Transportation Mode: LCL (Less than Container Load) Sea Freight 🌊
Origin: Changsha, China 📍
Destination: Tehran, Iran 🌍
Cargo Details:
- Quantity: 6 pieces
- Weight: 5730 kg
- Volume: 2.08 CBM
Products and HS Codes: - Stainless Steel Round Bars (HS Code: 7222110000)
- Stainless Steel Forged Products (HS Code: 7326191000)
- Stainless Steel Welded Pipes (HS Code: 7306400000)
Project Background and Objectives 📝
This case study focuses on the seamless transportation of stainless steel products, including round bars, forged products, and welded pipes, from Changsha, China, to Tehran, Iran. With industrial applications across multiple sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and energy, stainless steel is a vital material. Ensuring its safe and cost-effective transportation is critical for business operations.
Due to the relatively small shipment size of 6 pieces totaling 5730 kg and 2.08 CBM, LCL sea freight was the optimal choice. This method allowed the client to save on shipping costs by sharing container space with other shipments, while ensuring efficient and secure delivery.
The project’s primary objectives included:
- Ensuring compliance with export regulations and accurate classification under three HS codes.
- Safeguarding the stainless steel products through secure and robust packaging.
- Providing regular updates to the client throughout the transportation process.
- Delivering the shipment on time and in pristine condition to the client’s facility in Tehran.
Product Overview and HS Code Details 🏗️
The shipment consisted of three distinct stainless steel product categories, each serving specific industrial needs:
Stainless Steel Round Bars (HS Code: 7222110000)
- Used in construction, automotive, and machinery applications.
- Requires precise handling to prevent surface damage that could affect structural integrity.
Stainless Steel Forged Products (HS Code: 7326191000)
- Commonly used in industrial piping systems, valves, and pressure vessels.
- Heavy-duty and durable, these products demand careful packing to avoid scratches or deformations.
Stainless Steel Welded Pipes (HS Code: 7306400000)
- Essential for fluid and gas transportation in industries like oil and gas, power plants, and water treatment.
- Vulnerable to dents and corrosion, requiring moisture-proof packaging during transit.
Step-by-Step Logistics Process 📦➡️🌍
1. Initial Assessment and Planning
Our first step was to understand the client’s requirements and cargo details. We assessed the dimensions, weight, and nature of the stainless steel products to determine the most suitable shipping solution. Given the small shipment size, LCL sea freight was chosen for its cost-efficiency and flexibility.
2. Packaging and Consolidation
The stainless steel products were packaged with precision to ensure safety during transit:
- Round Bars: Wrapped in protective sheets and bundled securely to prevent movement and abrasions.
- Forged Products: Individually packed in reinforced boxes to safeguard against shocks and impacts.
- Welded Pipes: Sealed in moisture-resistant packaging and padded to protect against external pressure.
The cargo was then consolidated into a single shipment, clearly labeled with product descriptions, weights, and HS codes for smooth handling and customs clearance.
3. Export Documentation and Compliance 📑🛃
Compliance with export regulations is critical for smooth customs clearance. For this shipment, we prepared the following documents:
- Commercial Invoice: Detailed the product descriptions, quantities, HS codes, and values.
- Packing List: Provided an itemized breakdown of the cargo for inspection purposes.
- Certificate of Origin: Verified that the products were manufactured in China, meeting Iranian import requirements.
- Bill of Lading: Documented the shipment details for transport and ownership verification.
Our team ensured accurate classification under the HS codes to avoid delays or disputes at customs checkpoints.
4. Sea Freight Transportation 🚢
LCL Shipping Benefits:
LCL shipping allowed the client to share container space, reducing costs significantly compared to booking a full container. The shipment departed from the Port of Shanghai, consolidated with other LCL cargo bound for Tehran.
Key Advantages of LCL for this Shipment:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Clients pay only for the space their cargo occupies, optimizing expenses for smaller loads.
- Flexibility: Suitable for diverse product types and varying shipment sizes.
- Reliable Tracking: Real-time updates provided transparency and peace of mind.
The estimated transit time from Shanghai to Bandar Abbas, Iran, was approximately 30 days, followed by inland transportation to Tehran.
5. Customs Clearance in Iran 🏢📦
Upon arrival at the Port of Bandar Abbas, the shipment underwent customs inspection. Key factors for smooth clearance included:
- Accurate documentation prepared during the export phase.
- Correct HS code classification for all three product types.
- Collaboration with our local logistics partner in Iran, ensuring compliance with import regulations.
The customs clearance process was completed efficiently, enabling the shipment to proceed to its final destination.
6. Final Delivery to Tehran 🚛
After customs clearance, the cargo was loaded onto trucks for inland transportation to Tehran. The stainless steel products were delivered directly to the client’s facility, arriving on time and in perfect condition. The client was provided with a final report, including proof of delivery and cargo condition verification.
Challenges and Solutions 🚧✅
Challenge: Ensuring the safe transportation of heavy stainless steel products.
Solution: Custom packaging and careful handling minimized risks of damage.Challenge: Coordinating multiple HS codes and product types for customs compliance.
Solution: Expert documentation preparation ensured smooth clearance.Challenge: Managing the transition between sea and road transport.
Solution: Collaboration with experienced logistics partners in Iran facilitated seamless delivery.
Trade Insights: China-Iran Relations and Logistics 📊
China and Iran maintain strong trade relations, with stainless steel being a key export item. Iran’s industrial growth has increased demand for Chinese steel products, making efficient logistics essential for trade continuity.
Why Tehran is a Strategic Destination
As Iran’s capital, Tehran serves as the industrial and economic hub of the country. It is a central distribution point for imported goods, ensuring accessibility to other regions.
Conclusion ✅
This case study showcases the seamless logistics process of transporting stainless steel products from Changsha to Tehran via LCL sea freight. By carefully managing every step, from packaging and documentation to customs clearance and final delivery, we ensured a cost-effective and reliable shipping experience.
For businesses looking to optimize their international shipments, LCL sea freight provides a flexible and economical solution. Tonlexing specializes in customized logistics services, ensuring that every shipment is delivered securely and efficiently, no matter the destination.
For more information, explore our LCL sea freight services from China to Iran and discover how we can streamline your global shipping needs.
