Urgent 40HQ Copper Wire: Shanghai to Thailand
Shipping high-value industrial materials like copper wire often requires flexibility when unexpected documentation changes occur.
This case study details how GWT Shipping assisted a Shenzhen technology company with their first export from their Shanghai branch.
By securing equipment during a severe shortage and managing a last-minute “Split Bill of Lading” request, we ensured the cargo arrived in Thailand on time.
Project Snapshot
Route: Shanghai (SHA) ➔ Thailand
Cargo: Copper Wire
Container: 1 x 40HQ
Weight: 6,700 KG
Service Type: CIF Ocean Freight
Key Factors: Equipment Shortage, Last-Minute Split B/L, Pre-Clearance.
Background & Challenges
In February 2024, a Shenzhen-based technology company commissioned GWT Shipping to handle an export shipment from their Shanghai branch to Thailand.
While GWT had a long-standing relationship with their Shenzhen headquarters, this was the first handover for their Shanghai operations.
The project faced immediate hurdles due to the post-New Year peak season:
Capacity & Equipment Crisis: Space was tight, and the terminal was facing a severe shortage of empty 40HQ containers.
Operational Uncertainty: The carrier’s terminal opening time remained “To Be Determined,” adding pressure to the loading schedule.
Sudden Documentation Change: The consignee suddenly requested to split the shipment into two separate Bills of Lading just before the deadline.
GWT Shipping's Solution & Actions
To ensure the new Shanghai branch client received the same high standard of service as the HQ, our team implemented the following steps:
1. Aggressive Equipment Search (2-Day Marathon)
With the terminal showing no available empty containers, our team spent two consecutive days constantly refreshing the system (“brushing for containers”).
Result: Just as we were preparing to roll the shipment to the next vessel, we successfully secured a container release. We immediately arranged overtime loading to catch the vessel.
2. Handling the Split B/L Request
The consignee changed the requirement to 2 separate Bills of Lading. This meant the single shipment had to be split into 2 Customs Declarations and 2 Manifests to match.
Action: We rapidly adjusted all documentation and completed the customs procedures before the cut-off time, preventing any compliance issues.
3. Holiday Pre-Clearance Strategy
Noticing that the consignee was facing a long upcoming holiday, we anticipated potential clearance delays.
Action: We requested all import documents from the consignee in advance. This allowed us to prepare for immediate customs clearance the moment the ship docked in Thailand, avoiding storage fees.
GWT Expert Insight
Note for Shippers on Split B/Ls: If a consignee requests to split one container into two Bills of Lading (Split B/L), the export customs declaration in China must usually match.
You cannot simply issue two B/Ls for one declaration in many cases. It requires precise coordination between the manifest filer and the customs broker to ensure the data aligns perfectly to avoid customs inspection.
Project Outcomes
Through meticulous planning and resource coordination, we delivered the following results:
Equipment Success: Secured a container during a severe shortage when other bookings were being cancelled.
Seamless Delivery: Despite the split B/L complexity, the cargo cleared customs and was delivered on schedule.
Business Expansion: Impressed by our ability to handle the Shanghai branch’s first shipment under pressure, the client transferred their entire Southeast Asia export volume from Shanghai to GWT one week later.
By predicting risks and handling last-minute changes with expertise, GWT Shipping proved our capabilities extend beyond Shenzhen to all major Chinese ports.
The smooth handling of this “test shipment” secured the client’s full trust.
Client Review
This was our first time using GWT for our Shanghai branch.
They managed to find a container when the terminal was empty and handled our last-minute split B/L request without complaint. The service was flawless.
— Our Technology Partner in Shenzhen
Founded in 2004, Shenzhen Guanwutong International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. (GWT) is a WCA- and AEO-certified global logistics provider offering end-to-end air, ocean, rail, express, and DDP solutions.
With bonded warehouses in Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Fuzhou, plus 24/7 customs brokerage and real-time tracking, we deliver reliable, compliant, and tailored freight services to 3000+ clients across 190+ countries.
Need Reliable Export Services from Shanghai?
If you have urgent shipments or complex documentation requirements, GWT Shipping provides professional and compliant solutions from all major Chinese ports.
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