The most common fear about ordering prefab cabins from China isn't quality — it's logistics. "What happens between the factory and my land?" Here's the full journey.
Step 1: Loading (Week 0)
Complete cabins are secured on flat racks (for oversized pods like the 9.5 m Space Capsule) or loaded whole into 40HQ containers (Apple Cabin: 2 units per container; Glamping Cabin: up to 6 flat-packed). Every unit is photographed before closure — you receive a loading report showing your cabins strapped, sealed and weather-protected.
Step 2: Sea Freight (Weeks 1–5)
Transit depends on the route — typically 2–5 weeks to most ports. While the vessel sails, your local team prepares the site: foundations, trenching for water and power, and crane access. This parallel work is where prefab schedules are won.
Step 3: Customs (Days, Not Weeks — If Prepared)
Your broker receives the full document set from our export team: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and CE documentation. With correct HS codes and complete paperwork, clearance is routine. This is exactly why a supplier with an in-house export team matters.
Step 4: Installation Day
Each cabin is trucked from port to site and crane-placed onto its foundation in 30–60 minutes. Leveling, anchoring, water in/out and power connection follow the same day. Most cabins are guest-ready within 24 hours of placement; a 10-unit camp typically completes installation in 1–2 weeks including decks and utilities.
What You Need to Arrange Locally
- A crane (typically 50–100 t mobile crane for capsules; smaller for lighter models)
- A local plumber and electrician for final connections — drawings provided by us
- Foundation built to the drawing we supply after order confirmation
- Inland transport from port to site (we can quote DAP including this in many markets)
The Bottom Line
Overseas delivery is a solved problem when it's engineered as one package — factory, freight, documents and installation guidance from a single responsible party. Ask any supplier exactly who does each of those four steps. If the answer is "you'll figure it out locally", keep looking.