Shipping 40HQ of Door Lock Parts from Dongguan, China to Laem Chabang, Thailand
For manufacturers new to sea freight, an unprofessional forwarder can create costly delays, hidden fees, and critical confusion.
This case details how GWT Shipping guided a Dongguan factory through its first FCL shipment to Laem Chabang, Thailand.
By replacing confusion with a structured, transparent process and proactive communication, our integrated freight and customs teams ensured a smooth, cost-effective, and educational export experience.
Situation & Client Context
Client | A processing factory in Dongguan, China. |
Contract | First-time FCL export shipment. |
Shipment | 1 x 40HQ of door lock parts and components. |
Route | Dongguan, China to Laem Chabang, Thailand. |
Objective | Achieve a smooth, predictable first export shipment, eliminate hidden costs, and establish a reliable, long-term logistics process. |
Prior Pain Points | The client was completely unfamiliar with sea freight export procedures. Their previous forwarder was unprofessional, providing no clear timeline or guidance, which caused confusion, missed deadlines, and increased costs. They needed a single, trustworthy partner with proven expertise. |
The Challenges
GWT Shipping was commissioned to restore the client’s confidence and manage this shipment, facing several core challenges:
Critical Knowledge Gap: The client was new to FCL exporting and had no understanding of the required documentation (B/L, packing list, invoice) or key milestones (booking cutoff, VGM, customs clearance), making them highly vulnerable to costly errors and delays.
Damaged Client Confidence: The previous forwarder’s unprofessionalism left the client highly skeptical and anxious. They were concerned about hidden fees, unexpected delays, and a general lack of control over their own shipment.
Need for Integrated Service: The client specifically sought GWT because they heard we had strong in-house customs brokerage and freight teams. They needed a single partner to manage the entire process seamlessly, as a failure in either part would confirm their fears.
Schedule & Cost Optimization: Without professional guidance, the client couldn’t distinguish a good shipping schedule or a competitive price from a poor one. They relied on GWT to provide an optimized, transparent, and cost-effective solution.
GWT Shipping's Solution & Actions
Our team implemented a three-step, consultative plan focused on transparency, education, and flawless execution.
Step 1: Carrier Optimization & Strategic Booking
Action: GWT’s ocean freight team immediately analyzed the schedules of all carriers on the Dongguan-Laem Chabang route for the prior month, comparing transit times, reliability, and cost.
Decision: We selected COSCO, which offered the best balance of a reliable, fast schedule and competitive pricing that met the client’s objectives.
Outcome: We secured the booking, received the Shipping Order (SO), and locked in a clear timeline. This timeline was immediately shared with the client as the foundation for all subsequent steps.
Step 2: Proactive Client Education & Process Management
Action: Recognizing the client’s primary pain point, we assigned a dedicated operator to proactively guide them through the entire FCL process from start to finish.
Execution: We provided a simple checklist of all required documents (with clear deadlines) and patiently explained each milestone: factory loading, container drayage (trucking), VGM (Verified Gross Mass) weigh-in, and port return.
Outcome: This consultative, step-by-step approach replaced the client’s anxiety with clarity. They knew exactly what to do and when, which rebuilt their confidence in the shipping process.
Step 3: Integrated Customs & Documentation Handling
Action: GWT’s in-house customs brokerage team was engaged from day one. They contacted the client to ensure all export declaration documents were prepared correctly and collected in advance.
Coordination: The operations team sent the Bill of Lading (B/L) draft to the client for confirmation before the customs cutoff, preventing any late amendment fees. Our customs team then monitored the declaration status, ensuring a smooth “green light” release.
Outcome: The cargo and declaration were processed flawlessly. The container was loaded onto the vessel without any customs holds or documentation issues, ensuring a smooth, on-time departure.
Results & Benefits
Our proactive, educational approach transformed a skeptical first-time shipper into a confident, long-term partner.
Flawless First Shipment: The entire process—from booking and factory loading to customs clearance and sailing—was executed perfectly, with no delays, errors, or unexpected costs.
Empowered & Educated Client: The client finished the shipment with a clear, fundamental understanding of the FCL export process. Our transparent guidance eliminated their confusion and proved that shipping can be predictable.
Trust & Satisfaction Established: The client was highly satisfied with GWT’s professionalism and service-oriented attitude. They explicitly praised our team’s proactive communication and dual expertise in both freight and customs.
Long-Term Partnership Foundation: By resolving their core pain points and demonstrating our reliability, GWT secured the client’s trust and all their subsequent sea freight business.
Phần kết luận
This project highlights that logistics is not just about moving cargo; it’s about providing clarity and building trust. For clients unfamiliar with export processes, GWT Shipping acts as a true partner.
Our ability to combine a structured, educational approach with professional operations and in-house customs expertise transforms client anxiety into confidence. We don’t just ship, but guide, educate, and empower our clients, ensuring their cargo and their business goals are achieved seamlessly.
Client Review
We were new to exporting and our last agent was completely unprofessional. GWT’s team was different—they were patient, professional, and guided us through every single step. We finally understand the process and have a partner we can trust.
— Our Trading Partner in Dongguan
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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