Furniture freight is driven by packed cube, loadability, damage exposure and final-mile conditions. A low ocean rate can still produce a high landed cost when non-stackable cargo, destination handling, liftgate service or poor packing data are ignored.
The decision
Start with export-ready packing data. For every package, record the finished length, width, height, gross weight, product name, material, value and whether it can be stacked. Furniture quotes based on estimated product dimensions often change once foam, corner protection, cartons, crates or pallets are added.
LCL can fit sample orders and smaller purchasing programs, but destination handling is charged by shipment and volume. Large, fragile or non-stackable furniture may be easier to control in a sealed FCL container. A 20GP or 40HQ decision should consider usable loading space, weight distribution and loading sequence, not nominal container volume alone.
Execution details
Multi-supplier orders need one consolidation plan. The warehouse should reconcile supplier marks, package counts and packing lists before loading. Sofas, stone-top tables, mirrors, lighting and small home accessories should not be loaded as if they have the same weight or damage profile.
For the US side, define the destination before quoting: port pickup, 3PL warehouse, retail store, project site or residential address. Appointments, limited access, inside delivery, liftgate, floor-loaded unloading and waiting time can materially change the final-mile cost.
Pre-shipment check
A useful landed-cost comparison separates China pickup and consolidation, export handling, ocean freight, insurance, customs and duties, destination charges, exam exposure, deconsolidation and final delivery. It also states which costs are estimates and which party owns exceptions.