Shenzhen to Jakarta LCL Door Locks Export
LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments require precise timing and coordination; a single documentation error or missed cutoff can delay an entire consolidated container.
This case details how GWT Shipping took over a troubled LCL supply chain for a major Japanese trading company, exporting door locks from Shenzhen to Jakarta.
By correcting carrier selection and implementing strict factory guidance, we eliminated recurring delays and documentation errors.
Situation & Client Context
Client | A Shenzhen-based branch of a large Japanese Trading Company. |
Contract | LCL (Less than Container Load) Export. |
Shipment | Consolidated shipment of Door Locks. |
Route | Dachan Bay (Shenzhen), China to Jakarta, Indonesia. |
Objective | Stabilize the shipping schedule, eliminate customs re-filing errors, and ensure seamless consolidation to protect production timelines in Indonesia. |
Prior Pain Points | The client’s previous forwarder provided unstable vessel schedules (frequent delays) and committed frequent documentation errors (B/L mistakes and Customs Declaration errors requiring “delete and re-file”). This disrupted the destination factory’s production and increased landed costs. |
The Challenges
GWT Shipping was engaged in late December 2022 to rescue this shipment process. We identified three systemic failures:
Carrier Unreliability: The previous forwarder was utilizing low-cost, unreliable carriers with frequent rolling and unstable departures, making it impossible for the client to plan inventory.
Process Knowledge Gap: The factory staff lacked a clear understanding of the LCL shipping flow (warehouse cutoffs, document deadlines), leading to rushed or missed deliveries to the consolidation warehouse.
Compliance Risk: The history of “deleting and re-filing” customs declarations indicated a lack of pre-shipment auditing, posing a severe compliance risk and causing delays at the port of origin.
GWT Shipping's Solution & Actions
Our team implemented a three-step stabilization plan focused on schedule reliability and process education.
Step 1: Carrier Analysis & Selection
Action: GWT’s operations team analyzed the one-month performance records of all carriers on the Shenzhen-Jakarta route.
Decision: We selected OOCL, a carrier known for its speed and stability on this route. Leveraging GWT’s deep partnership with OOCL, we secured competitive rates and priority space.
Outcome: We established a fixed, reliable schedule, ensuring the LCL cargo would depart and arrive as predicted.
Step 2: Factory Guidance & Process Optimization
Action: Identifying the root cause of the timing issues, GWT acted as a consultant to the client’s factory.
Execution: We created a clear SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for the factory, explaining the critical milestones for LCL shipments: cargo ready date, warehouse cutoff, and documentation deadlines.
Outcome: The factory gained a clear understanding of the workflow, ensuring cargo was delivered to the consolidation warehouse on time, every time.
Step 3: Proactive Customs & Documentation Control
Action: To eliminate the “error-and-delete” cycle, GWT implemented a Pre-Shipment Document Audit.
Coordination: Our specialists contacted the client before the cargo moved to review the Packing List and Invoice. We verified all data points to ensure they matched the physical cargo.
Outcome: This proactive check ensured 100% accuracy before the customs declaration was submitted, resulting in a smooth, immediate release with zero errors.
Results & Benefits
By treating LCL cargo with the same rigor as FCL shipments, GWT restored the client’s confidence in their supply chain.
Schedule Stabilized: By switching to OOCL and managing the warehouse cutoffs, we eliminated the delays. The cargo now arrives in Jakarta on a predictable schedule.
Zero Customs Errors: Our pre-audit process completely stopped the cycle of declaration errors, removing the risk of customs penalties and delays.
Process Clarity: The client and their factory now fully understand the LCL timeline, resulting in smoother operations and reduced stress.
Exclusive Partnership: Highly satisfied with the professional turnaround and stability, the Japanese trading company appointed GWT as their Designated Forwarder, entrusting us with all their sea and air import/export business.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates that LCL shipments demand precise management. Errors in consolidation can be just as costly as FCL delays.
By combining strategic carrier selection (OOCL) with hands-on factory education and strict document auditing, GWT Shipping turned a chaotic supply chain into a reliable, streamlined operation, meeting the high standards of a major Japanese trading house.
Client Review
Our previous agent caused constant delays and customs errors. GWT stepped in, fixed the schedule, and taught our factory how to manage the process correctly. We now trust them with all our logistics.
— Our Trading 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.
Struggling with LCL delays or documentation errors?
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