Logistics Instructions

A Complete Guide to Shipping Your Furniture Order from DEARLAND

Understanding logistics is essential for a smooth procurement experience. This guide provides comprehensive information about shipping methods, packaging, documentation, and best practices for receiving your DEARLAND order.

Shipping Methods

DEARLAND offers flexible shipping options to meet different order volumes, budget requirements, and delivery timelines.

Full-Container Load (FCL)

FCL is the preferred shipping method for larger orders that fill at least half of a standard container.

Container Specifications

• 20ft Container: Internal dimensions approximately 5.9m x 2.35m x 2.39m, usable capacity around 28 cubic meters, suitable for smaller to medium orders

• 40ft Container: Internal dimensions approximately 12.03m x 2.35m x 2.39m, usable capacity around 66 cubic meters, ideal for large wholesale orders

• 40ft High Cube Container: Internal dimensions approximately 12.03m x 2.35m x 2.69m, usable capacity around 76 cubic meters, best for voluminous furniture items

Advantages of FCL

• Lower per-unit shipping cost for full containers

• Reduced handling and damage risk

• Faster transit times with direct routing

• Complete control over container loading

Less-than-Container Load (LCL)

LCL is suitable for smaller orders that do not fill an entire container. Your goods are consolidated with shipments from other suppliers.

Advantages of LCL

• Cost-effective for sample orders and small quantities

• Flexible for testing new markets

• Lower upfront shipping cost

Considerations for LCL

• Higher per-unit cost compared to FCL

• Longer transit times due to consolidation

• Increased handling and potential damage risk

• More complex documentation requirements

Air Freight

For urgent orders or high-value samples, DEARLAND can arrange air freight through partner forwarders.

Advantages of Air Freight

• Fast delivery typically within 5-10 days

• Reduced packaging requirements

• Lower inventory holding costs

Considerations for Air Freight

• Significantly higher cost than sea freight

• Weight and dimension limitations

• Not cost-effective for bulky furniture items

Packaging Standards

Proper packaging is critical for protecting furniture during international transit. DEARLAND follows industry-standard packaging practices to ensure goods arrive in pristine condition.

Export Packaging for Furniture

Corner Protection
All furniture items are fitted with reinforced corner guards made from cardboard, foam, or plastic to prevent impact damage.

Edge Protection
Exposed edges and protruding parts are protected with foam padding or edge guards.

Surface Protection
Upholstered surfaces are covered with plastic sheeting to protect against moisture and dust. Leather and fabric items receive additional protective layers.

Cushioning and Bracing

• Polystyrene foam blocks and corner protectors for shock absorption

• Bubble wrap for delicate components

• Honeycomb paper for lightweight cushioning

• Wooden braces inside cartons to prevent movement

Carton Specifications

• Double-walled corrugated cartons for structural strength

• Stretch wrapping to secure multiple cartons on pallets

• Strapping bands for additional security on palletized loads

Export Packaging for Curtains

Rolled Packaging
Fabrics are carefully folded or rolled to minimize creasing and are wrapped in protective plastic sheeting.

Boxed Packaging
Custom cartons are used for curtain sets, with clear labeling of contents and product codes.

Hardware and Accessories
All rods, tracks, and mounting hardware are packed separately with complete component sets in labeled bags.

Packaging Compliance

ISPM 15 Compliance
For solid wood packaging materials such as pallets and wooden crates, DEARLAND ensures all wood is heat-treated or fumigated and marked with the ISPM 15 certification stamp. Wooden packaging that is not ISPM 15 compliant will be rejected at the destination port.

Labeling Requirements

• Product name and code

• Quantity and dimensions

• Gross weight and net weight

• Country of origin

• Handling instructions (Fragile, This Side Up, Keep Dry)

• Purchase order number and carton number

Special Packaging Considerations

• Glass or marble table tops require reinforced wooden crates with internal strapping to prevent shifting

• Extended or oversized items may need custom wooden packaging beyond standard carton dimensions

• Leather upholstery receives additional protective wrapping to prevent surface marking during container transit

• For high-humidity destination regions, extra moisture-barrier layers are applied to prevent condensation damage

• For LCL shipments, DEARLAND applies enhanced packaging with additional cushioning and protective layers to withstand the extra handling and consolidation steps involved

Shipping Documentation

DEARLAND prepares all necessary shipping documentation for international export. Ensure you have the following documents ready for customs clearance.

Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice is a legal document required for customs clearance, duty calculation, and payment settlement.

Essential Information on the Commercial Invoice

• Supplier full name, address, and contact details

• Buyer full name, address, and contact details

• Purchase order number and invoice number

• Detailed product description (not just “furniture” but “three-seat sofa, fabric upholstery, model number”)

• Harmonized System (HS) code for each product

• Quantity and unit price

• Total invoice value and currency

• Country of origin

• Incoterms and payment terms

• Port of loading and port of discharge

Accuracy Matters
Incorrect or incomplete invoices are the most common cause of customs delays. Be sure all information matches your purchase order and packing list exactly.

Packing List

The packing list details the contents, weight, and dimensions of each package.

Essential Information on the Packing List

• Total number of packages

• Carton numbers and dimensions

• Gross weight and net weight per carton

• Contents per carton with product codes and quantities

• Total gross weight and total net weight

• Total volume in cubic meters

Bill of Lading (BOL) or Air Waybill (AWB)

This document serves as the contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier. For sea freight, it is the Bill of Lading. For air freight, it is the Air Waybill.

The Bill of Lading functions as:

• A receipt for the goods confirming the carrier has received the cargo

• Evidence of the contract of carriage

• A document of title, allowing the consignee to claim the goods at destination

Key Details to Check

• Shipper name and address (DEARLAND)

• Consignee name and address (your company)

• Notify party if different from consignee

• Vessel name and voyage number (sea freight)

• Port of loading and port of discharge

• Container number and seal number

• Number of packages and total weight

Certificate of Origin

This document certifies that goods were manufactured in China. It may be required for preferential tariff treatment under free trade agreements.

Types of Certificate of Origin

• General Certificate of Origin for most destinations

• Form A for GSP preferential tariff treatment

• Specific FTA certificates for markets with bilateral agreements

Fumigation Certificate

Required for all shipments using solid wood packaging materials, certifying that the wood has been treated in accordance with ISPM 15 standards.

The fumigation certificate must show:

• Date of treatment

• Treatment method (heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation)

• Treatment temperature and duration

• Certification number and stamp

Insurance Certificate

If shipping under CIF terms or if you have separately arranged cargo insurance, the Insurance Certificate provides proof of coverage.

Insurance Coverage Recommendations

• All-risk coverage for comprehensive protection

• Coverage should match the full invoice value plus freight and a buffer of at least 10%

• Document the claim process and required documentation with your insurer before shipping

Incoterms Explained

Understanding Incoterms is essential for determining responsibility, risk, and cost allocation between buyer and supplier.

Common Incoterms for Furniture Imports

EXW (Ex Works)
Buyer picks up goods from DEARLAND’s factory and arranges all transportation and export clearance.

• Lowest supplier responsibility and cost

• Buyer manages all logistics from origin

• Best for buyers with established freight forwarders in China

FOB (Free On Board)
DEARLAND delivers goods to the named port of loading and loads them onto the vessel. Buyer is responsible from that point onward.

• Supplier handles domestic transport and export clearance

• Most common and recommended for SMB importers

• Buyer manages international freight, insurance, and destination clearance

• Title and risk transfer at the named port of loading

CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
DEARLAND covers the cost of shipping and insurance to the destination port.

• Supplier arranges international freight

• Supplier provides basic insurance coverage

• Buyer handles destination clearance and domestic transport

• Higher per-unit cost but simpler for new importers

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
DEARLAND assumes full responsibility including import duties, taxes, and delivery to your specified location.

• Highest supplier responsibility and cost

• No customs complexity for the buyer

• Premium pricing for full-service convenience

• Best for buyers who prefer a hassle-free receiving process

Key Differences and When to Use Each

Container Loading Best Practices

DEARLAND follows industry best practices for loading containers to maximize space utilization and minimize damage risk.

Pre-Loading Inspection

• Verify container is clean, dry, and odor-free

• Check for any structural damage to the container

• Confirm container seals are intact

• Document container condition with photos

Loading Sequence

• Heavier items loaded first, placed at the bottom

• Weight distribution balanced evenly throughout the container

• Taller items positioned upright and secured

• Final inspection before closing container doors

Securing Cargo

• Strapping and lashing to prevent shifting

• Dunnage bags for filling void spaces

• Palletized loads secured to container floor

• Soft loads (upholstered furniture) placed above heavier items

Weight Considerations

• 20ft container maximum payload: approximately 28,000 kg

• 40ft container maximum payload: approximately 26,000 kg

• 40ft high cube maximum payload: approximately 26,000 kg

Ocean Freight Transit Times

Typical transit times from China to major global markets (subject to seasonal variation, port congestion, and shipping line schedules):

Customs Clearance and Import Compliance

General Requirements

Most countries require the following for furniture imports:

• Commercial invoice (original and copies)

• Packing list (original and copies)

• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill (original)

• Certificate of Origin (original)

• Import license or registration (if applicable for your country)

• Payment documentation (letter of credit, wire transfer confirmation)

• Health and safety certificates (depending on product category)

• ISPM 15 compliant packaging documentation

US-Specific Requirements

• Formal Entry Filing: For shipments valued over USD 2,500, you must file a formal customs entry through a licensed customs broker

• Bond Requirement: You will need either a continuous bond (for frequent importers) or a single-entry bond (for one-time shipments)

• HTSUS Classification: Accurate 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States code for duty calculation

• Anti-Dumping Duties: Check the CBP ADD/CVD database for wooden bedroom furniture, which may be subject to anti-dumping duties

• Lacey Act Declaration: Wood furniture requires documentation of genus, species, country of harvest, and quantity of wood

• FDA Registration: If products contain treated wood or certain chemicals, FDA registration may apply

EU-Specific Requirements

• REACH Compliance: Furniture components must comply with REACH regulations on chemicals

• CE Marking: Certain furniture categories may require CE marking

• VAT Registration: Importers need a valid VAT number for customs clearance

Receiving and Inspection

Upon Delivery

When your shipment arrives, follow these steps for proper receiving and inspection.

Document Verification

• Compare the Bill of Lading with your shipping documents and purchase order

• Verify container number and seal number match the Bill of Lading

• Check that the number of packages matches the packing list

• Record the delivery date and time on the delivery receipt

Visual Inspection at Delivery

• Examine the container or truck for any signs of damage before unloading

• Photograph the exterior and all packaging before opening

• Note any damage or exceptions on the delivery receipt

• Inspect packaging condition for crushing, moisture, or other damage

Inspection Process

• Unpack carefully and inspect each item thoroughly

• Compare against the packing list and your purchase order

• Photograph any damage, with close-ups of damage areas and wide shots showing context

• Check dimensions, colors, and materials against specifications

• Test functionality of moving parts and hardware

Damage Claims

If damage is discovered

• Document everything with clear photographs

• Keep all original packaging materials for inspection

• Report damage to the carrier immediately

• File a claim with your freight forwarder or insurance provider

• Contact DEARLAND for assistance and replacement parts

For concealed damage (damage not visible until unpacking)

• Document with photographs immediately upon discovery

• Report within the timeframe specified by your insurance policy (usually within 3-5 days of delivery)

• Keep packaging materials until the claim is resolved

Best Practices Summary

Before Shipping

• Confirm all product specifications before production begins

• Maintain clear communication with DEARLAND throughout the process

• Understand your customs requirements at the destination country

• Secure appropriate insurance coverage

• Build a buffer into your timeline for potential delays

During Transit

• Track your shipment using the carrier’s tracking system

• Stay in contact with your freight forwarder

• Prepare for customs clearance before the shipment arrives

• Have funds ready for duties and taxes

At Receiving

• Inspect packaging for visible damage before signing delivery receipt

• Note any exceptions clearly on the delivery receipt

• Perform a thorough inspection as soon as possible

• Document everything with photographs