What is Coffee Shipping?
Coffee shipping refers to moving coffee beans, green or roasted, from farms and exporters to importers, roasters, or distributors. In specialty coffee, shipping is carefully managed to preserve quality, maintain traceability, and ensure timely delivery.
Why coffee shipping matters
Quality preservation: Proper storage, handling, and transport prevent spoilage and moisture damage.
Traceability: Shipping documents maintain origin and lot information, essential for microlots and premium lots.
Supply chain reliability: Efficient shipping enables roasters to plan inventories and maintain consistent offerings.
Specialty vs. Commercial Coffee
Specialty coffee shipping prioritizes temperature, humidity, and traceability, often in small, carefully packed lots. Commercial coffee prioritizes volume and speed, sometimes at the expense of quality control.
Where Nordic Approach fits in
At Nordic Approach, our logistics team, coordinating from Oslo and Addis Ababa, oversees every step from contract finalization to arrival at our EU warehouse or customer ports. We manage shipment bookings, bag marks, pre-shipment samples, documentation, and container tracking to ensure coffees arrive in top condition. By centralizing tracking in our ERP system and maintaining strong supplier relationships, we navigate challenges like container shortages or port congestion while keeping clients informed. This meticulous approach guarantees that roasters receive traceable, high-quality coffees exactly as intended.
FAQ about Coffee Shipping
Q1: What are the costs of shipping coffee?
A1: Shipping costs vary depending on volume, destination, and method. Sea freight is generally cheaper, air freight is faster but more expensive.
Q2: Where can I find estimations about shipping costs?
A2: You can request a quote from your importer, shipping agent, or freight forwarder—they can provide up-to-date cost estimates.
Q3: How do exchange rates affect coffee shipping costs?
A3: Shipping costs are often billed in USD or local currency. Fluctuating exchange rates can increase or decrease the final cost.
Q4: What is the minimum order (MOQ) or volume?
A4: MOQs depend on the coffee origin and supplier. Typically, it’s measured in full bags or by container volume.
Q5: Do you use air or sea freight?
A5: We use both. Air freight is faster for smaller volumes, while sea freight is more cost-effective for larger shipments.
Q6: Are the pallets stackable?
A6: Yes, pallets can be stacked, but we generally don’t recommend it for safety and stability reasons.
Q7: Can I combine bags and boxes in a pallet?
A7: Yes, combining bags and boxes on a single pallet is possible without issue.