Minimum order · Packaging · Dispatch window
Refractory Bricks — MOQ, Packaging & Lead Time
International buyers need clear answers up-front: what's the minimum order, how is it packed, how long does it take. This page is exactly that — category-wise MOQs, container capacity, and the production-to-dispatch window for every refractory product line we manufacture or merchant-export from Rajkot, Gujarat.
How MOQ works at firebrickssource.com
Three numbers buyers ask first
For refractories, three numbers drive every export quote: minimum order quantity (MOQ), container capacity, and lead time. MOQ is set by the economics of a single production run — below a certain tonnage the per-MT cost climbs sharply because of kiln-setup and changeover time. Container capacity is set by product density: dense fired bricks fill a 20-ft container at around 22 – 25 MT, while lightweight insulating fire bricks fill the same container at 18 – 20 MT. Lead time is driven by whether the grade is in stock, in standard production, or needs an indent batch — and by whether special shapes are involved.
Category-wise MOQ table
Standard MOQ, container fill and lead time
| Category | Standard MOQ | Container capacity (20-ft) | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire bricks | 5 MT | 22 – 25 MT | 25 – 35 days |
| High-alumina bricks | 5 MT | 22 MT | 30 – 40 days |
| Insulating fire bricks (IFB) | 2 MT | 18 – 20 MT | 25 – 35 days |
| Basic refractories | 10 MT | 22 – 25 MT | 35 – 45 days |
| Acid-resistant bricks | 5 MT | 22 MT | 25 – 35 days |
| Specialty refractories | 1 MT | 12 – 18 MT | 45 – 60 days |
| Special shapes | As quoted | As quoted | 30 – 60 days |
MOQ figures are indicative for standard stocked grades. Custom chemistries, oversized shapes and pilot orders are quoted individually.
Packaging
How refractory bricks ship from our works
Pallet
1 MT pallets
Standard pallet footprint 1.2 × 1.0 m, each carrying approximately 1 MT of refractory bricks. Bricks are layered with bonded straps to prevent slip during sea-freight movement.
Wrap
Shrink-wrap + corner board
Each pallet is shrink-wrapped on all four faces with high-tensile film and corner-protected with cardboard angles. Top covers added for partial-load containers to protect against handling damage.
Wood
ISPM-15 stamped timber
All pallets and wooden crates carry the ISPM-15 phytosanitary stamp required by importing countries. Certificate copy ships with the BL set; no quarantine delays on arrival.
Container loading
20-ft FCL stuffing at works
Stuffing is completed at our works under our QC. Containers are sealed and the seal number is recorded on the BL. Loading photos are shared on request — typically 8 – 12 photos covering empty container, pallet placement, mid-load and final-seal frames.
Documentation
Pre-shipment QC + paperwork
Each consignment ships with a packing list, commercial invoice, test certificate covering IS / ASTM properties, ISPM-15 certificate, certificate of origin and Bill of Lading. See our datasheets and quality reference for the test methods used.
Air vs sea
Sea is default; air is the exception
Sea freight is the default mode for refractory exports — densities are too high (typically 1.8 – 3.0 g/cm³) for air to be economical at any scale. We use 20-ft FCL containers for most orders; 40-ft is used for lightweight IFB or mixed cargo. Air-freight is offered for two cases only: samples (typically 3 – 20 kg by international courier) and urgent low-quantity shipments (200 – 500 kg) where a customer needs a stop-gap supply before the sea container arrives.
For complete Incoterm coverage including who carries the freight, see the Incoterms & shipping terms page. To start an export quote with quantity and destination port, use the quote form.