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7 Important things you need to know about international container shipping

International container shipping can be a daunting task, but with the right planning and execution, it can be a relatively simple process.

The cost of shipping a container will vary depending on the company you choose and the destination country. It’s also important to factor in the cost of customs duties and taxes, which can be quite expensive in some countries.

When choosing a shipping company, make sure you ask about their experience in shipping containers to your chosen destination country. They should be able to advise you on the best way to ship your goods and what expenses you can expect.

In this guide, we will outline the necessary steps for shipping a container internationally.

Costs can’t be underestimated, so it is critical to make sure you, the shipper, or the consignee, make it clear who settles for every step of a shipping procurement. Prevent the most costly surprises and delays by making sure everyone is on the same page as to their relation to every step in the shipment.

1- Export haulage:

The forwarder s premises involves the cargo move from supplier to forwarder s premises in the case of less than container load (LCL) shipments. There are (for example) port consolidation centers (from which the supplier will ship) from which there may be either the supplier or nominated representatives of the forwarder controlling the forwarder s premises associated with less than container load shipments.

The shipment is usually transported by truck, rail, or some combination of the two. If a shipper was ordered to pay for this part of the transportation, it would typically be arranged with a local transportation company.

2- Export customs clearance:

An export transaction often necessitates compulsory regulatory paperwork. Customs clearance is a process that concerns a declaration being filed and all required documentation is submitted to authorities by companies whose customs licenses are accepted.

The clearance process may be completed either by a freight forwarder that has the proper license or by an agent appointed by the freight forwarder. Alternatively, the process may be completed by a customs house broker appointed by the exporter, who is not necessarily involved in any other part of the process.

This step should be carried out before the shipment leaves its country of origin, and it should be done before the shipment enters the warehouse of the freight forwarder.

3- Origin Handling:

Physical handling and handling cargo at the origin warehouse until loading it onto a ship in a container are all part of origin handling. Many different entities collaborate to perform each step of cargo handling, but the foremost contributors are the freight forwarder and the agent appointed by the freight forwarder. When the cargo has been received, it is inspected, checked for loading, combined with other packages, packed into a container, and moved to the port where it’s loaded on the ship.

4- Sea freight:

The freight forwarder establishes the shipping line that will be necessary for the ocean freight from origin to destination to meet the shipment’s timeline. The forwarder and the shipping line have a contract with each other for the container, and the shipper or consignee is not required to have direct communication with the shipping line in this step.

The cargo shipping fees will be forwarded to the person or entity shipping the goods, whether it’s the shipper or the consignee. However, sea freight does not cover the total costs of shipping from port to port. Other fees, such as bunker adjustment factor and currency adjustment factor, will also be passed along to the person or entity doing the shipping.

5- Import customs clearance:

Import customs clearance process can be started before the shipment arrives at the destination.

Concerning exporting and customs clearance, it’s a formality where the cargo owner and exporter engage in a process that declares the shipment and fills any relevant documents that are required to permit customs brokers to register customs duty charges. Import customs clearance is undertaken by a freight forwarder or a customs broker.

This step should be completed before the shipment leaves the destination warehouse.

6- Destination handling:

Prior to transferring the cargo from ship to shore and from the port to a forwarder’s warehouse, the cargo has typically been dumped, stuffed, and prepared to be released to a consignee.

7- Truck for haulage of LCL consignments:

Handling at the destination is always done by the freight forwarder and it includes many fees and charges that need to be paid in full before the shipment is handled to the consignee. These fees can be paid by the shipper or the consignee, depending on their agreement.

Shipping a container internationally requires a lot of planning and hard work to be performed properly. International container shipping requires specialized knowledge of the transportation industry and shipping companies, as well as experience in international trade.

In conclusion, there are several things to consider when shipping a container internationally. However, following these simple steps can help make the process easier. And by preparing ahead of time and being organized, you can ensure a smooth shipping experience.