Shanghai-Jakarta 60x20GP PET Chips Sea
Shipping 60 containers of heavy cargo during peak season is a challenge.
When carriers are actively rejecting the freight and complex FOB terms create cost disputes, a creative, high-level solution is required.
This case details how GWT Shipping managed a 60x20GP shipment of PET resin chips to Jakarta, navigating carrier resistance and complex cost negotiations to ensure a smooth, on-time delivery for our Indonesian client.
Situation & Client Context
Client | A long-term client based in Indonesia (the importer). |
Contract | FOB Zhapu (This created the central conflict). |
Shipment | 60 x 20GP of PET Resin Chips (classified as “small heavy containers”). |
Route | Factory (China) → Shanghai Port → Jakarta, Indonesia. |
Objective | Secure vessel space for 60 heavy containers during peak season and resolve a complex inland logistics/cost conflict between the factory (shipper) and the contractual FOB terms. |
The Challenges
GWT was entrusted by our Indonesian client to solve a logistics deadlock. The factory in China, the carriers, and the sales contract were all in conflict.
Severe Carrier Resistance: The 60x20GP containers were heavy-weight. During peak season, carriers prioritize higher-revenue, lighter cargo and were actively rejecting this shipment. Securing space for 60 units was the primary obstacle.
FOB Port & Cost Conflict: The binding sales contract was FOB Zhapu. However, GWT’s resources and the only available carriers (Heung-A, CK-Line) were in Shanghai.
Inland Cost Dispute: The factory (shipper) refused to ship from Shanghai. Their reason was valid: the inland trucking cost from their factory to Shanghai Port was significantly higher than their contractual obligation (factory to Zhapu Port).
Operational & Financial Risk: Shipping from Shanghai introduced the risk of high “container drop fees” (laden storage/shifting) if the 60 containers were not managed with perfect timing.
GWT Shipping's Solution & Actions
Our team implemented a three-step plan focused on high-level negotiation, resource mobilization, and precision execution.
Step 1: Resource Mobilization & Carrier Alliance
Action: GWT leveraged our strong presence and partnerships in both Shanghai and Ningbo.
Decision: We confirmed that booking 60x20GP of heavy cargo was only possible from Shanghai. We split the booking between two trusted partners, Heung-A and CK-Line, leveraging our high-level relationships to secure guaranteed space for cargo others had rejected.
Outcome: We secured the non-negotiable ocean freight capacity, overcoming the first major hurdle.
Step 2: Creative FOB Cost Solution & Negotiation
Action: GWT stepped in as a mediator to solve the FOB Zhapu vs. Shanghai cost dispute.
Innovative Solution: GWT proposed a hybrid, “win-win” financial model:
The factory would not pay the higher Shanghai trucking costs.
Instead, the factory would pay GWT only the exact equivalent cost of (Factory Trucking to Zhapu + Zhapu FOB Locals).
GWT would then manage the entire (and more expensive) Shanghai trucking, customs, and port operation, absorbing the cost difference and complexity.
Outcome: This creative solution resolved the deadlock. The factory met its contractual obligation, and our Indonesian client got their cargo moving from the only viable port.
Step 3: Precision Port Execution (Cost Control)
Action: To mitigate the high risk of storage fees in Shanghai, GWT’s operations team designed a just-in-time delivery plan.
Coordination: We arranged all 60 trucks for factory loading. Instead of returning to the port terminal (which would incur fees), we had the laden containers dropped at a secure, off-port depot.
Execution: We confirmed all B/L and customs data with both the factory and our client in advance. The moment the port terminal opened for receiving, we dispatched the containers from the depot directly into the terminal for loading, avoiding all storage fees.
Results & Benefits
Our role as a logistics consultant and negotiator, not just a forwarder, delivered a complete victory for the client.
Space Secured in Peak Season: GWT successfully booked and shipped 60x20GP of heavy cargo that carriers were actively rejecting.
FOB Conflict Resolved: Our creative “Zhapu-equivalent” cost solution satisfied all parties—the factory, our client, and the terms of the contract—preventing a costly dispute.
Flawless, On-Time Delivery: Despite the complexities, all 60 containers were managed, loaded, and shipped on time, arriving in Jakarta as planned.
Deepened Partnership: GWT’s ability to solve a multi-party negotiation, not just a freight booking, profoundly impressed the client and has led to broader, more strategic cooperation.
Conclusion
This project was a masterclass in operational flexibility and high-level negotiation. GWT Shipping proved its value extends far beyond booking freight; we act as a true logistics partner. By designing a creative cost-sharing solution that satisfied all parties and leveraging our carrier alliances to ship “rejected” cargo, we solved a complex problem others couldn’t. This ability to navigate and resolve financial and logistical conflicts is what builds lasting client trust.
Client Review
GWT’s team is incredible. They found space for our 60 heavy containers in peak season when no one else would, and they solved a complex cost problem with the factory. We trust them with our most difficult shipments.
— Our Trading Partner in Indonesia
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.
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