Logistic services

How to optimize your costs if your cargo is of high volume: The key is in Full Container Loads FCL

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For importing companies in Paraguay that handle large volumes of cargo, optimizing logistics costs is imperative to stay competitive.

One of the most effective strategies to reduce expenses and ensure the integrity of your products is to opt for the Full Container Load (FCL) service.

In this article, we will explore in detail what FCL is, what its advantages are, how it works, and how you can make the most of it for your business. Read to the end if you want to know how much you can save on your next high-volume import!

What is FCL and why is it ideal for large volumes?

FCL stands for “Full Container Load”. In this maritime transport model, a full container is reserved exclusively for a single shipper. This means that the entire capacity of the container is at your disposal, without sharing space with other loads from other shippers.

From the moment the container is loaded until it reaches your destination, you have complete control over your cargo. This allows you to track it more accurately and make informed decisions about your supply chain.

On the other hand, as the sole occupant of the container, your cargo is less exposed to damage, theft or loss during transport. In addition, the container is sealed at the origin, ensuring its integrity until it reaches its destination.

Although the initial cost of a full container may seem high, in the long term the FCL freight transport service is usually more profitable than LCL, especially for large volumes. By eliminating the need to consolidate loads with other shippers, additional costs are avoided and processes are streamlined.

In this sense, by not depending on the consolidation of loads from other shippers, you can schedule your shipments according to your specific needs, without having to adjust to the schedules of others.

In addition, FCL allows you to simplify your logistics processes and reduce transit times, which translates into greater efficiency throughout your supply chain.

How does the FCL full load service work?

Quoting and planning:

When requesting a quote from Alfa Trading, our logistics experts will work with you to determine the dimensions and type of container most suitable for your cargo.

In addition to providing the details of your merchandise (weight, volume, type of packaging), it is important that you inform us of any special requirements, such as: which country or port your merchandise comes from, whether it is a dangerous cargo or not, the type of merchandise to define the type of container and if you need securing equipment or quality control.

With this information, we can generate an accurate and personalized quote, including all costs associated with transportation, insurance and customs procedures.

Container Booking and Preparation:

Once you have confirmed the quote, we will proceed to book a container with the specified characteristics. It is important to note that container availability may vary depending on the time of year and the route.

Once the container is booked, we will provide you with all the necessary documentation for the preparation of your load. This includes distribution guides, which will tell you how to organize your goods inside the container to ensure its safety and avoid damage during transport.

Loading, Sealing and Tracking:

Our team of highly trained professionals will oversee the loading of your goods into the container. We will use specialized equipment to ensure that your cargo is properly secured and protected. Once loading is complete, the container will be sealed with a security seal to ensure its inviolability.

From this point on, our operations team will provide you with tracking information for your shipment directly to your email, allowing you to know the location of your container and the estimated arrival date.

Sea freight and arrival at the destination port:

The container will be transported by ship to the agreed port of destination. During the sea journey, our operational team will monitor your shipment and notify you of any eventualities.

Upon arrival at the destination port, our local team will contact you to coordinate customs clearance procedures and delivery of your cargo.

Customs clearance and final delivery:

In order to release your cargo at the destination port, it is necessary to comply with all customs requirements of the importing country. Our team of foreign trade experts will manage all customs procedures on your behalf, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

Once the cargo has been cleared, We will proceed with delivery to your warehouse or any other location you indicate.

These are the general steps of the FCL process. However, each shipment is unique and may require specific adjustments.

At Alfa Trading, we are committed to providing you with a personalized service tailored to your needs.

Types of Containers: Adapted to Your Needs

Choosing the right type of container is essential to ensure the safety and efficiency of your cargo transportation. Each type of container is designed to meet specific needs and optimize the space and protection of your products. Below, we present the most common types of containers in maritime transport:

Dry Container (Dry Van)

  • Characteristics: This is the most common and versatile type of container. It has steel walls and a sturdy roof, ideal for transporting a wide variety of general merchandise, from electronic products to furniture and machinery.
  • Uses:
    • General merchandise: Packaged products, boxes, pallets.
    • Non-perishable products: Clothing, footwear, plastic items.
    • Construction materials: Pipes, metal profiles, wood.

Refrigerated Container (Reefer)

  • Characteristics: Equipped with a refrigeration system that allows the interior temperature to be controlled, ideal for the transport of perishable products that require specific cold or freezing conditions.
  • Uses:
    • Food Fresh: Fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products.
    • Pharmaceutical products: Medicines that require a cold chain.
    • Temperature-sensitive chemicals.

Open Top Container

  • Characteristics: It has no fixed roof, which facilitates the loading and unloading of large or non-standard-sized merchandise.
  • Uses:
    • Heavy machinery: Construction equipment, vehicles.
    • Bulk materials: Grains, minerals.
    • Oversized load: Items that do not fit through standard doors.

Flat Container Rack

  • Features: It has no side walls or roof, which allows loading and unloading goods from any side. Ideal for heavy and bulky loads.
  • Uses:
    • Heavy machinery and industrial equipment.
    • Construction materials: Steel beams, metal coils.
    • Project load: Large equipment for specific projects.

Open Side Container

  • Characteristics: It has one or more open sides, which facilitates the lateral loading and unloading of bulky or difficult-to-handle goods.
  • Uses:
      • Long tubes and profiles.
      • Industrial machines and equipment.
      • Construction materials: Steel beams, metal coils.

    construction.

Tank Container

  • Characteristics: Designed to transport bulk liquids, such as chemicals, oils, liquid foods and gases.
  • Uses:
    • Chemical industry: Acids, bases, solvents.
    • Food industry: Juices, wines, vegetable oils.
    • Petroleum industry: Liquid fuels.

High Cube Container

  • Characteristics: It is a standard container with greater interior height, which provides a greater load volume.
  • Uses:
    • Large volume merchandise: Products packed in tall boxes, furniture.
    • Air freight: To consolidate air cargo in sea containers.

The choice of the appropriate container will depend on several factors:

  • Nature of the cargo: Size, weight, shape, dangerousness.
  • Transport conditions: Temperature, humidity, vibrations.
  • Customer requirements: Packaging, marking, documentation.

At Alfa Trading, we will advise you to select the container that best suits your needs and we will guarantee safe and efficient transport.

NUESTROS AGENTES DE CARGAS SE ENCARGARÁN DE BRINDARTE EL MEJOR SERVICIO

NUESTROS AGENTES DE CARGAS SE ENCARGARÁN DE BRINDARTE EL MEJOR SERVICIO