Cargo Details:
- 🏷️ Product Name: Bushing Shafts (Pump Shafts) and Bushings
- 🔢 HS Codes: 8483109090 (Pump Shafts) and 8413910000 (Bushings)
- 📦 Cargo Specifications: 8 pieces / 5,685 kg / 5.81 CBM
- 📅 Date: September 10th, 2024
- 🚂 Shipping Type: LCL (Less than Container Load)
Shipping Overview
In this case, the cargo consisted of Bushing Shafts and Bushings, two essential components used in various industrial applications. These items were shipped from Xi’an, China, to Tbilisi, Georgia via LCL rail transport. The client opted for LCL shipping (Less than Container Load), a popular solution when the shipment volume does not justify a full container. By consolidating multiple shipments into one container, LCL freight helps to reduce overall costs while maintaining the reliability of rail transport.
Rail freight has become an increasingly attractive option for international shipments, particularly for routes connecting China to Central Asia and Europe. Compared to traditional sea freight, rail offers significantly faster transit times, making it a popular choice for clients who need a balance between speed and cost.
Step-by-Step Shipping Process
🚚 Cargo Consolidation at Xi’an Hub:
The shipment began with the goods being delivered to Xi’an, a major logistics hub in China known for its strategic position along the China-Europe rail route. Xi’an is a focal point for consolidating cargo from various industries, particularly for LCL shipments. At this stage, the bushing shafts and bushings were packed securely to prevent damage during the long rail journey. Alongside this shipment, other goods were also prepared and consolidated into a single container to maximize space utilization.
Tonlexing’s role as a logistics provider ensured that all cargo was handled professionally, with customs documentation and clearance preparations made at this initial stage.
🚂 Rail Freight Transportation:
Once the goods were packed and consolidated, the container was loaded onto the China-Europe freight train bound for Tbilisi. This rail route passes through Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, using a highly efficient network that has developed rapidly in recent years. For shipments destined for Georgia, this route offers a perfect balance between cost savings and reduced transit time, compared to ocean shipping.
Rail freight is often preferred over air freight for cost-conscious clients who still need faster delivery than sea freight. While air freight from China to Georgia typically takes 5-7 days but at a higher cost, rail transport generally takes 18-25 days, providing a more budget-friendly yet efficient alternative.
🕒 Estimated Transit Time:
The transit time from Xi’an to Tbilisi for LCL rail transport typically ranges between 18 to 25 days. While slower than air freight, this time frame is still significantly quicker than sea freight, which could take upwards of 35-45 days, especially for shipments passing through several customs checkpoints by sea. Given the volume of 5.81 CBM and weight of 5,685 kg, rail was the ideal shipping method for this shipment, balancing both time and cost.
📝 Customs Clearance in Georgia:
Upon arrival at the final destination in Tbilisi, Georgia, the shipment underwent customs clearance. Tonlexing handled the documentation, ensuring that all HS codes for the bushing shafts (8483109090) and bushings (8413910000) were properly registered. This step is critical for smooth customs processing, as inaccurate documentation can lead to delays and extra costs.
Tonlexing’s customs experts in both China and Georgia worked together to expedite the clearance process, minimizing potential delays and ensuring that the goods were ready for local distribution upon arrival.
Key Benefits of LCL Rail Transport for this Shipment
💰 Cost-Effective:
Opting for LCL shipping allowed the client to share container space, making this a cost-effective solution compared to air freight or even FCL shipping (Full Container Load). With only 5.81 CBM of cargo, the client saved significantly by not booking a full container.
⏱️ Faster than Sea Freight:
The rail option offered faster delivery times than sea freight from China to Georgia, where shipments could take over 40 days to reach their destination. This time efficiency is ideal for businesses that cannot afford the long lead times associated with maritime shipping but do not want to pay a premium for air freight.
🌍 Environmentally Friendly:
Compared to air or road transport, rail freight has a smaller carbon footprint, making it a more environmentally sustainable choice. This is especially important for companies aiming to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining efficiency in their logistics operations.
📦 Door-to-Door Service Available:
For clients requiring a more comprehensive solution, Tonlexing also offers door-to-door services, handling the entire shipping process from the supplier’s warehouse in China to the final delivery point in Georgia. This end-to-end service includes customs clearance, cargo insurance, and local distribution.
Sea and Air Freight Alternatives
Although rail freight was the chosen method for this particular shipment, clients have the option to explore sea freight and air freight based on their needs. For larger shipments that are less time-sensitive, sea freight from China to Georgia remains a reliable and economical option, especially when shipping bulk goods or oversized cargo. However, if speed is the top priority, air freight from China to Tbilisi is available, albeit at a higher cost.
To learn more about our sea freight services or air freight solutions, visit our website at Tonlexing. Our team is ready to provide tailored shipping options based on your requirements.
Conclusion
This case highlights the versatility and reliability of LCL rail transport for shipments from China to Georgia. By leveraging the strategic advantages of the China-Europe rail network, businesses can benefit from faster transit times compared to sea freight and lower costs than air freight. Tonlexing’s expertise in handling customs clearance, cargo consolidation, and cross-border logistics ensures a seamless shipping experience from start to finish.
For more information on our rail freight solutions, or to explore sea and air freight options tailored to your needs, visit www.tonlexing.com or contact our team for a consultation.
