Small Cargoes Delivery from China
International freight is a complex logistic procedure consisting of numerous processes such as documents execution, packing, loading, etc. Its complexity 
does not depend on the volume, and sometimes it is easier to ship several large containers with a general cargo than a small package.
Small cargoes are mostly delivered from China as part of consolidated shipments. This logistic scheme is very interesting and beneficial for all its participants. It is not unusual that the consignment is insufficient for the whole container, and waiting and accumulating cargoes is unprofitable. In this case shipping goods as a consolidated cargo steps in. The point is that small cargoes from different consignors are placed in the same container. They are packaged and labelled, and declarations are filed for each cargo. Then the container is delivered to the warehouse for unloading, and the goods are given to their recipients after the prescribed customs procedures. This mode of transportation is the most suitable for prototypes, as well as small and trial batches, especially in case of ocean freight.
Features
Consolidated shipments have special features:
- Forming a shipment in a consolidation warehouse is time-consuming;
- There are customs clearance specifics for consolidated cargoes;
- Delivery time and cargoes composition should be taken into account;
- Consolidated shipments are unsuitable for dangerous cargoes transportation.
Means of transport used for small cargoes delivery from China
Small cargoes can be delivered from China by any means of transport – air, maritime, land, mixed.
Sea freight is the cheapest and the most time-consuming mode of transportation that is often used in multimodal schemes.
In some cases, rail transportation allows to use one mode of transport given an extensive railway network in China and Russia. It’s a fair option in terms of speed and price.
Small cargoes delivery from China by motor transport is in low demand due to poor road conditions in the Russian Federation. It is used only in cross border trade (up to 600 km inland) or in transit carriage through Kazakhstan. It stands out for route flexibility, and high risk of highway accidents and robberies.
Small cargoes delivery from China by air is a fast and secure, but also the most expensive mode of transportation. Its choice is justified for transportation of very valuable, urgent, and vital goods or to gain a competitive advantage in the market.