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Shipping Guide: LCL vs. FCL for Thermal Transfer Ribbons
Thermal Transfer Ribbon (TTR) is a unique commodity in logistics: It is physically small but incredibly dense and heavy.
A small carton of 24 rolls can weigh 12kg. A single pallet can weigh 800kg. If you try to ship this via Air Express (FedEx/DHL), the shipping cost will often exceed the value of the product itself.
As a global exporter, Only Imaging advises all our international clients on the most cost-effective shipping methods.
1. Air Freight vs. Sea Freight
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Air Freight: Only recommended for Samples or extremely urgent Stock-Out situations. The cost per kg is too high for heavy wax ribbons.
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Sea Freight: The industry standard. Ribbons are non-perishable (unlike food), so the longer transit time (20-40 days) is worth the massive savings.
2. LCL (Less than Container Load)
If you are ordering 1 to 9 Pallets, you will ship LCL.
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Pros: You pay only for the volume (CBM) you use.
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Cons: Your goods are mixed with other cargo. There is a higher risk of damage if not packed correctly.
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Only Imaging Protection: For LCL, we use reinforced wooden crates or double-stacked pallets with edge protectors and heavy-duty shrink wrap to ensure your ribbons survive the shared container.
3. FCL (Full Container Load)
If you order 10+ Pallets (approx. 20ft container), FCL is the most economical choice.
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Pros: Lower cost per unit. The container is sealed at our factory and opened at your warehouse. Zero risk of lost cartons.
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Capacity: A 20ft container can hold approximately 20,000 to 30,000 rolls (depending on size).
4. Packing Matters
Ribbons are sensitive to pressure. If you stack heavy boxes too high, the cores on the bottom layer can crush (ovalize), making them unusable.
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Our Standard: We strictly limit pallet height and use “Do Not Stack” cones to prevent freight forwarders from putting other heavy cargo on top of your ribbons.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Freight Kill Your Profit
A great price on the ribbon means nothing if you overpay on shipping. Let our logistics team calculate the optimal pallet configuration for your order.
ONLY IMAGING is a leading supplier of labels, printing equipment and associate consumables, including TTR products in various widths and lengths. Please take the opportunity to learn more about our range of high-quality thermal transfer ribbons and explore our other products for any further questions you may have click Here.
