REAL SHIPPING CASE STUDY

Sea Freight Shipping of Forklift Trucks from Shanghai to Le Havre

A French importer needed a reliable sea freight solution for shipping standard forklift trucks, rough terrain forklift trucks, and electric forklift trucks from Shanghai to Le Havre. The shipment was loaded into one 40ft container with a total weight of 15,454 kg and a volume of 24.78 CBM.

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Forklift trucks loaded and secured in a 40ft container for sea freight from Shanghai to Le Havre

ORIGIN

Shanghai, China

Destination

Le Havre, France

Method

FCL Sea Freight

CARGO

Forklift Trucks

SHIPMENT OVERVIEW

Case Summary

This case involved the sea transport of standard, rough terrain, and electric forklift trucks from Shanghai to Le Havre. Due to the cargo weight, rolling structure, and battery-related requirements, careful loading and securing were essential.

Why DDP Sea Freight?

A dedicated 40ft container gave the loading team full control over equipment positioning, weight distribution, wheel blocking, and lashing. It also reduced repeated handling and provided better protection for the forklifts during the voyage to France.

Route

CN → France

Mode

FCL Sea

Cargo

Forklift Trucks

ItemDetails
OriginShanghai, China
DestinationLe Havre, France
Cargo TypeForklift trucks and electric forklifts
HS Code842720
Packages1 × 40ft container
Gross Weight15,454 kg
Cargo Volume24.78 CBM
Shipping MethodFCL sea freight
Service TypePort-to-port ocean freight
Estimated TransitAbout 30–40 days

CLIENT NEEDS

Client Requirement & Shipping Challenge

The client needed several types of forklift trucks transported together safely and efficiently. Because the machines were heavy, wheeled, and partly battery-powered, the shipment required careful loading preparation, cargo securing, and document review.

Client Requirements

Operational Focus

  • Balance the cargo weight
  • Block and secure all wheels
  • Protect masts and cabins
  • Check battery requirements

SOLUTION

Recommended Shipping Solution

Based on the cargo weight, dimensions, and equipment type, we arranged FCL sea freight in one dedicated 40ft container from Shanghai to Le Havre.

FCL Ocean Freight

A dedicated 40ft container reduced handling and provided enough space for loading and securing the forklifts.

Loading & Securing

The machines were positioned carefully, with wooden blocks and ratchet straps used to prevent movement.

Document Review

Cargo details, HS code, export documents, and battery-related information were checked before shipment.

Service Note: Accurate forklift dimensions, weight, battery type, and loading photos should be provided before booking. This helps confirm carrier acceptance and the correct securing plan.

CARGO HANDLING

Real Cargo Photos

These photos show the forklift models before loading, followed by their positioning, blocking, and lashing inside the 40ft container. The final photo records the completed loading arrangement before departure.

Forklift Models Before Loading

The shipment included electric and rough terrain forklift trucks prepared for export.

Electric forklift prepared for sea freight from Shanghai to Le Havre
Container Loading and Securing

Each forklift was positioned inside the 40ft container and secured with wooden blocks and heavy-duty ratchet straps.

Forklift secured inside a 40ft container with wooden blocks and ratchet straps

Final loading condition before the container was closed and prepared for departure.

PROCESS

Shipping Process from Shanghai to Le Havre

The shipment followed six coordinated stages from cargo review and booking to arrival at Le Havre.

1. Cargo Review & Booking

We checked the forklift models, dimensions, weight, HS code, and battery details before confirming the 40ft container booking.

2. Container Inspection

The empty container was checked for cleanliness, floor condition, structural damage, and available lashing points before loading.

3. Forklift Loading

The forklifts were loaded in sequence, with attention to clearance, weight distribution, and safe positioning inside the container.

4. Blocking & Lashing

Wooden blocks and heavy-duty ratchet straps were used to prevent rolling, shifting, and contact during ocean transit.

5. Export & Ocean Transit

After document review and export customs clearance, the container departed from Shanghai for Le Havre, France.

6. Arrival at Le Havre

Upon arrival, the container was handed over for import customs clearance, port collection, and onward transport arranged by the consignee.

TRANSIT TIME

Transit Time & Service Notes

The estimated port-to-port transit time from Shanghai to Le Havre is generally around 30 to 40 days, depending on the selected service, routing, transshipment arrangement, and vessel schedule.

The full delivery timeline may also include:

  • Empty pickup and factory loading

  • Export customs clearance

  • Terminal cutoff

  • Port waiting time

  • Import customs procedures in France

  • Inland transport

  • Unloading and empty return

Estimated arrival dates are for planning only. Weather, port congestion, customs inspection, and schedule changes can affect the final timeline.

The consignee should prepare the unloading site before arrival to reduce the risk of detention or demurrage.

REFERENCE VALUE

Why This Case Matters

Heavy machinery transport involves more than reserving space on a vessel. The loading plan, battery review, weight distribution, securing method, documentation, and destination unloading conditions must all be checked before departure.

This project shows why a dedicated FCL solution is often the best choice for complete forklift trucks moving from China to Europe.

The client benefited from:

  • Better control over loading

  • Fewer handling stages

  • Reduced risk of machine movement

  • Reliable blocking and lashing

  • Clear cargo separation

  • Easier coordination between the factory, forwarder, carrier, and importer

Early planning can prevent rejected bookings, loading delays, document problems, and unexpected costs at destination.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Complete forklifts are commonly moved by FCL, flat rack, open-top, or RoRo, depending on their dimensions, weight, and operating condition.

Standard-sized machines may fit inside a 40ft container. Larger or unusually tall models may require special equipment.

HS code 842720 was used for this shipment. The correct classification still depends on the machine type, power source, lifting design, and destination customs interpretation.

The importer should confirm the code with a customs broker in France.

Yes, provided the dimensions are suitable and the battery information has been reviewed.

Depending on the battery type and carrier rules, safety data, battery specifications, labels, declarations, or prior approval may be required.

The common method combines wooden wheel blocks, ratchet straps, internal lashing points, parking brakes, and protection at contact areas.

The objective is to prevent rolling, sliding, tilting, and impact throughout the voyage.

The core documents usually include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, customs declaration details, HS code, and equipment specifications.

Battery or dangerous goods documents may also be required depending on the forklift configuration.

INTERNAL LINKS

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FCL Shipping from China

Home FCL Shipping from China: Full Container Load Guide for Importers Verified & Reviewed · Last updated May 2026 FCL shipping from China is a

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