How Coffee Beans Are Shipped Around the World

When you sip your morning pour-over, chances are the coffee beans inside spent weeks or even months traveling from a remote farm halfway around the globe. But have you ever wondered how those green beans actually get from the plantation to your roaster? The journey is far from simple — and the way beans are packed and shipped plays a major role in their quality and cost.

Most freshly picked coffee beans are shipped in 60-kilogram jute or sisal bags — although some regions use 45kg (Hawaii), 70kg (Colombia), or even 90kg (Puerto Rico) sacks. These bags are stacked in containers that hold 250 bags each or loaded onto wooden pallets, then transported by sea, rail, or increasingly, air. An estimated 2,250 ships worldwide specialize in moving coffee beans.

Green Coffee: The Form It’s Shipped In

Until they’re sold or exported, coffee beans are almost always stored and transported as “parchment coffee” — that is, still encased in their inner fruit layer, or parchment. While this adds bulk and raises shipping costs, it helps protect the beans during transit. The vast majority of newly harvested coffee moves in this form, not yet hulled or roasted.

How Coffee Bags Are Packed for Transport

Coffee beans are packed into standard 60kg jute or sisal bags — with regional variations. In Hawaii, 45kg bags are common; Colombia typically uses 70kg bags; and Puerto Rico sometimes opts for 90kg sacks. These individual bags are then loaded into shipping containers that fit around 250 bags each, or stacked onto wooden pallets for easier handling and transport.

The Global Coffee Shipping Network

An estimated 2,250 cargo ships are involved in transporting coffee beans internationally. The beans may travel by road to ports, then move via sea, rail, or increasingly air freight. Throughout this journey, moisture and insect infestation are constant risks that can degrade the beans’ quality. Once they arrive at their destination, the coffee is either sent to another storage facility or directly to a roaster.

From Farm to Roaster: What Happens at the End

When the shipment reaches its port of entry, coffee beans are offloaded and typically moved to a warehouse. From there, they may be stored temporarily or dispatched straight to a roaster. Throughout the process, proper handling is crucial to avoid spoilage, maintain freshness, and preserve the characteristics that roasters and drinkers value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What form are coffee beans in when they are exported?

Coffee beans are almost always exported as parchment coffee — still enclosed in their inner fruit layer, known as parchment. This adds weight and volume but helps protect the beans during transport.

How much do coffee beans usually weigh per bag?

Most coffee is shipped in jute or sisal bags weighing 60 kilograms. However, regional variations exist: Hawaii commonly uses 45kg bags, Colombia typically uses 70kg bags, and Puerto Rico sometimes uses 90kg bags.

How are the bags transported?

Coffee bags are packed into shipping containers that hold around 250 standard bags, or loaded onto wooden pallets. They are then shipped by sea, rail, or air — with an estimated 2,250 ships worldwide dedicated to coffee transport.

What risks do coffee beans face during transport?

During shipping, coffee beans are vulnerable to moisture and pest infestations, both of which can seriously damage their quality. Proper handling and storage are essential to prevent these issues.

Where do the beans go once they arrive at their destination?

After arrival, coffee beans are typically sent to a warehouse or directly to a roaster. They may be stored temporarily before being roasted or further distributed.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans That Travel Well

FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Guji Huaca features bright citrus and floral notes with a juicy body — perfect for highlighting the qualities preserved in well-shipped parchment coffee. Their Colombia Narino Huila offers balanced caramel and almond tones, showcasing the typical profile of 70kg Colombian-exported beans. For something more chocolatey and structured, try their Brazil Cerrado, a classic medium roast with nutty sweetness. All are sourced from farms using careful harvest and export practices. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.