For Philippine businesses sourcing goods from Japan, the high cost of freight is often a major concern. Many importers simply don’t have enough cargo to fill an entire 20-foot or 40-foot container. Therefore, LCL shipping from Japan is the ideal solution. LCL, or Less than Container Load, allows you to share space in a container with other importers. This makes buying inventory on a budget possible.
Understanding LCL Shipping from Japan
LCL shipping is essentially a group shipment. You pay only for the volume your cargo occupies inside the container. This is calculated by cubic meter. This makes it far more cost-effective for small to medium-sized importers.
Cost Savings: Sharing the container significantly reduces the overall freight cost. Consequently, you reduce the cost per unit of your products.
Flexibility: LCL is perfect for trial orders, replenishing small stock, or importing seasonal goods.
Simplifying the LCL Process
While LCL is cost-effective, it requires meticulous planning. Cargo from multiple shippers must be loaded and unloaded efficiently.
Consolidation: Your goods are delivered to a central warehouse in Japan. Then, logistics providers consolidate them with other cargo destined for the Philippines.
Customs: The shared nature of the container makes the customs process more complex. Accurate, complete documentation is crucial to prevent delays for the entire shipment.
