International Container Transport
Full Container Load is a sea freight service where one sea container is comprised of the goods of only one shipper or consignee. Usually the containers are loaded by the shipper in his location and then shipped by sea, railway or with trucks to the destination.
SPECIFICATION OF FULL CONTAINER LOADS
In addition to usual sea containers (20' DC, 40' DC and 40' HC) we also use other types of containers like 45 'High Cube, Open Top and Flat Rack in sizes 20', 40 ' etc. However the availability of the latter containers may be limited and depends on equipment of shipping line or carrier.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Most common way of shipping is renting a sea container from the shipping line or carrier. In this case it is important that the unloaded container is returned to its owner’s terminal within a set time limit.
A less common way is to use a shipper-owned container. This means buying a container for your shipment in the inception port. Then the container is your property and you do not have to return it to shipping line. After unloading the container you can resell it, use it for storage, utilize it, etc.
Incoming containers have storage time limits in the destination harbor. Depending on the harbor storage time can be between 7 and 14 days. Therefore it is rational to start preparations for customs procedures and loading before container reaches destination port.
Time limits for container rent are similar for both export and import.
DOCUMENTS FOR SHIPMENT
With international sea shipments it is important to note that the shipper is responsible for providing correct documentation, goods description and legality.
Shipping bill of sea line/carrier is a final document that proves the ownership of goods. It may include clauses like 'SHIPPER'S LOAD AND COUNT' and 'SAID BY SHIPPER TO CONTAIN', which indicates that shipping line/carrier or forwarder is not responsible for information about the content of goods.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL SEA FREIGH
- Shipping bill – includes information about the route, sender, recipient, description of goods, etc. Shipping bill is issued by transport manager/ NVOCC;
- Invoice – a complete description of goods and sale price. Invoice is issued by sender/seller.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS DEPENDING ON GOODS AND COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
- Packing note – description of goods (pieces, weight and packing material). Packing note is issued by sender/seller.
- Fumigation certificate – needed in order to prove that wooden goods and packing materials are thermo-treated and free of infections.
Additional documents – certificate of origin, declaration of hazardous goods, etc.