Air shipping from China to Mali is typically used when:

1. Urgency: When there is an urgent need to transport goods quickly, such as perishable items, time-sensitive materials, or products needed to meet tight deadlines.

2. High-Value Goods: For valuable items where the cost of air freight is justified by the speed and security it offers. This includes electronics, pharmaceuticals, high-end fashion items, etc.

3. Low Volume, High Value: When the volume of goods is relatively low but the value per unit is high, making air freight a more economical option compared to sea freight.

4. Seasonal Demand: During peak seasons or holidays when there's a surge in demand and faster delivery times are required to meet customer expectations.

5. Supply Chain Optimization: When companies need to optimize their supply chain for just-in-time inventory management or to minimize inventory holding costs.

6. Perishable Goods: For perishable goods like fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and seafood, where air freight ensures quick delivery to maintain product freshness.

7. Remote Areas: When delivering goods to remote or landlocked areas where access by sea or road transport is limited or impractical.

8. Prototype or Sample Shipments: For sending prototypes, samples, or small batches of products for testing, evaluation, or showcasing at trade shows or exhibitions.

9. Emergency Situations: During emergencies such as natural disasters, humanitarian crises, or medical emergencies, where immediate delivery of relief supplies or medical equipment is essential.

10. Customs Clearance Advantages: When dealing with complex customs regulations or time-sensitive customs clearance processes, air freight can sometimes offer advantages over other modes of transportation.

When considering air shipping from China to Mali, it's crucial to weigh the advantages of speed and efficiency against the higher costs associated with air freight, and to assess whether the specific requirements of your shipment justify the expense.

The decision between Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL) shipping depends on various factors such as the volume of goods you're shipping, the urgency of delivery, cost considerations, and the nature of your cargo. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

1. Volume of Goods:

   • If you have a large volume of goods that can fill up an entire container, FCL might be more suitable as it offers dedicated space for your shipment.
   • For smaller volumes that don't fill up a container, LCL would be more economical as it allows you to share container space with other shipments.

2. Urgency:

   • FCL shipments typically have shorter transit times since they go directly to the destination without stops for consolidation. If time is crucial, FCL might be a better option.
   • LCL shipments may involve additional transit time due to consolidation and deconsolidation processes at transshipment hubs. If your cargo isn't time-sensitive, LCL could still be a viable choice.

3. Cost Considerations:

   • FCL shipping can be more cost-effective if you have enough cargo to fill a container. You pay for the entire container, regardless of whether it's fully loaded or not.
   • LCL shipping allows you to pay only for the space your cargo occupies within the container, making it more cost-effective for smaller shipments. However, it may incur additional charges like consolidation and deconsolidation fees.

4. Nature of Cargo:

   • Fragile or sensitive cargo might benefit from FCL shipping as it reduces the handling and potential damage associated with sharing container space.
   • LCL shipments involve more handling and potentially more risk of damage since your cargo will be loaded and unloaded alongside other shipments.

5. Customs Regulations and Restrictions:

   • Consider any specific customs regulations or restrictions that might apply to your cargo. Some types of goods may have specific requirements that make one shipping method more favorable over the other.

In summary, if you have a large volume of goods, need faster transit times, and can afford to fill a container, FCL might be preferable. Conversely, if your shipment is smaller, cost-effectiveness is a priority, and you're flexible with transit times, LCL could be the better choice. Always consult with your freight forwarder or shipping provider to assess the most suitable option based on your specific requirements and circumstances.

To track your shipment from China to Mali, you typically need a tracking number provided by the shipping carrier or freight forwarder. Once you have the tracking number, follow these steps:

1. Get the Tracking Number: This number is usually provided to you by the shipping company or the seller when your order is processed.

2. Visit the Carrier's Website: Go to the website of the shipping carrier you're using. Common carriers for international shipments include DHL, FedEx, UPS, and EMS. If you're using a freight forwarder, they might have their own tracking system.

3. Enter the Tracking Number: On the carrier's website, there should be a tracking or shipment tracking section. Enter your tracking number into the provided field.

4. Track Your Shipment: Once you've entered the tracking number, the carrier's website should display the current status and location of your shipment. This may include information such as when the shipment was picked up, departed from China, arrived in Mali, and other relevant updates.

5. Contact Customer Service: If you encounter any issues or if the tracking information seems unclear, you can contact the carrier's customer service for assistance. They can provide further details about your shipment's status and location.

Keep in mind that tracking information may not be updated in real-time, especially for international shipments, so it's normal for there to be some delay between updates. Additionally, factors like customs clearance and local delivery processes in Mali can affect the timing of your shipment's arrival.