We know it can be hard to tap into international trade when you’re new to the logistics language and processes. And understanding how to ship a container can seem overwhelming. To simplify your journey into container shipping, we’ve identified five crucial considerations – with our insights, necessary shipping information, and key requirements. Let’s get your cargo moving!

What are you shipping in your container?

Knowing precisely what your freight is and what will go inside your container is essential:

• Commodity type: Are the goods standard, refrigerated (perishables), or classified as dangerous cargo?
• Special handling requirements: Your chosen logistics provider must support your cargo type, including specialised containers such as reefers or tanks.

Clearly defining your cargo type upfront helps avoid shipment delays or rejections.

Based on your commodity, containers can come in various sizes and specifications. Selecting the right one is crucial to protect your cargo and optimise shipping costs. Here’s a guide to shipping container sizes and types. Before choosing a container, assess your cargo’s requirements, including size, weight, and any special handling needs.

What are the cargo dimensions and weight?

Before shipping your container, determine the exact size and weight of your cargo:

• Total weight and total volume (m³) directly influence the type and size of the container you’ll use. Larger, longer and heavier shipments require additional space, so you can expect additional surcharges. Know more about tare, net, and gross weight here.
• You also need to understand the difference between LCL and FCL in shipping. Opting for Full-Container Load (FCL) means you utilise the entire container. With Less-than-Container Load (LCL), you only use and pay for a portion of the container’s capacity. Choosing correctly between FCL and LCL can significantly affect your shipping costs.

What is your shipment’s origin and destination?

Clearly define your shipment’s origin and final destination.

• Are you shipping containers internationally or within the same region?
• Is door-to-door shipping required, or just port-to-port service?
• Know about the Incoterms®. They determine who covers transportation and customs charges, influencing overall shipping costs and responsibilities.

The start and finish points will affect the overall freight cost and determine whether you need an end-to-end logistics service that combines inland transportation and ocean freight. You can also check our local information pages for region-specific details like import/export requirements, documentation, routes, extra charges, holidays, and cut-off times.

What are your tentative shipping timelines?

Effective container shipping demands precise planning and timing:

• Establish realistic timeframes. Include transit, loading/unloading, customs clearances, and a buffer for potential delays.
• Factor in seasonal shipping peaks like Chinese New Year or Golden Week, which can significantly increase shipping times and costs.
• Evaluate different transport modes (rail, road, ocean, or air). Ocean transport suits larger cargo volumes but generally takes longer.

Having a detailed timeline ensures your shipments arrive when needed, avoiding costly disruptions. Ideally, have a buffer in terms of timelines and budgets to account for contingencies.

What are your container shipping costs and fees?

When shipping containers for the first time, understanding the shipping costs is crucial:

• Identify costs like ocean freight rates, customs duties, insurance, and other handling charges.
• Factor in additional costs such as demurrage and detention, container chassis fees, and other surcharges.
• Review your agreed-upon Incoterms® to determine which charges you’re responsible for and which your supplier covers.

Get a detailed cost breakdown from your shipping provider to avoid unexpected expenses. Learn more about key components of freight shipping costs here.

Shipping containers for the first time can seem overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. With Maersk Go, you get a simple, self-service platform to book, track, and manage every shipment, all in one place. Whether you’re new to logistics or looking for a smoother way to ship, we’re here to make the process easier.