Customer Background
Customer type: A small to medium-sized wholesaler in California, USA, specializing in Asian specialty foods
Procurement needs: First-time import of Chinese food seasonings (e.g., five-spice powder, chili sauce, hot pot base). Total volume: approx. 6 CBM across 5 SKUs
Key challenges:
Most suppliers required full container orders (20 CBM+), which exceeded the customer's budget and warehouse capacity
Products needed bilingual labels (English/Chinese) and small retail-ready packaging (200g/bag). Standard packaging did not meet local supermarket shelf requirements
Our Solutions
LCL (Less than Container Load) Shipping
Consolidated the customer’s goods with other export orders of frozen vegetables and food containers bound for the U.S. West Coast, sharing one 40' high cube container
Customer paid for only 6 CBM, saving approx. 65% on logistics costs compared to a full container
Utilized our long-term LCL consolidation channel through the Port of Los Angeles / Long Beach to ensure customs clearance and deconsolidation efficiency
Custom Packaging Service
Provided free design of bilingual (English/Chinese) packaging pouches compliant with FDA labeling regulations
Used the customer’s brand colors and easy-tear design to improve shelf appeal
Added an inner aluminum foil layer to extend seasoning shelf life to 24 months
Small-Batch Flexible Production
Coordinated with our supplier partner to accommodate a minimum order quantity of 200 cartons per SKU (12 bags per carton) , significantly reducing the customer’s upfront financial burden
Project Outcomes
Initial order value: USD 8,300 (including packaging and LCL ocean freight)
Lead time: Delivered to the customer’s warehouse in Los Angeles, CA within 28 days after order confirmation
Customer feedback:
“The trial batch sold out within two weeks across three local Asian supermarkets. The LCL solution gave us the confidence to test the market with a very small investment.”
The customer has since placed a follow‑up order for 8 additional seasoning SKUs plus food container combinations, increasing the total volume to 15 CBM
Key Takeaway
For small to medium‑sized wholesalers — who often face challenges with small volumes, specific packaging needs, and cautious market entry — offering flexible LCL consolidation + branded custom packaging can effectively lower the barrier to overseas sourcing and transform one‑time transactions into long‑term partnerships.
