Container Shipping
Set sail on a global adventure with our container shipping service! Seamlessly transporting your goods across oceans and continents, we offer reliable, efficient, and secure solutions for all your shipping needs. Discover the thrill of worldwide trade with our expert container shipping services today!
What Is a Sea Cargo Container?
What is containerization? For decades, containerization has been the backbone of international ocean freight shipping. Sea cargo containers significantly reduce the expense and transit times for international and domestic shipments.
Sea cargo container shipping companies move approximately 90% of overseas non-bulk cargo. Containerization also plays a massive role in intermodal shipping. Intermodal shipping is the transportation of freight using rails and trucking. When containers reach ports, they must be dispensed to other modes of transportation (other ships, rails, or trucks) to reach their final destination. Most are durable closed steel boxes used for dry freight or general purposes. However, refrigerated sea cargo containers, tank-in-frame containers explicitly used for liquids, and other specialized containers are also available.
Containerization allows shipping companies to transport sea cargo containers without touching the cargo inside. This dramatically reduces the likelihood of harmed or lost freight during transit. Sea cargo containers will be moved directly onto rail carts or trucks and delivered to their destination quickly and efficiently.
How FreightCenter Can Help
A freight logistics company like us generally arranges shipping sea cargo container shipments. FreightCenter can arrange transportation of goods from the point of origin to the final destination. We can handle all modes of transportation required to deliver the shipment in the arranged time frame.
Cargo container carriers are more limited than LTL carriers and will require a lot of information to arrange the correct method of transport. Let FreightCenter do the work for you! We can help you find the best carrier that fits your needs. Contact one of our freight agents for help with your container requirement today by calling 800.716.7608.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
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Why Choose FreightCenter For Container Freight Shipping?
There are several reasons why FreightCenter may be a good choice for container freight shipping:
- Wide network of carriers: FreightCenter has partnerships with a wide range of carriers, which means they can offer a variety of shipping options at competitive rates.
- Expertise in container shipping: FreightCenter has experience and expertise in container shipping, and can provide guidance on everything from selecting the right container size to navigating customs regulations.
- Technology-driven approach: FreightCenter uses advanced technology to streamline the shipping process, from getting quotes to tracking shipments, which can save time and reduce the risk of errors.
- Flexibility and customization: FreightCenter offers flexible shipping options and can tailor solutions to meet specific needs, whether it’s expedited shipping, specialized handling, or other requirements.
- Excellent customer service: FreightCenter has a reputation for providing exceptional customer service, with a team of experts available to answer questions and resolve issues throughout the shipping process.
Overall, FreightCenter’s combination of carrier network, expertise, technology, flexibility, and customer service make it a strong choice for container freight shipping needs.
Ocean Freight Shipping
Ocean freight shipping can often be the most cost-effective solution when you have freight cargo that needs to be transported around the world. However, overseas shipping can be a time-consuming, lengthy process. We can ease the burden and handle all your sea freight requests. Through our wide range of transportation experience, we can offer cohesive, comprehensive solutions to your freight shipping needs. Our ocean international shipping services are all-encompassing and guaranteed to lower your shipping cost for all container freight.
Importing and Exporting Goods
We provide international ocean freight shipping for both exporters and importers to help get your ocean freight to its destination. Whether you have freight cargo that will take up an entire container or only a small portion, we’ll find the right solution for you and your container freight. We can expertly move global sea freight as LCL (Less than Container Load), FCL (Full Container load), and non-conforming shipments. We excel at finding cost-effective solutions for our customers and getting you ocean freight where and when you need it. Choosing us for your ocean freight will ensure you receive the best rates and quality customer service.
Shipping by Container
Our container options for all ocean cargo shipping include 20’ standard, 40’ standard, and 40’ high cubes. Have a load that won’t fit in a container and needs a flat rack to be transported appropriately? We can handle it and will find you the most cost-effective solution. No matter your request, your dedicated account manager will work with you to determine which container/rack, line, vessel, and cargo choices are best matched as the answer for your budget and needs.
Steps To Ship A Container?
Container freight often entails more than one form of conveyance, making it a tall order for an infrequent shipper to arrange. Infrequent shippers rely on 3PLs (3rd Party Logistics companies) like FreightCenter to arrange to ship with the carrier(s that provide the best combination of rate and service. Carriers prefer to work with companies that sign a long-term contract guaranteeing a minimum number of shipments.
Shipping container freight can seem overwhelming if you’re new to it, but it’s a straightforward process that involves the following steps:
- Determine your shipping needs: Decide on the type of cargo you need to ship, the volume of cargo, the destination, and the timeline for delivery. This information will help you choose the right container size and shipping method.
- Get a freight quote: Contact a freight forwarder or shipping company for a container shipping quote. You’ll need to provide information about the cargo, the origin and destination, and any special requirements.
- Choose a container size: Based on the volume of cargo you need to ship, choose a size that best fits your needs. Standard container sizes are 20 feet, 40 feet, and 45 feet.
- Book your shipment: Once you’ve received a quote and chosen a container size, book your shipment with the freight forwarder or shipping company. You must provide details about the cargo, pickup, delivery locations, and special requirements.
- Prepare the cargo: Pack your cargo securely in the container, making sure it is appropriately labeled and any necessary customs documentation is completed.
- Transport the container: The shipping company will transport the container to the port and load it onto the ship. Once it reaches the destination port, it will be unloaded and transported to the final destination.
- Receive your cargo: Once the container arrives at the destination port, you’ll need to arrange for customs clearance and for the container to be delivered to the final destination.
Overall, shipping container freight involves careful planning, preparation, and coordination with the shipping company, but it can be a reliable and low-cost way to transport goods across long distances.
How to Save Money on Shipping Container Freight?
Rely on FreightCenter
FreightCenter can help save you money when shipping container freight in a few ways:
Carrier network: FreightCenter has partnerships with a wide range of carriers, which allows them to compare rates and find the most cost-effective shipping option for your specific needs.
Advanced technology: FreightCenter’s technology-driven approach helps to streamline the shipping process, reducing the risk of errors and saving time and money in the long run.
Expertise and guidance: FreightCenter’s team of shipping experts can guide everything from choosing the right container size to navigating customs regulations, which can help avoid costly mistakes and delays.
Customized solutions: FreightCenter offers customized shipping solutions based on your specific needs, whether expedited shipping, specialized handling, or other requirements. This can help to minimize costs and optimize efficiency.
Freight consolidation: FreightCenter can consolidate your cargo with other shipments going to the same destination, which can help reduce shipping costs by sharing the cost of transportation.
Overall, FreightCenter’s combination of the carrier network, advanced technology, expertise, customized solutions, and freight consolidation can help save you money when shipping container freight while still ensuring your cargo arrives at its destination safely and on time.
3PLs arrange shipping services for shippers large and small. Some 3PLs, like FreightCenter, specialize in working with small-to-medium-size businesses that do not ship frequently enough to make signing a contract with one carrier worthwhile. Because of the high volume of sending FreightCenter does, we hold heavily-discounted contracts with many carriers. Our customers enjoy the benefits of those discounts, frequently saving 25%, 50%, 75%, or more compared with booking directly through the same carrier.
FreightCenter arranges pickup and delivery of container freight, whether the mode is intermodal or international ocean cargo. We work with an extensive network of trucking and freighter companies specializing in container freight shipping. Whether you have a full container load (FCL) or partial container load (PCL), our booking agents can find a suitable carrier at a great rate.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads and competitive dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight pricing. We can cover your full truckload shipping needs.
Our experienced staff will manage all the variables needed to ensure a smooth shipping and safe arrival of your less-than-truckload cargo, including coordinating pickup and delivery, customs management, and permits.
Purchasing additional freight insurance can give you added peace of mind whether you’re shipping less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload, or partial truckload. See insurance rates for full or partial truckload freight shipping.
Trust the experts at FreightCenter to give you the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL freight shipping needs.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Container Shipping FAQs
Q. What is container shipping?
Container shipping is a method of transporting goods in standardized shipping containers. These containers are typically made of steel and come in various sizes, such as 20 feet or 40 feet long. Goods are loaded into the containers at the origin and then transported by container ships to their destination ports. Container shipping is widely used for international trade as it allows for efficient and secure transportation of large goods.
Q. What are the advantages of container shipping?
Container shipping offers several advantages:
Efficiency: Containers can be quickly loaded, unloaded, and transferred between different modes of transportation (such as ships, trucks, and trains), making the process efficient and reducing handling costs.
Security: Containers provide high protection as they can be sealed and protected from theft and damage during transit.
Standardization: Containers are standardized, which ensures compatibility and seamless handling across different transportation networks and modes.
Flexibility: Containers can accommodate a wide range of goods, including dry goods, refrigerated goods, and even oversized cargo, providing flexibility for various shipments.
Tracking: Container shipping often includes tracking services, allowing shippers to monitor the location and progress of their shipments.
Q. What are the different container sizes available?
The two most typical container sizes are 20 feet (a 20-foot container or TEU) and 40 feet (a 40-foot container or FEU). However, other sizes, such as 10 feet, 45 feet, and high-cube containers with increased height, are available. The choice of container size depends on the volume and weight of the goods being shipped and the capacity requirements.
Q. How do I determine the right container size for my shipment?
To determine the right container size for your shipment, consider factors such as the volume and weight of the goods and any specific requirements or restrictions. If the load is relatively small, a 20-foot container may be sufficient, while larger shipments may require a 40-foot container or multiple containers. It’s advisable to consult with shipping providers or freight forwarders who can assist in assessing the shipment’s needs and recommending the appropriate container size.
Q. What is a full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL)?
A full container load (FCL) refers to a shipment that occupies the entire space of a container. In an FCL shipment, the shipper exclusively uses the container and pays for the whole container, regardless of whether it is fully loaded. Less-than-container load (LCL) refers to a shipment that does not require a full container. In an LCL shipment, multiple shipments from different shippers are consolidated into a single container, and each shipper pays for the space they occupy within the container.
Q. How are container shipping costs determined?
Container shipping costs are determined by various factors, including the distance between the origin and destination, the size and weight of the container, the type of cargo, the shipping route, and any additional services required, such as customs clearance or inland transportation. Obtaining quotes from different shipping providers or freight forwarders is recommended to compare rates and find the most cost-effective option for your shipment.
Q. Can I ship hazardous materials or perishable goods in containers?
It is possible to ship hazardous materials or perishable goods in containers. However, special considerations and regulations apply to ensure the safe transportation of these goods. Hazardous materials must comply with international regulations, such as the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, and additional documentation and handling procedures may be required. Perishable goods like food products or pharmaceuticals may require refrigerated or insulated containers to maintain their freshness or temperature requirements. Working with shipping providers or freight forwarders experienced in handling hazardous materials or perishable goods is essential to ensure compliance and proper handling.
Q. How can I track my container shipment?
Container shipments can be tracked using the container number provided by the shipping line or freight forwarder. The container number lets you track the shipment’s progress, including location, estimated arrival time, and any updates or changes. Many shipping lines and freight forwarders provide online tracking services that allow shippers to monitor their container shipments in real time.
Q. Are there any customs procedures involved in container shipping?
Custom procedures are involved in container shipping, especially for international shipments. These procedures typically include submitting customs declarations, providing documentation such as commercial invoices and packing lists, paying import duties and taxes, and complying with import/export regulations. Working with customs brokers or freight forwarders experienced in container shipping customs procedures can help navigate these requirements and ensure compliance.
Q. Can I ship goods in containers to landlocked countries?
Yes, it is possible to ship goods in containers to landlocked countries. However, additional transportation arrangements must be made, typically involving road or rail transportation from the nearest seaport to the final destination. Working with shipping providers or freight forwarders who can facilitate the entire logistics chain, including inland transport, is essential to ensure a smooth delivery to landlocked countries.
