Sourced in China — Choosing Sea, Air, or Mixed Modes
A practical comparison of sea (FCL/LCL), air via Schiphol, and when mixed modes make sense for products sourced from China.
Mode trade-offs
| Mode | Best when | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Sea FCL/LCL | Cost-sensitive, stable volume | Longer transit; booking windows |
| Air | Urgency, high value density | Cost; screening and docs |
| Multimodal | Balance of cost and time | Handoffs need clear ownership |
Documents still decide the schedule
Even a perfect booking stalls without aligned commercial documents and compliance inputs. Agree the HS classification and the commercial terms with the supplier before the goods are ready, not at the dock.
Our role
For suitable products and requirements, Continental Supply Co. B.V. sources from established Chinese manufacturers and suppliers, case by case, and manages the commercial purchase. Once the goods are bought, we coordinate the Netherlands leg — customs clearance, warehousing, and onward transport — when required.
Next step
Share the product, quantity, and target dates with info@cosupplybv.com; we come back with the available options, usually within one business day.