If you’re planning to ship goods and need insights into container shipping overseas, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the process step by step. It covers all aspects of international container transport, including logistics solutions, types of containers, regulations, and more to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Keep reading to discover how to ship containers internationally!
Table of Contents:
1. Choosing the right shipping container size
Just like you’d select the appropriate box at the post office for domestic deliveries, choosing the right container size is vital when shipping goods internationally. The standard options include 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot high cube containers, typically offering 20 to 50 feet of space.
For additional flexibility, smaller 10-foot and larger 45-foot containers are also available to suit various shipping requirements. If needed, you can even arrange to ship an empty container.
Selecting between FCL and LCL
In addition to container size, it’s essential to align your cargo volume with the appropriate load option.
For example, if you’re shipping 250 cubic feet of cargo overseas, it wouldn’t make sense to book an entire 20-foot container, leaving most of it empty. In such cases, a Less than Container Load (LCL) is a more economical way, as your shipment will share container space with others heading to the same destination, saving on costs.
Conversely, if you are shipping a large volume and can justify the expense, Full Container Load (FCL) is the better option. With FCL, you can exclusively use the entire container, streamlining logistics and offering more convenience for you and the forwarding company.
2. Deciding the shipping methods
When shipping containers overseas, you have several options:
Sea Freight
It is typically the most cost-effective solution for transporting large volumes of heavy cargo, including raw materials, industrial machinery, vehicles, etc. These items are shipped on massive container vessels with capacities ranging from 10,000 to 21,000 TEUs.
Air Freight
Airfreight is ideal for smaller shipments that need to arrive quickly. This method is also beneficial for high-value goods or urgent deliveries. Items like documents, consumer electronics, clothing, and other light products are commonly carried by air. It generally utilizes ULD containers, often made of aluminum, which are enclosed boxes designed to keep cargo secure during transport.
Road Freight
Road freight involves delivering goods via trucks for both international and domestic deliveries. Even when shipping by sea, road freight typically manages the initial or final part of the journey, transporting goods between the port and their destination.
Rail Freight
This method uses trains to move cargo across long distances and is an efficient option for transporting heavy or bulky items over domestic or international routes.
3. Estimating international shipping rates
The cost of shipping containers internationally depends on several key factors:
Container Size and Type
Smaller 20-foot containers are generally less expensive than larger 40-foot or specialized containers, such as refrigerated (reefer) units.
Route Demand
High-demand routes are typically more costly, while less frequented routes may offer lower rates.
Seasonal Changes
Shipping rates often rise before peak seasons like the December holiday rush and the Chinese New Year in January.
Fuel Prices
Fluctuations in fuel prices impact shipping rates, often resulting in surcharges like the bunker adjustment factor (BAF).
Additional costs include inland transportation, terminal handling, and customs clearance fees.
How are container shipping costs calculated?
Let’s say you need to ship from China to the UK, here is a quick look at how international shipping rates are determined:
LCL Shipment
For LCL freight, the shipping cost is based on either weight or volume, depending on which one is higher (also called the “chargeable weight.”) The freight rate is calculated by multiplying the shipment’s weight (in kilograms) or volume (in cubic meters) by a base LCL rate.
FCL Shipment
For FCL freight, current shipping costs range from approximately $3,150 to $6,950, depending on your destination in the UK and container size.
For a more detailed quote on how to ship a container overseas, contact our experts for competitive rates and tailored logistics solutions.
4. Loading your container strategically
Start by placing heavier items at the bottom of the container to prevent lighter goods from being crushed.
Next, use durable boxes and protective materials, such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts, to safeguard fragile items like furniture during transport. If you’re shipping goods with high moisture content (such as cocoa beans or unroasted coffee), consider lining the container’s walls and roof with moisture-absorbing paper to reduce dampness.
To further reduce the risk of leaks, store liquid-containing items at the lowest level of the container. Ensure all containers are securely sealed and use moisture-resistant packaging for extra protection.
In addition to packing strategically, there are a few extra measures you can take to protect your items during international container shipping:
- Secure all items with ropes or straps to prevent shifting during transport.
- Purchase insurance to cover any potential loss or damage during the shipment.
- Consider hiring a professional packing and loading service from ASLG to ensure everything is properly packed and secured from door to port.
5. Stay aware of customs and border control regulations
Each country has its own set of rules for imports and exports, so it’s essential to be well-informed before shipping containers overseas.
For example, importing e-cigarettes into the UK from China may require additional clearance due to stringent tobacco product regulations. To avoid delays, ensure you have the correct customs forms, such as the Dangerous Goods Declaration, for China and the UK. Keep these documents alongside other critical paperwork, like the packing list and bill of lading.
Moreover, it’s vital to declare all items in your shipment accurately. Trying to hide or under-declare goods may not only result in penalties but could also lead to confiscation by customs officials.
Also, be sure to remove prohibited or restricted items—such as weapons or articles that may cause religious or political tensions—beforehand to avoid customs delays and issues.
6. Adhere to proper labeling instructions
Ensure you follow the shipping company’s guidelines for labeling your packages. Required labels include port information, gross and net weights, customer identification codes, and more. It’s necessary to apply these labels before shipping. For security reasons, avoid listing the contents of the container on the label to help prevent theft.
7. Coordinating pickup with your freight forwarder
In international container shipping, the final step usually involves trucking the container to its destination, where it will be unloaded and the goods unpacked.
While this process can be complicated, partnering with a reliable logistics provider like Airsupply simplifies it.
At ASLG, we collaborate with trusted carriers to move all kinds of goods worldwide via container shipping. Our full-service solutions include customs clearance, document preparation, and cargo insurance, ensuring a seamless shipping experience from start to finish.
