Container Shipping Basics for TiO2

Understanding container shipping basics helps TiO2 buyers plan inventory, lead times, and total landed cost.

Container types:

20' standard dry container: - Dimensions: 5.9 m × 2.4 m × 2.4 m (internal) - Maximum cargo weight: ~28 t (depending on origin/destination requirements) - Typical TiO2 load: 18–20 t (limited by weight, not volume) - Cost: $1500–4000 USD ocean freight depending on route

40' standard dry container: - Dimensions: 12.0 m × 2.4 m × 2.4 m (internal) - Maximum cargo weight: same as 20' (~28 t) — weight-limited - Typical TiO2 load: 20–25 t - Used when buyer wants to consolidate other cargo (TiO2 + extender pigments, for example)

For TiO2 specifically, 20' FCL is the standard choice because TiO2 is dense and weight-limits before volume.

FCL vs LCL:

FCL (Full Container Load): - Container loaded only with your cargo - You pay for the full container - Standard for orders > 5 t TiO2 - Faster transit and clearance (no consolidation delay) - Lower risk of damage/contamination - Standard for SEMITI orders

LCL (Less than Container Load): - Cargo consolidated with other shippers in shared container - You pay per cubic meter or per kg - Useful for samples (25–500 kg) or small first orders (500 kg–3 t) - 1–2 weeks slower than FCL (consolidation hub processing) - Higher per-kg cost ($150–250/MT typical vs $30–60/MT for FCL) - Higher contamination risk (other shippers' cargo)

Packaging options:

25 kg paper bag (PE-lined): - Standard for most SEMITI grades - Easy to handle manually - Typical pallet: 40 bags = 1 t - 20' container: 18–20 pallets = 18–20 t - Best for: manual handling, smaller pack-out, food contact applications

500 kg FIBC (jumbo bag, "big bag"): - Standard for high-volume buyers - Requires forklift or crane for handling - Typical 20' container: 36 FIBCs = 18 t - Lower per-MT packaging cost than 25 kg bags - Best for: large-volume buyers with mechanical handling

1000 kg FIBC: - Largest standard FIBC option - 20' container: 18 FIBCs = 18 t - Lowest per-MT packaging cost - Best for: very high volume buyers with heavy-duty handling equipment

1250 kg FIBC: - Premium option for some specialty grades - 20' container: ~14 bags = 17.5 t - Used when bag handling efficiency is critical

For SEMITI SL70 (slurry): - 1000 kg IBC tote (preferred — direct pump compatibility) - 200 kg drum (smaller volumes, less efficient) - 20' container: 18 IBCs = 18 t TiO2 equivalent

Ocean transit times (FOB Qingdao → destination):

Shipping considerations:

Seasonality: - Chinese New Year (late January/February): factory production stops 2–3 weeks. Plan inventory accordingly. - Pre-holiday peak (October–December): higher ocean freight rates, slower bookings - Off-peak (March–June): typically lower freight rates

Suez Canal: - Required for shipments to Mediterranean, Europe, US East Coast, West Africa - Disruptions in 2023–2024 (Red Sea security) periodically added 5–10 days for Cape of Good Hope routing - Monitor and adjust planning accordingly

Panama Canal: - Required for some Latin American shipments (Atlantic side) - 2024 drought caused capacity restrictions; typically resolved but monitor

Documentation included with every shipment: - Commercial Invoice - Packing List - Bill of Lading (B/L) - Certificate of Origin (Form A or generic, depending on FTA) - Certificate of Analysis (CoA) per batch - Safety Data Sheet (SDS) - REACH letter (for EU destinations) - FDA / Food contact compliance (where applicable) - Other documentation by jurisdiction and end-use

Insurance: - Marine insurance covers cargo from origin port to destination port - Standard cover: institute cargo clauses (A) — "all risks" - Premium: 0.05–0.15% of insured value depending on route and risk - On DDP terms, we provide insurance; on FOB / CIF, depends on terms