How to optimize groupage transport from China?

Import from China is not just full container transport. Many small and medium-sized businesses import smaller than full container orders from the People's Republic of China. Groupage transport allows for the shipment of smaller loads without the need to rent an entire container. Optimizing this process significantly reduces costs, shortens delivery times and increases the operational efficiency of the company. We advise how to effectively optimize groupage transport from China to increase the competitiveness of your company.

Groupage transport from China can be optimized in many ways. You can consider both consolidating shipments and choosing the right carrier or freight forwarder. You must remember that effective optimization tailored to the needs and expectations of your company will translate into lower costs, shorter delivery times and greater predictability of operations.  

How to Choose the Right Carrier and Freight Forwarder

Choosing the right carrier and freight forwarder is key to optimizing groupage transport. The freight forwarder acts as the coordinator of the entire logistics process – from receiving the goods from the manufacturer in China, through cargo consolidation, to delivery to the final recipient. 

Transportation of goods from China both due to distance, cultural differences and a diverse range of means of transport, the choice of the right freight forwarder becomes crucial for optimizing groupage transport from the People's Republic of China. It is worth choosing freight forwarders who have experience in groupage transport from China. Such transport companies that specialize in this type of shipment have better resources and proven procedures, which minimizes the risk of delays and additional costs. Moreover, a good freight forwarder should offer different time options, depending on whether you prefer sea, air or rail transport. 

When choosing a freight forwarder, it is worth checking whether they have an extensive consolidation network. Such a solution allows for more efficient use of space in the container and lower costs.

Shipment consolidation - one of the elements of groupage transport optimization

Consolidation of goods is a key element of optimizing groupage transport. LCL shipping involves combining smaller loads from different shippers into one container. You need to remember that the maximum reduction in groupage transport costs is related to consolidating as many goods as possible in a transport unit – usually a container. 

You can speed up the consolidation of shipments by using delivery planning. If you regularly order goods from different suppliers, it is worth organizing their transport in such a way as to fill containers as much as possible. Planning purchases in advance will allow you to consolidate loads from different orders.

It is also worth using consolidation warehouses in China, where different shipments can be combined before shipping. This can significantly reduce transport costs. Many companies offer such services at ports in Shanghai, Ningbo or Shenzhen.

Choose the right route and means of transport

Optimizing the transport route is key to reducing delivery time and costs. Sea freight is the most popular form of groupage transport from China, but it is not the only option. You can also successfully use rail or air freight. 

Without a doubt, sea transport is the cheapest, but at the same time it is also the slowest method of transport. Delivery time can be up to 3 months in the door-to-door system. It is also worth adding that sea freight in the case of groupage transport is not always the cheapest solution. Sometimes LCL rail transport from China will be the most cost-effective. Therefore, always check the transport rates for a specific load before each order. This will allow you to save money on transporting goods from China. 

Rail transport is becoming increasingly popular for importing cargo from China. Express freight trains that travel along the New Silk Road are much faster than sea freight - delivery from China to Poland in the door-to-door system takes 22 to 28 days. For this reason, it is worth considering this option when delivery time is crucial, but you want to avoid the high costs of air transport. Moreover, rail transport in the transport of general cargo can be cheaper than transporting the same cargo by sea. Therefore, if the key parameter of the delivery is its cost, always check the current price list for the service with the forwarder. 

Air freight is the most expensive but fastest option and is ideal for high-value or urgent shipments. Delivery times are typically 3-7 days. If time is a priority, consider partial consolidation and air freight.