to our designated warehouse for international LCL consolidation.
- Follow-up procedures
- Customs declaration and documentation: Complete the export customs declaration procedures and prepare the Bill of Lading and other necessary documents.
- Fee settlement: Pay the freight according to the agreed payment method.
- Tracking and delivery: After the cargo is shipped, track the cargo status until customs clearance at the destination port and cargo pickup.
The above is the basic process for booking international LCL shipping. When booking, it is crucial to ensure information about the consignor, consignee, and notify party is filled in correctly to guarantee that the cargo arrives at the destination port and the consignee can be notified smoothly for customs clearance and pickup.
Notes for LCL Shipping Space Booking
1. Cargo Warehouse Requirements: Cargo must be delivered to the designated warehouse 2-3 days before the closing date. When entering the warehouse, the entry number and Bill of Lading number must be noted on the waybill.
2. Packaging Requirements: LCL cargo undergoes multiple handling operations, so packaging needs to be more robust than FCL shipments. It is recommended to use sturdy cartons or wooden crates, padded with cushioning material inside.
3. Marks and Labels (Shipping Marks): Each item must be affixed with a clear mark (shipping label), indicating the consignee, destination port, piece number, and other information, to avoid confusion during unloading.
4. Closing Date: The LCL closing date is usually 2-3 days earlier than FCL. Arrangements for customs declaration and warehouse entry time need to be made well in advance.
Bofeng Logistics specializes in providing one-stop logistics services including domestic container shipping, international shipping (FCL/LCL), Hong Kong and Macau logistics routes, as well as trucking, customs declaration, and warehousing. Contact phone: 130-7567-8958 (Manager Huang), call now to get an exclusive quote!
