While international container shipping may seem a bit complex, it is anything but if you take the time to understand how things work! Regardless of whether you are a business owner that ships goods or an individual who is simply relocating, knowing how someone else’s shipping container goes from point A to B can help make sure there are fewer bumps along the way and get your stuff where it needs to go faster & cheaper. This comprehensive container shipping guide covers every important step along the journey, from booking to final-mile delivery.
What are shipping containers?
Shipping containers are strong metal boxes that are used to transport goods from place to place. They are generally made of steel and designed to be robust enough to handle long shipments.
Standardized containers have transformed the shipping and transport industry, allowing the transport of goods by rail, road and ship easily, as the containers can fit onto different forms of transport with ease. The standardization of containers has helped increase efficiency and economies of scale when transporting the approx. $3tn of trade which goes through our transport systems each year, from aerosol cans to zebras!
Shipping container sizes – width, length, and height
There are several different standardized container sizes, but we’ve put the main three sizes here:
- 20’GP = 20’DV = 20FT = 20′ = 20 feet general purpose
- 40’GP = 40’DV = 40FT = 40′ = 40 feet general purpose
- 40’HC = 40’HQ = 40 feet high cube
5 Things You Need to Consider Before Shipping Containers for The First Time
1.What needs to go into the container?
Firstly, it is important to think about what type of commodity you want to ship:
- What is the type of commodity?
- Is there anything that needs to be refrigerated?
- Is it considered to be dangerous cargo?
Finding the right logistics provider will depend on the type of cargo you are shipping. For example, some companies don’t offer refrigerated containers (reefers) or ship dangerous cargo.
2.What is the quantity and dimensions?
Before starting to ship, you need to figure out the quantity and dimensions of your cargo. This means you must consider the following three key points:
- Total weight
- Total size (m3)
- The number of boxes or pallets
The weight and dimension of your shipment play a role in your overall costs. Larger, longer and heavier shipments may require additional space; hence you can expect additional surcharges to appear on top of common services charges.
If you can’t fill an entire container, you might be looking for Less than Container Load (LCL). With LCL, your small-volume goods are combined with other orders to fill the container space — you only pay for the space you use.
3. Where are you shipping to and from?
The next step is to figure out the origin and destination locations of your goods. Do you want to move your cargo from door to door? Do you want to transport your cargo across different continents? The start and finish points will affect the overall freight cost and determine whether you need an end-to-end logistics service that provides inland transportation as well as ocean freight.
The origin and destination of your cargo also influences the need for customs services and insurance coverage. These extra services depend on whether you ship within a country or between countries, as well as if you ship inland or across the sea.
On the origin side of your shipment, you might face freight costs. Whether you have to pay them all depends on the Incoterms you have agreed on with the shipper of your cargo. Incoterms are rules that define the terms of trade for the sale of goods all around the world. You can think of them as the common language of trade – and by understanding them better, you will be better equipped to import and export goods with parties around the world. That’s why it’s important to know your incoterms and to pick the right one – because in some cases, the shipper will cover all freight costs on the origin side.
Take a look at our local information pages for important information on shipping to or from a specific region or country. We’ve gathered contact details and shipping information such as routes, demurrage, detention, charges, holidays, and cut off times.
4. What is your time plan?
The next step is to ensure you have a time plan ready. Make sure to know when your products should arrive at their destination. What if there are unexpected delays? For instance, you need to consider a longer waiting time when it’s coming up to peak logistics seasons such as Golden Week or Chinese New Year. So, make sure you have a detailed time frame in mind when shipping for the first time.
Another important factor is the mode of transportation when creating your time plan. It depends on the route you choose, but often, moving cargo by rail, road or
air takes less time than ocean transport. However, when you want to transport larger volumes of cargo, ocean transportation is the best option. At Maersk, we offer ocean and inland transportation to get your cargo delivered from door to door or from port to port.
5. What will your container transportation costs be?
The Incoterms are a good starting point to identify who is paying for each part of your transportation costs. Whether you are handling a bill of lading, creating a customs invoice or preparing a certificate of origin at a port – the Incoterms will guide you.
Shipping a container step by step
Booking a Container
You need a container that is suitable to your needs. Consider the following:
The type of container required Standard (20ft or 40ft), refrigerated (reefer), open-top or flat-rack containers based on the nature of your goods.
- Shipping line or freight forwarder: Evaluate rates, shipment times and reliability. Freight forwarders usually handle the whole process on your behalf.
- International Commerce Terms: Identify duties between shipper and receiver. Well-known terms include FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight).
After booking, you will get a booking confirmation and container release information.
Packing and Loading
Cargo safety and cost efficiency through proper packing:
- Palletizing: Arrange goods on pallets for simplified movement.
- Load distribution: Ensure loads are distributed evenly to avoid any top-heavy loads that may flip or move during transport.
- Cargo securing: Use straps, dunnage bags, airbags to secure items.
- Container inspection: Make sure that the empty container is clean, free of damage, and watertight before loading.
Take the time to label everything, and make a packing list for customs and tracking.
Transportation to Port
The container is then taken to the departure port after packing:
- Trucking or rail services: Use a hauler or multimodal transportation, depending on the location.
- Timing: Make sure you plan enough time to get to the port before the cut-off date.
- Seals: Ensure a high-security seal on the container. This number must be the same as the one on your documentation.
A transportation plan avoids delays, and avoids the costly charges for demurrage.
Customs Documentation
Documentation is always a part of compliance, and border crossing without the proper documents can be very difficult. Common documents include:
- Bill of Lading (B/L): Issued by the carrier as a receipt for goods and as proof that they have been placed on board.
- Commercial Invoice: Explains transaction and value of the goods.
- The Packing List: Contains list of items that are inside the container.
- Certificate of Origin: Shows where the goods are manufactured.
- Customs Declarations: Necessary for export clearance.
Check that all forms are correct and filed on time so no delays occur.
Loading Onto the Vessel
At the port, containers are stacked and loaded onto the ship:
- Port operations: The container passes through security, scanning, and stacking areas before loading.
- Vessel planning: Containers are loaded based on weight and destination to optimize balance and unloading order.
- Tracking systems: Your shipment receives tracking info through the carrier or forwarder portal.
This step finalizes the container’s acceptance for ocean transport.
Ocean Transit
During transit, your container travels to the destination port:
- Transit time: anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on where item shipped.
- Weather and routing: May affect ETA, so monitoring updates is vital.
- Container tracking: Most carriers offer real-time tracking and notifications.
Maintaining communication with your freight partner helps you anticipate any delays.
Arrival and Unloading
Upon arrival at the destination port, the container is offloaded:
- Port handling: Includes unloading from the vessel and movement to a storage or customs area.
- Customs clearance: Goods are inspected and cleared. Delays can occur if documentation is missing or incorrect.
- Port charges: Be aware of destination fees, including terminal handling and storage.
Ensure local agents are ready to process and release your cargo swiftly.
Final Delivery
Once cleared, the container is transported to its final destination:
- Delivery options: Direct trucking, rail, or a combination depending on the final location.
- Unloading: Either at a warehouse, business, or residence. Unpack carefully to avoid damage.
- Container return: If using a leased container, return it to the designated depot on time to avoid late fees.
This marks the completion of your container’s journey.
Conclusion
It may appear to be intimidating navigating the process of shipping a container, but with careful planning it can certainly roll out smoothly. It starts from how to choose the container, and goes all through documentation compliance coordination of logistics among other steps. Employing these best practices will virtually eliminate risks, decrease costs and get your cargo to the final destination safely — on time. In order to be successful, you need stay informed in an industry that changes constantly whether or not if it’s your first shipment ever.
FAQs
What is the price of a 20ft container transportation?
Let’s say in the range of $1,000–$5,000 (depending on originated, destination and shipping method).
How do you ship containers?
In this case, it is via sea, rail, or truck—through freight forwarders or shipping lines.
how much does it cost to ship a container to Canada?
Typically, it costs $2,000 — $7,000 depending on originated, destination and shipping method).
What does it cost to transport a 40′ shipping container?
$2,000 to $10,000; the actual price varies by distance as well as well as services provided.
How do you calculate a container’s shipping cost?
There are many factors to consider, such as container size, origin/destination costs, port charges, freight rates (which normally include a bunker adjustment factor), fuel surcharges, and handling fees, etc.
What is the least expensive way to ship containers?
Usually, the cheapest option for long distances is Full Container Load (FCL) by sea freight.
Can I ship a container I own?
Yes, but it needs to meet safety and certification standards (e.g., have a CSC plate).
Who covers the costs of the shipping container?
The buyer or seller, depending on the agreed Incoterms.
