Heighten is a world-leading freight forwarder, whose expertise makes theme one of the biggest shipping and air freight movers to and from China. Collectively, the Heighten teams boasts in-depth knowledge of the operations of China customs, CIQ and cultural departments – ensuring their position as a trusted partner for a high volume of leading Chinese museums for delicate freight moving processes.
We are delighted to be joined by Heighten’s Director of International Operations, James Grayland, to exclusively share the nitty gritty of exporting to China exclusively to Experience UK members.
James Grayland, Director of International Operations at Heighten
To commence, James explains how Heighten noticed a gap in the market to export to China:
“Shanghai Heighten was established in 2007 and we subsequently established Heighten Europe in 2010.
“Our base is very much China orientated, though, our focus is global. What we have found over the years, no matter whether it is overseas companies looking to China, or Chinese companies looking overseas; there is a need for better communication and engagement.
“Often the challenges are perceived and seem overwhelming. For many in the UK, Europe and US then China is seen as inaccessible and fraught with insurmountable problems and therefore unacceptable risk.”
James explains the start to end freight forwarding process:
“Critically when importing to China, preparation is key. Depending on what is being shipped, we ideally get involved early on in the process. This not only helps with the logistics but many other aspects of project planning, security & safety and risk management.
“Typically, we discuss the overall needs of the parties involved and try to understand factors such as timing and milestones, along with details relating to the cargo for example the nature of the packaging, size/volume, budgets and any preferences for the mode of shipping. Along with documentation needs. In some cases, we work with the exporter’s existing freight forwarder, other times we provide a full door to door (nail to nail) solution through our global network of partners.
“From the physical side of the process, a lot depends on what is to be shipped. Probably the most complex tends to be museum exhibitions which can require significant reviews to understand on-site packing needs, both, of the objects and the site, this can also include measuring objects in order to prepare customised crating and packing. Other projects may be simpler if the items to be shipped are already crated, in which case the first steps tend to come down to communication and planning so that all those involved are aware of timings and all-side’s expectations.
“Next is the movement from the origin site, usually through to the port (air, sea or rail) of export. Challenges here include security, out of gauge objects, challenging UK roads (lanes and low bridges!) and the need for specialist equipment. Once at the port then consideration needs to move to formal customs processes and if necessary, the handling in the change of mode that the objects will move on (e.g. land to air; land to rail; land to sea).
“Once on the move internationally, tracking and preparation for arrival to China is critical. Border controls may seem onerous to many, but again it comes down to preparation and knowledge. By knowing what is being transported and ensuring all documents are aligned, then typically, although may be relatively slow by some national standards, China customs (GACC) and quarantine (CIQ) are usually very supportive and endeavour to process shipments in a timely fashion. When problems arise, again communications and proactiveness is vital.
“For museum and gallery exhibition projects, consideration needs to be given to whether the borrower has import bond waivers or if these can be negotiated with China Customs. Typically waivers are only available for national level galleries and museums, or exhibitions of significance. Typical temporary import bonds (TIBs) are high compared to international standards, as such, especially for many classifications of exhibitions we recommend organising an ATA CARNET. Another consideration that needs to be made is related to relevant permits.
“Once released, attention moves to delivery. There are numerous solutions that can be delivered depending needs and the nature of the project. This can be as simple as delivering the full, loaded container to site and then returning the empty. For more complex, time constrained events such as concerts or exhibitions we can provide dedicated teams of professional handlers to unload and where applicable install. Our teams work alongside roadies and local contract teams to provide additional resources and optimise relevant processes.”
“The experience sector is China has grown tremendously in the last decade and continues to develop at a rapid pace.”
James shares why UK museum suppliers looking to expand their global footprint should consider projects in China:
“The experience sector is China has grown tremendously in the last decade and continues to develop at a rapid pace. Especially in the Eastern cities, but increasingly inland too, Chinese are looking for new experiences and have an increasingly wide range of interests from culture, history, science, technology, media and multimedia. Many Chinese now have a very open mind and are keen seek out new and interesting exhibitions.
“For museums and exhibition providers, the Chinese market can be an exciting market in which to showcase collections due to the high adoption of technology and the enthusiasm to share experiences in person or via social media.”
“There has been an explosion of new museums in China in the last five years”
Talking project opportunities
James provides an overview of the museum sector in China:
“There has been an explosion of new museums in the last 5 years. Most provinces now have modern, world class provincial museums that by European standards are extremely large (sqm). The availability of space provides opportunities that may be hard to find elsewhere and furthermore, it means these provincial museums are eager to utilise these spaces. Many of the staff within these museums lack international experience, which can be a challenge but also a huge opportunity for lenders.
“Major cities too have been developing more and more culture centres, museums and galleries which again have a thirst for a diverse range of exhibitions. “
We ask James that since founded, has Heighten experienced a rise in UK companies shipping to China:
“On the whole UK lenders are still relatively cautious. We tend to find US museums and lenders to be more active in China. Likewise, European countries such as France have benefited from their ‘culture’ capital and early engagement including projects such as that on the West Bund area by the Centre Pompidou www.wbmshanghai.com / https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en/the-centre-pompidou/international-offers/centre-pompidou-x-west-bund-museum-project-shanghai.
“Interestingly the West Bund Museum was designed by British architect David Chipperfield. Greece is another very active country; very proactive, partially to do with the excellent government relationships and the huge Chinese FDI into Greece along with strong cultural value and a vibrant modern art scene.
“We hope that the new Museum of Art Pudong (MAP) – www.jeannouvel.com/en/projects/shanghai-pudong–art–museum which will open this year, and has been supported by the Tate Modern will increase the number of exhibitions coming to China in the near future.”
Talking benefits and challenges
James provides scope on how China’s shipping process differs from other countries the UK maybe used to:
“China is an interesting country to work with. On many levels projects can move very rapidly compared to the West. However, similarly, certain aspects can seem to move very slowly and can cause significant frustration with overseas lenders. There is definitely a need to understand the culture and the way of working. This is more evident when working outside of more international areas such as Shanghai and Guangzhou etc..
“In terms of sending exhibitions to China, then there are many extra considerations to make including exhibition permits; planning show materials – catalogues and printed materials can sometimes be problematic due to content controls; equipment (AV / displays etc.) and generally on site operations.
“Consideration should be made around installation and facility reports, again it is important to outline any requirements the lenders may have early on the process to avoid surprises.
“China customs is a very big organisation and although there has been significant improvement in transparency, efficiency and standardisation there still remains much more to do. What this means for people exporting to China is that there can be a lot of inconsistency in how individual shipments are handled. These inconsistencies can even exist within a city for example. Inconsistency between processes at airports and seaports, however, they are even more noticeable between regions, say Beijing and Shanghai or Xiamen and Guangzhou.
“There has been integration between the former quarantine department (CIQ) and customs (GACC), which has streamlined the overall process, however, there is still someway to go to completely integrate which can mean challenges if not well versed in the process.”
All things Heighten
James explains why Heighten is special against other companies who offer similar services:
“We believe there are several elements as to what makes Heighten extra special! Experience is an important aspect, the majority of the team has been with Heighten for a minimum of 5 years, with many being part of the team for 10 years. This ensures a close team spirit as well as excellent knowledge of logistics in general as well as in the concert, exhibition and museum spaces.
“Our aim is to deliver solutions to clients. Through strong partnerships we can deliver end to end offerings that allow our client to focus on their specialities and core objectives. This ensures the process is smooth and it frees client to work on the numerous other aspects of the projects that demand and deserves time.
“Communication is another key element. Many of the projects we engage in have very long planning cycles. As previously mentioned, by starting dialogues early many challenges and problems can be eliminated or addressed in a timely manor, with concerns can be discussed before they become issues.”
We ask how Heighten works with clients on tight deadlines:
“Good question! Unfortunately, I am sure we are all aware that often project timeframes can slip. Heighten frequently finds itself stuck in the middle between delays caused for any number of reasons on the lender/shipper side and fixed dates on the borrower’s/consignee’s side. Our team has a lot of experience here and we can work to expedite processes and find solutions that help everyone meet their necessary goals.”
James shares why UK companies should entrust Heighten to forward their freight:
“We are very open with our clients. They have direct access to the project manager, and where necessary other members of the team. This means concerns can be raised quickly and problems, that do arise, as they will do, can be solved safely and promptly.
“The project team develop the solution based on the key requirements of the clients and we engage with all stakeholders including the lender and the borrower. By working in this open way, we can often resolve bottlenecks that can arise between the main parties, especially if the lender is unable to be in China on a regular basis. This facilitation across cultures and time zones can be very valuable especially in complex, high value, tight time frame projects.
Words supplied by James Grayland, Director of International Operations at Heighten
