Logistics guide

How to ship Foshan furniture overseas

Sea freight is the standard. Know these few key points and logistics cannot trap you.

Container types and volumes

FCL (full container load): a 20GP holds about 25–28 m³, a 40HQ about 65–72 m³—right for a whole home or bulk orders. LCL (less than container load): from 0.5 m³, sharing space with other shippers—economical for small top-up batches.

Realistic transit times

For Southeast Asia: 3–7 days port-to-port on a fast vessel, about 12–18 days door-to-door. Europe and North America: typically 30–45 days.

In peak season (September–December), book space 7–30 days ahead to avoid rolled cargo.

Fumigation and customs

Solid wood furniture needs the IPPC fumigation mark for export. Use formal customs clearance—“double-clearance with duties prepaid” services can deliver door-to-door, but always clear through official channels to avoid seizures at destination.

Damage and claims

Large furniture has a genuinely higher damage rate in long-haul transport. Before ordering, confirm: packing standard (reinforced, moisture-proof), whether transit insurance is included, who pays for damage, and claim turnaround. Write “damage compensated at value” into the contract.

Our role: we are not a freight forwarder, but in 19 years we have arranged shipments for many overseas clients. The key step is inspecting the furniture before dispatch—frame, filling, edge banding, color consistency—so wrong or flawed goods are stopped at the factory gate, not argued about after arrival.

About Yijian

We have worked in Foshan furniture for 19 years and know 200+ source factories in the Lecong–Longjiang belt personally. Our service: plan a route around your budget, shortlist factories to your style, verify materials on site, negotiate, and get the contract signed in one day. We never touch your payment, never take kickbacks—only a fixed fee of RMB 800 per day (about US$110, rate as of Oct 2026), car transport within the belt included. How the service works →

Common questions

How much fits in one container?

A 20GP holds about 25–28 m³ and a 40HQ about 65–72 m³. A full-home order usually fits a 20GP; bulk orders take a 40HQ.

Does solid wood furniture need fumigation for export?

Yes—the IPPC fumigation mark is required. Use formal customs clearance to avoid the cargo being held at the destination port.

How long does sea freight take to Southeast Asia?

Door-to-door typically 12–18 days; Europe and North America about 30–45 days.

Who pays if furniture is damaged in transit?

Decide before ordering: confirm packing standards, transit insurance, and claim terms—and write “damage compensated at value” into the contract.

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