Worldwide

How container shipping works

 

On a consumer level, you might be used to the idea of being able to order goods or services from practically anywhere on earthand have it delivered within a reasonable amount of time, if not in a day or so. And while physical goods are generally shipped fromcentral facilities or warehouses, how do goods get to these places in the first place? Especially if they were originally madeoverseas (as so many goods often are.)

So, without further wait, here is everything you need to know about container shipping and some key terms and processes youshould be aware of if you want to look into it even further.

Types of containers

To start, let’s go over the types of containers available, used for different products, and in different shipping setups. If you areinterested in or want to know more about container shipping, try to learn at least each of the following types of containers, andperhaps look up more that might be more specific to your industry.

On top of all the above, you can safely assume there are variants of all the types of containers listed above (either in size or inadditional modifications.) There are also even more types of containers for specialized transport of goods, as some things requirecustom containers (not cheap, but necessary). For now, though, you likely only need to know about the seven types above.

Container sizes

Now that you are aware of what types of containers there are, what sizes are generally available ?

Containers are usually measured in the metrics of feet, and most containers are about 20-feet-long and eight feet-wide. Thatbeing said, there are also other sizes available, including 40-feet-long containers, 10-foot-long, and even 8-feet long. Containersare usually measured in TEUs, which determines how much cargo they can carry. There may also be a maximum weight limitassociated with a container, but this is unlikely to be an issue.

While most containers are eight feet tall as a standard, there are also taller containers (often referred to as high tops) that might beavailable depending on the shipping company and the goods needing transport. They can be tougher to handle, so they might notbe as commonly used. You might also find half-sized containers for more personal usage or much easier transport (by train ortruck).

Of course, much like above, there are also variations and custom solutions that we are not considering, although they will not benearly as common and applicable to you as the above options. As stated before, if you need a special container, you will generallyknow it ahead of time and work it into your solution.

The General Shipping Process

Now that you know what types of containers a company would theoretically be working with; we should break down each step thatgoes into container shipping. As with all longstanding industries and processes, there are multiple key steps. They have all beenworked out for some time, although incremental changes can occur with adjustments to legislation or technological advances.

As a quick note, we will be referring to the following:

  • Importer: The party or company that wants to receive cargo.
  • Exporter: Wants to send the cargo to the importer, likely after selling it.
  • Shipping Company: If the importer or exporter is not handling shipping in-house (unlikely), they will likely use the services of a shipping company, which will transport the cargo from the importer to the exporter. The term freight forwarder might also be used here.The importer can also potentially be the exporter, but we will assume they are different entities to break down the process. As with all things, there will be variances based on a specific situation, but the following will be the main trend.

The main process

While other guides might explain the following using different terms or add substeps, the following is a clear, if simplified, summary of how container shipping works:

Export Haulage: Products do not get to port just on their own, and most manufacturers are not set up right next door to one. For that reason, export haulage exists, in which the exporter or shipping company will forward the freight (generally by truck or train) to the port. This can take hours, days, or weeks, and the method will vary based on distance and geography.

Often the shipping company can or will arrange for this, but at other times either the exporter or importer must make arrangements to this effect. Export haulage generally ends when the cargo reaches the port for export.

Export Customs Clearance: The first of two main documentation steps required (at least for international shipping.) In this step, a licensed customs broker will clear the cargo to leave the country and receive a cargo declaration, breaking down all of its essential information.

It will generally be determined ahead of time who is responsible for taking care of this step (the shipper or the receiver). In most cases, it makes the most sense for the shipper to handle things, as their representatives will already be on the ground. However, some consignees or owners of the property to be shipped might have a presence in the country of origin that can handle such matters.

Documents and information will be required, but those documents vary by country, and you should check to see precisely what is needed, as the minute details can vary even depending on the cargo to be shipped. Generally, this step will be handled by the exporter or shipping company, and the importer will be notified if any information or additional documentation is needed.

Origin Handling: Origin handling can refer to all of the activities that occur after the container or items to be shipped have reached the exporting port but have not left yet. Any trucks or trains will be unloaded, and the cargo inspected and validated against existing records, and documentation takes place (also see the above step).

Following this, the cargo is generally placed into the port’s warehouse, and it waits there until the logistics and schedule dictate that it is time to load it onto a ship. A few days or so before it is scheduled to head out, the cargo will be loaded into containers and await loading onto the ship. A crane (usually) will load the containers on the ship, and the process will proceed from there once the ship leaves port.

Ocean Freight: The ship must eventually cross the ocean. The exact logistics of this will vary from ship to ship, although the freight forwarder (shipping company) will usually enter a shipping contract with the shipping line or owner or the freight vessel. The container will be placed on the vessel depending on the container type, and the voyage should ideally proceed without issue. Parties may or may not be able to track where your shipment is at any given point, depending on how many containers you are using.

The exact route can vary based on what is most efficient and any relevant deadlines. It is not uncommon for a cargo container to be transferred to multiple cargo ships through multiple ports (much like how people might change subway lines). There are usually fees associated with these extra ports or extra handling charges or steps. Still, an importer can generally assume they are included in the shipping’s initial price and planned for well ahead.

How long the ocean freight step takes naturally depends on how far the distance is between the two ports and how many stops are taken along the way.

Import Customs Clearance: To determine levies, duties, and other payments and make sure goods are as they should be, cargo must go through import customs clearance, much like export customers clearance.

Naturally, the exact process and requirements will vary from country to country, although responsible parties will generally tell you of anything needed, or the shipping company will handle the process for you as part of the arrangement. It is often the importer’s responsibility to handle the matter, but the task can be assigned or forwarded elsewhere.

You should note that this step can start a bit before the cargo arrives, as once the shipment has entered the border of the country,it has technically arrived (in most countries). Several different entities (a freight forwarder, a customs house broker, or the freightforwarder agent) can perform the clearance. Still, unless otherwise specified, the importer has to pay any related customs orimport fees.

Sometimes the freight forwarder will be unable or unwilling to perform customs clearance services, but the importer can find abroker if this happens.

Destination Handling: Much like how cargo is onboarded to the freight ship, there must also be an unloading process, and thatis destination handling. After documents are checked and everything is in order, the container is unloaded at the port and thenbrought to the warehouse, where the container is most likely unloaded. After unloading, the importer can collect the cargo directly,or other shipping processes (trucks, etc.) can ensue.

The freight forwarder is always responsible for this step, as they must collect the container from port.

Import Haulage: Once the cargo is in the import warehouse, it will travel, either by truck or train (or rarely plane) to the addressof the final destination. This last step is called import haulage, and it can be done by the shipping company if they have thecapabilities, or it might be outsourced to a trucking company or another shipping solution. Some importers might also makearrangements to have the cargo picked up on their own terms.

How exactly it happens will vary depending on the shipping agreement. Still, effectively it is the final step before the cargo isdirectly in the importer’s hands, which will then go towards manufacturing or the customer.

Models of delivery and possible pricing

Shipping costs are a significant expense for many companies, especially with large products. For example, try mailing a packagefrom the United States to Australia, or vice versa, and you will see just how expensive it can get for the average person. Whenmoving, some people will just decide to get new furniture instead of moving furniture cross-country due to the costs involved.

And while economies of scale impact container shipping and business, it still means that dedicated professionals have to work tokeep these costs low, and container shipping is their bread and butter for multiple reasons.

When a business, perhaps much like yours, is looking into container shipping, what is the pricing model? In truth, it varies andvaries greatly depending on the shipping companies and countries involved, but you can likely narrow it down to the followingmodels:

These might come under different names or have slightly different terms, but generally, this should cover almost everything andprovide a wide range of examples. As with most things container shipping, it would be wise to consult professionals about theprocess and not do things too quickly, especially if you are new to the process. Consulting a professional will also help youdetermine just which method of transport is the best one for you, and help you accurately work out the costs involved.

Responsibility for damages

While most shippers will make every effort to minimize damages to cargo and cargo containers, that does not mean that accidentsdo not occur and that arrangements should not be made regarding compensation for damages. The importer, exporter, or shippingcompany can be responsible, although the exact details depend on contracts, existing arrangements, etc.

With global container shipping, should you become involved, be careful about signing anything or agreeing to anything ahead oftime, and make sure that you are using trusted shipping companies and personnel, wherever that is in your control. Also,remember that accurate documentation is in the best interest of everyone involved.

The importance of global shipping

Think about all the items in your household or office that were not made in your country (and perhaps even quite a few that were).All these things had to make their way to your doorstep from manufacturing somehow, and the likelihood is that containershipping played a part. If you have a business involved in manufacturing or importing retail goods from other countries (as manybusinesses are), you should know exactly what goes into that.

How container shipping works: A global solution
Global shipping is not just a process that exists on the periphery of most people’s minds. It is a process that is effectively thecirculatory system of the economy, and every cargo container is a cell bringing people what they need, where they need it. It worksaround the clock and keeps businesses and people afloat.

Conclusion

Anyone who has worked with container shipping before can tell you that there is a lot more to it than the simplified concepts andsteps listed above. It is a massive industry, a career for many, and one of the reasons we enjoy so many amenities of modern life.We hope that this article allowed you to grasp the process better and answered any questions that you might have, and weencourage you to bookmark this page and research further if the topic is important to you. There are so many nuances we couldnot go over today, but they too are important.

This article was originally published on Conexboxes.com. No one makes it easier to save while getting a fully customizable steel storage container quote in minutes. Conex Boxes offers steel shipping container solutions – storage containers. Meet Conex Boxes and find the original article here. 

For more articles about containers, click here. 

Narjiss Ghajour

Editor-in-Chief of Maritime Professionals

291 Comments

  1. Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored at work so I decided to
    browse your website on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the information you present here and
    can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my mobile ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, excellent
    blog!ラブドール エロ

  2. 新品:ラインナップへの最新の追加を特集し ラブドール 中古ラブドール新作カテゴリで最新情報を入手してください ?これらのドールは、本物のような美しさ、技術、職人技の最先端を表しています ?ご経験を向上させ、業界が提供する最も新鮮で最も魅力的な仲間を受け入れる最前線に立ちましょう。

  3. The Instant Cash Advance Loans US app is a true game-changer in the world of finance. I’ve used it multiple times to help me get through financially challenging periods, and it has never let me down. The application process is smooth, the interface is user-friendly, and the funds are deposited quickly. This app is ideal for anyone who needs quick access to cash without the usual hassles of traditional loans. It’s been a lifesaver for me, and I’m sure it will be for you too. Don’t hesitate to download it and take control of your financial situation today. Here’s the link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cash.advance.loans

  4. Corn starch – this recipe takes advantage of corn starch for an extra silky super ラブドール 女性 用fudgy texture and in addition can make them gluten-absolutely free. You can utilize an equivalent level of flour if you favor, but I urge you to try this recipe as prepared with corn starch.

  5. ラブドール エロWe consider the overall nutritional quality of the foods we source and share information about relevant nutrition and health concerns with our partners and the people we serve.The Hip Hop Healthy Heart Program for Children? – An on-line Nationwide “Whole Child” K-6th grade comprehensive healthy literacy educational curriculum (mind,

  6. エロ 人形and it can be difficult to talk with each other about it in a way that is never blaming and never hurtful.”MORE RELATIONSHIP ADVICEHow one couple saved their marriage by asking this simple questionHow to use sexting to improve your marriageHow thoughtful communication can improve your marriage,

  7. I surprise how much effort you put to make any such fantastic informative website.セックス ドールsdsdsadsadsdasdsdsadsadsad sdsadas dasdasThanks very interesting blog!Outstanding post but I was wondering if you could write a litte moreon this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more.

  8. often used by workplace leaders to assert their authority at the expense of their team and the company.Passive-aggressive individuals who are feeling maltreated or overlooked by their superiors or coworkers may feign compliance and congeniality while intentionally delaying or neglecting responsibilities or covertly sabotaging work projects.ラブドール エロ

  9. この罪で逮捕された『コアマガジン』の太田章容疑者は「わいせつにならない程度に修正した」と容疑を否認しましたが、警察による家宅捜査を受けた上逮捕のきっかけとなった月刊誌は廃刊となってしまいました

  10. Someone essentially assist tto makee severely aarticles I would state.

    Thatt is thhe fidst time I frequentged youjr web pagee and thus far?
    I surpriaed with the analusis youu made too create this actal put up amazing.
    Magnificcent job!

  11. オナドール300+ Best Enjoy Your Vacation Wishes and MessagesIs your friend or colleague about to embark on a well-deserved vacation? Are you looking for the perfect message to wish them a happy vacation? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with more than 300 “enjoy your vacation” messages and wishes to help you spread joy and send your heartfelt wishes.Exploring new places is good for you.

  12. リアルなコンパニオン、コレクターズアイテム、ユニークなアートピースまで、あらゆるニーズに応えるドールが揃っています.各ドールのページには詳細な説明と高解像度の画像があり、特徴をしっかりと把握できるため、納得のいく選択が可能です.中国 えろ

  13. Hello! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog. Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? With thanks

  14. セックス ドール各商品ページには、製品の詳細な説明と高品質な画像が豊富に掲載されており、購入前にしっかりと情報を確認できます.この透明性と使いやすさが、多くのユーザーにとってcomを信頼できるサイトとして支持される理由です.

  15. Hello there, You’ve done an incredible job.
    I’ll certainly digg it and personally suggest to my
    friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this web
    site.

  16. Amazing blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your theme. Kudos

  17. I havve been browsing on-line greate than 3 hours theae days,
    but I never foiund anny fascinating articlle lije
    yours. It is lovely worth sufficient for me. Personally, if all
    web ownerds andd blggers made good contewnt material ass youu did, thhe internwt will likely bee a lott
    more uuseful than ever before.

  18. リアル エロbecause people fallaciously resort to reverse inference—instead of accounting for the many possible triggers of activation,they focus on the one they’re most curious about “There is no simple one-to-one mapping between psychological states and activity in specific brain areas.

  19. Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us have created some nice procedures and we are looking to exchange techniques with other folks, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.

  20. This is very fascinating, You are an excessively professional blogger. I’ve joined your feed and sit up for seeking extra of your excellent post. Additionally, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

  21. but it’s still important to be fully transparent with jydolla partner in order for the sexual situation to be entirely consensual. Even if your partner is completely fine with period sex,

  22. hello there and thank you for your information – I have certainly picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise some technical issues using this web site, since I experienced to reload the site many times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and can damage your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective intriguing content. Ensure that you update this again very soon..

  23. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100 sure. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks

  24. I’m extremely inspired with your writing skills and also with the structure for your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is uncommon to look a great blog like this one today..

  25. Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  26. F*ckin¦ amazing issues here. I¦m very glad to look your article. Thanks so much and i am looking ahead to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?

  27. I’m still learning from you, but I’m making my way to the top as well. I absolutely love reading all that is posted on your site.Keep the tips coming. I enjoyed it!

  28. Thanks for some other informative blog. The place else may I get that kind of info written in such an ideal way? I have a mission that I am just now running on, and I’ve been on the glance out for such information.

  29. 中国 えろ美しくリアルで、あなたの個人的なスタイルを反映するドールへの投資を検討しているなら、comを探求することを心からお勧めします.このサイトが提供する卓越した品質とサービスを体験するチャンスをお見逃しなく.

  30. その卓越した品質、豊富なカスタマイズオプション、優れたカスタマーサービスが、新規の購入者や経験豊富なコレクターにとって最高の選択肢となっています.セックス ドール美しくリアルで、あなたの個性を反映するドールを探しているなら、comをぜひご覧ください.

  31. Once I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any manner you possibly can take away me from that service? Thanks!

  32. Great – I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..

  33. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn anything like this before. So good to seek out any individual with some original ideas on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this web site is something that is wanted on the internet, somebody with somewhat originality. useful job for bringing one thing new to the internet!

  34. Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks However I’m experiencing situation with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting similar rss problem? Anyone who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

  35. It¦s actually a great and useful piece of info. I am happy that you simply shared this useful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  36. I think this is among the most significant info for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general things, The site style is great, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers

  37. Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was looking for! “If you could choose one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.” by Jennifer Jones.

  38. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.

  39. Thank you, I have just been looking for information about this topic for ages and yours is the best I’ve discovered till now. However, what concerning the bottom line? Are you positive concerning the source?

  40. Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your post seem to be running off the screen in Safari. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know. The style and design look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Thanks

  41. Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It if truth be told used to be a amusement account it. Glance complicated to far brought agreeable from you! However, how can we be in contact?

  42. Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your web site is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this blog. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and simply could not come across. What a perfect site.

  43. of course like your website but you need to test the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth then again I will certainly come again again.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button