Why the Wait? Understanding the Transit of Your Order from Our Warehouse to You!
Discover the Essential Steps and Shipping Options
‘I’ve just completed my order: why can’t my items ship as early as tomorrow?’
If you’ve found yourself wondering the same thing, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll not only walk you through the different shipping methods available but also take you behind the scenes to explain the processes that ensure your goods are prepared and ready for their shipment.
Dispatch Times: The Importance of Planning
Shipping timelines are one of the most common questions we receive. It’s essential to understand that estimated delivery times begin only once the carrier has picked up your goods and they’ve left the port, airport, or transport hub. Before reaching this stage, there’s a meticulous internal process that must be completed. This includes consolidating items from various manufacturers, conducting thorough quality checks, ensuring safe packaging, and, where necessary, fumigation. Only after these steps are complete can we book a carrier, who will then provide the earliest available departure date. Within five days of that departure, we’ll load your goods. It’s important to remember that transport companies, especially shipping lines, adhere to strict schedules. Factors like overbooking or logistical constraints may lead to waiting for the next available carrier. This is why careful, advance planning is crucial to ensuring your goods arrive on time.
The Internal Process: What Happens Before the Shipment?
Imagine your goods are ready in our warehouse today—naturally, you’d expect them to ship out by tomorrow, right? Well, it’s not quite that simple. Before your products can begin their transit, several essential steps need to be completed. These steps are crucial to ensuring that every detail is handled with care and that your goods arrive at their destination in perfect condition. Here’s a look at what happens behind the scenes before your shipment leaves our warehouse:
1.Consolidation of Goods from Manufacturers
Before we can proceed with shipping, we need to receive all the items you’ve ordered. This step is especially important when your order includes products from multiple manufacturers, as each item must be carefully consolidated to ensure everything is ready to go together.
2. Quality Control
Once we receive the goods, each item undergoes a meticulous quality check to ensure it meets our high standards. This process is crucial in preventing any issues down the line and ensuring that all products are in perfect condition before shipment.
3. Packaging and Preparation
After passing quality control, your goods are expertly packed to guarantee their protection during transit. Unlike many suppliers, we pay extra attention to this stage because we understand how vital proper packaging is in preventing damage and avoiding additional responsibilities for you as the importer. When necessary, we use custom-made crates or additional protective measures to ensure the highest level of security.
4. Fumigation (If Necessary)
Depending on the destination and local regulations, fumigation may be required. This is a process that uses biocidal gases to eliminate any organisms or parasites, ensuring that the goods are safe and will not pose a threat to the ecosystem of the final destination.
Only after all these steps are completed will your goods be fully prepared for shipment via your selected method. Each step is vital to ensuring that your products are in perfect condition and ready for a smooth, secure shipment to their final destination.
Shipping Methods: How to Choose the Right One
Understanding the different types of international shipping is essential. Each method comes with its own timelines and unique features, so it’s important to evaluate them carefully based on your specific needs. This will help you make the best choice and avoid any unpleasant surprises along the way.
1. Air Shipping
For smaller orders or when time is of the essence, air freight is the perfect choice. It’s particularly suited for urgent projects that require a fast turnaround.
Delivery time: Approximately 10 days from shipment.
2. FCL (Full Container Load) Sea Freight
When you’re handling large orders or managing an entire project, FCL sea freight offers the most efficient solution. With a dedicated container just for your goods, you benefit from both security and optimized transport for bulk shipments.
Delivery time: Approximately 45 days from shipment, depending on the destination. At Salbini, we work with non-stop shipping companies to ensure swift deliveries.
3. LCL (Less Container Load) Sea Freight
If your shipment volume doesn’t justify a full container but you still need a maritime option, LCL is the way to go. Your goods will share space with other shipments heading to the same destination, helping to keep costs down.
Delivery time: Approximately 60 days from shipment.
4. Standard Sea Shipping
For non-urgent, smaller orders, Standard Sea Shipping provides a cost-effective option. While it takes longer, it still upholds high standards of safety and quality control.
Delivery time: This can vary based on container availability and stopovers along the route, so it cannot be accurately estimated from the start.
5. Overland Shipping
For destinations that can be easily reached by road from Italy, such as other European countries, overland shipping offers a practical and affordable solution. Ideal for small to medium-sized orders.
Delivery time: Approximately 7-14 days from shipment, depending on distance and road conditions.
We’ll Help You
If you’re unsure about which shipping method is best for your order, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re always here to assist you in choosing the solution that perfectly suits your needs. Let us help make your shipping experience as smooth and efficient as possible.
