Most first orders are too small for a full container, so they travel as LCL cargo. Understanding the consolidation flow helps you avoid storage charges and measurement surprises.
Collection
Goods from several suppliers are delivered to a warehouse in Yiwu. Each delivery is checked against the packing list, photographed and labelled with the buyer's reference before it enters the consolidation area.
Measurement and booking
LCL freight is charged by volume or weight, whichever is greater. Cartons are measured as a stack, not individually, so packing method affects the final number. Reducing empty space inside cartons often lowers the cost more than negotiating the rate.
Documentation
The consolidator issues a warehouse receipt, then a bill of lading after the container is loaded. Check that the shipper, consignee, marks and piece count match your instructions before the container sails.
Common cost traps
- Late arrivals that trigger warehouse storage fees - Cartons that are not marked, forcing re-labelling - Mixed SKUs packed without a clear packing list - Cargo that arrives after the container has been sealed
Timing
Allow a few extra days between the factory delivery date and the sailing date. A missed consolidation cut-off usually means waiting for the next vessel, which costs more than the storage it was meant to save.
