How Does Shipping Smaller Quantities Work?

There is a perception that air freight is to only way to transport your goods when you have a smaller shipment. But is definitely not the case. We can also ship your goods via sea, even if you don’t have enough to fill a container.

No, your one lonely little pallet will not rattle around in a container of its own. Instead, we have a much more ccost-effective method.

You know how you go to great pains to teach your children that sharing is good? Well, sharing can be really good when it comes to shipping. We can consolidate your shipment with a number of other consignments that are coming to New Zealand so that you only pay for the portion of the container that your goods take up. Funnily enough, it is called a consolidated shipment.

One of our most common shipping routes is China to New Zealand. The process for shipping from China is as follows…

1. We provide you with a quote based on the weight and dimensions of your consignment.

2. Our agent in China will pack your consignment along with other client consignments to fill a container of goods.

3. There is a weekly sailing out of China and your items should arrive on our shores within a month.

4. The container is unloaded and your consignment is collected by one of our 3 Auckland trucks.

5. Your consignment is cleared through customs

6. Your consignment is released to us at UB Freight – fortunately, our depot is right around the corner from MAF.

7. You make payment to us.

8. We then deliver your goods to you.

It is as easy as that. All the cost benefits of seas freight while only shipping the quantities you need.

What Are The Benefits?

No Surprise Cost Model: We quote on the exact weight and dimensions of your consignment and provide an accurate quote. That means there are no nasty surprises on the cost front. The rates are also considerably cheaper than shipping via air freight.

Seamless Process: The entire process is organised by our offices in Auckland so you will always be able to find out the status of your shipment. The relationships we have with the freighting networks, Customs and MAF allow for seamless processing.

Cheaper and Faster: We partner with 3 major freighting networks which allows us to find you the best option for shipping your goods. We are not reliant on using our own ships like a shipping line would be. We can access a large number of sailings and options to get your goods to New Zealand as quickly as possible, and for the best available rate.

Goods Ship Regularly: Because we have these great relationships with a number of networks we can fill containers quickly and get them on their way. This means you are not waiting weeks or months for your goods to even get on a ship.

We Give You Options: We will actively look to find the best opportunities so that you have multiple options to choose from. Certain rates or time frames might suit you better so that is why we don’t just provide one solution. Being part of largest three freight forwarding networks gives us substantially more options than other freight forwarding companies.

You Get Flexibility: Being able to order in smaller quantities means that you can free up your cash flow, and order a wider variety of products. You can order a pallet here or a pallet there, giving you much more flexibility to run your business.

Stay On Top Of Trends: It can take a long time to sell a container load of stock. By the time you get halfway through, the trend may have changed and you are stuck with half a container of unsellable stock. Ordering in smaller quantities allows you to move with the times and clear through your stock quickly.

How Can I Make It Work In My Business?

Many small, medium and large businesses are already using this shipping tactic, so you can use it in your business too. We regularly work with clients who want to ship things like LED lights or perfumes and fragrances, but can’t fill an entire container. You could share space with them.

This consolidated service allows you to get your products to New Zealand for a fraction of the cost of air freight. You will also not be waiting months for your shipment to arrive as there are regular weekly sailings out of common shipping routes like China.

If you are considering this option, then I really encourage you to get in touch with us as soon as possible. Even before you confirm a shipment with your supplier. The earlier you involve us in the conversation, the more options you will have available to you. That means there is a greater chance of reducing your shipping costs and speeding up the timeframe of your consignment.

If we know what you need we can be prepared to pick your goods up and have them booked on the best shipping option as soon as you confirm with your supplier.

So, get in touch with us at any time to gain a cost effective quote for bringing your products into New Zealand. We are happy to answer any questions about the process and explain how consolidated shipping could work for your business.