Before arranging less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments of dangerous goods, several critical details must be verified, including the number of packages, gross weight, net weight, volume, corresponding UN CLASS, dangerous goods packaging certificate, and commodity inspection certificates. The accurate destination port is equally crucial, particularly for remote ports which require case-by-case confirmation.
LCL shipping costs are relatively straightforward, typically calculated per cubic meter or per ton. Warehouse receiving fees are generally advanced by the truck driver, though our company can also arrange payment on behalf of clients.
Dangerous goods are classified into nine categories, but not all are suitable for LCL ocean freight. The most commonly shipped LCL categories include:
- Class 3 (Flammable liquids)
- Class 4.1 (Flammable solids)
- Class 6.1 (Toxic substances)
- Class 8 (Corrosives)
- Class 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous goods)
Important compatibility restrictions apply: Class 4.1 materials cannot be shipped with Class 8 goods, and acidic/alkaline substances must never be mixed. Special attention is required for Class 4.1 shipments, which typically have lower volumes and may experience longer consolidation periods.
Once vessel schedules are confirmed, bookings can be arranged. Required documentation includes:
- English version of Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- Scanned copy of dangerous goods packaging certificate
- Shipping instructions
Shippers must provide warehouse entry notices to ensure factories deliver goods to designated warehouses at specified times. All dangerous goods LCL shipments must be transported using specialized hazardous material vehicles.
Upon receipt, warehouses will photograph and remeasure all goods to verify accuracy, forwarding the receiving photos to shippers for confirmation. Additional services such as labeling and pallet wrapping are available upon request.
Prior to documentation cutoff, shippers must prepare all necessary customs clearance documents including declaration forms, power of attorney, packing lists, and commercial invoices. Before container loading, we confirm specific client requirements with warehouses to ensure strict compliance.
After containers arrive at port, we verify ocean release, stowage, and loading information. Following vessel departure, LCL shipments receive house bills of lading, with clients choosing between original or telex release options to suit their needs.
