Table of Contents
Shipping Terms Explained
When purchasing wire mesh containers from China, understanding Incoterms shipping terms is essential for accurate cost calculation:
- EXW (Ex Works): Buyer picks up goods from the factory. Lowest price but buyer handles all logistics, export clearance, and risk.
- FOB (Free On Board): Seller delivers goods to the port and handles export clearance. Buyer handles ocean freight and import. Most common term.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Seller pays ocean freight and insurance to the destination port. Buyer handles import clearance and local delivery.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Seller handles everything including import duties and delivery to your door. Most convenient but most expensive.
Recommendation: FOB is the most transparent and cost-effective term for experienced importers. CIF or DDP is recommended for first-time buyers who prefer a hassle-free experience.
Container Loading Quantities
Wire mesh containers are shipped flat-packed (folded) inside standard shipping containers. Loading quantities vary by model:
| Model | 20ft Container | 40ft Container | 40ft HQ Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| FM-HD001 (1030x840mm) | 220 sets | 450 sets | 500 sets |
| FM-HD005 (1230x1040mm) | 120 sets | 260 sets | 350 sets |
| FM-HD010 (1200x1000mm) | 100 sets | 190 sets | 216 sets |
| FM-EU010 (1183x948mm) | 130 sets | 220 sets | 253 sets |
| FM-PC28 (1200x1010mm) | 70 sets | 140 sets | 170 sets |
| FM-ST01 (1125x1125mm) | 90 sets | 170 sets | 200 sets |
| FM-RC01 (720x810mm) | 150 sets | 310 sets | 360 sets |
| FM-RC02 (732x845mm) | 130 sets | 270 sets | 320 sets |
Quantities above are approximate and depend on whether accessories (lids, dividers, PP liners) are included. Mixed-model loads may reduce total quantity slightly.
Lead Times
Typical lead times from order confirmation to delivery:
- Production: 15-25 days (standard models); 30-45 days (custom models or new tooling)
- Port loading: 3-5 days after production completion
- Ocean freight: 20-35 days (depends on destination port)
- Total FOB timeline: 20-30 days to port
- Total CIF timeline: 40-65 days to destination port
Required Documentation
Standard documentation provided by Unifcon:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List (with dimensions, weight, quantity per model)
- Bill of Lading (or Sea Waybill for CIF/DDP)
- Certificate of Origin (Form A or CO for preferential duty rates)
- Quality Inspection Report (material certificates, load test results)
Cost Optimization Tips
- Order full container loads: LCL (less-than-container) shipping adds 30-50% per-unit cost. If your order is below FCL quantity, consider combining multiple models or planning future requirements.
- Consolidate with other imports: If you regularly import from China, ask your freight forwarder about consolidation options.
- Plan ahead: Allow 8-10 weeks from order to delivery for standard orders. Rush orders incur air freight surcharges.
- Consider 40ft HQ containers: 40ft HQ typically costs only 20-30% more than 20ft but carries 2-2.5x the volume, offering significantly lower per-unit freight cost.
- Use FOB terms: Gives you control over freight forwarder selection and often results in lower total cost compared to CIF.
Request a quotation from Unifcon with FOB, CIF, and DDP pricing for your destination port.