China is the world’s top garlic producer, known for its premium quality and taste. It supplies garlic to Middle East countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
If you are a business established in the Middle East, sourcing quality garlic is a challenge. You have to understand the top-rated suppliers and check the quality.
However, you don’t have to worry anymore. We have evaluated the shipping processes and provided you with the necessary tips to save on garlic shipping costs.
Understand Garlic logistical requirements.
First, define the products you are shipping. In this case, you are concerned about the garlic. But what type of garlic are you shipping?
Here are a few definite types of garlic based on processing and relevant factors.
- Fresh garlic
- Peeled garlic
- Frozen garlic
- Dehydrated garlic
Each type requires a different environment and logistical requirements. Here are expert tips.
- Determine temperature and humidity requirements to maintain quality during shipping.
- Assess the shelf life of each type to choose a suitable shipping speed. For example, a long shelf life means it can go with the slow sea shipping.
- Understand sensitivity to transit time and handling, as sea shipping can consume a month while air shipping takes 1-2 weeks.
Optimize Garlic Packaging
Air shipping costs depend largely on the shipping methods and product weight. Sea shipping costs depend on whether it’s LCL or FCL. If you took an FCL, optimized packaging can save you some extra bucks. Moreover, you should consider the packaging’s weight alongside the products’ weight.
For optimized packaging, our experts have listed a few tips.
- Use lightweight and durable packaging materials. It offers dual benefits. First is the decreased weight. Second is the safety of garlic during shipping and handling.
- Select breathable packaging for fresh garlic. It helps reduce moisture buildup and provides safe shipping to your doorstep.
- If you are using FCL, there is plenty of space. You should fill the whole container and maximize space utilization to lower freight cost per ton.
Select the right Garlic freight forwarder and Incoterms.
Incoterms define the responsibilities of the buyer and suppliers. It is necessary to understand the overall responsibility for shipping and customs clearance. Usually, the following types of incoterms are available.
- FOB (Free on Board).
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
- DAP/DPU
Moreover, work with a suitable freight forwarder who understands your requirements and gets you the right shipping method.
We have added a few tips to help you select the right freight forwarder.
- When choosing forwarders, consider experienced companies with expertise in China–Middle East agricultural trade. It will save you from unnecessary hassles.
- Leverage forwarder relationships and grab the competitive freight rates to save some bucks.
- Learn about terms and establish clear, transparent dealings with suppliers. Define cost responsibilities between buyers and sellers.
Choose cost-effective Garlic shipping
There are various types of shipping options suitable at different times. For example, air shipping is appropriate when you need to ship up to 100kg of garlic within 7-14 days.
However, it is the most expensive option.
Compared to it, sea shipping is more affordable. However, the shipping speed is slow, with a 20-40 day delivery time. You can ship more than 500kg of garlic through sea shipping with a safety enclosure.
Here are a few tips in such cases.
- Save costs with sea freight and use it for large-volume, cost-sensitive shipments.
- Full Container Load (FCL) is always a better option for cost savings and high efficiency when volume allows.
- Use Less Than Container Load (LCL) for smaller consignments. It offers less control and can cost more than FCL.
Maximize Customs efficiency
Customs clearance is a significant challenge in shipping from China to the Middle East. There are import and export clearances. You should comply with all the rules and get all the necessary documents to prove your ownership of the products.
We have added a few tips to get seamless clearance at the customs office.
- HS codes define the product category and tell about import charges. Use correct codes and get seamless garlic product clearance.
- Prepare complete and accurate shipping documentation before you ship products.
- Read the rules and regulations for each country. For example, ensure compliance with SFDA (Saudi Arabia) and UAE food regulations. Get the necessary documents for instant border clearance.
Leverage consolidation and bulk garlic shipping
Do you understand what exactly the consolidation is? Sometimes you use multiple suppliers for garlic. Consolidating products into a single shipment is the consolidation process.
It comes with cost benefits as you ship all your items at once. There are no recurring charges. Moreover, you don’t have to wait for multiple shipments.
Here are a few tips to optimize the bulk shipping process with consolidation.
- Combine multiple orders into a single shipment at the consolidation warehouses. Ship all orders at once.
- Use shared containers for smaller volumes. It will give you some space but also save costs.
- Contact reliable logistics and negotiate better rates. Get discounts for higher shipment volumes.
Streamline Inland Transportation
Inland Transportation is often overlooked but can significantly reduce costs. Shipping from the origin to the port, then to the warehouse; inland transportation is handled by trucking and logistics companies.
You should follow the experts’ tips to save on additional costs.
- Use a reliable trucking service through your logistical partners. Shipping from farms or factories to Chinese ports should be cheaper and more reliable.
- Use regional collection centers. Combine multiple small shipments into a single shipment for the timely arrival without any hassles.
- Handle local shipping in Saudi Arabia and the UAE yourself. Learn about local shipping partners for inland transportation.
Conclusion
Shipping garlic by air freight can be expensive. However, to take advantage of lower shipping prices, you should consider sea shipping. Optimize packaging solutions and use mesh bags for safe shipping.
Do you want to grab the high-end garlic stuff? Contact Fenduni Garlic suppliers, as we offer fresh, top-quality garlic. Our fresh garlic provides safe storage and transport. Check out quality garlic now!