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!

  1. What are you shipping in your container?
  2. 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.

  3. What are the cargo dimensions and weight?
  4. Before shipping your container, determine the exact size and weight of your cargo:

  5. What is your shipment’s origin and destination?
  6. 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.

  7. What are your tentative shipping timelines?
  8. 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.

  9. What are your container shipping costs and fees?
  10. 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.

注册订阅物流时事通讯

接收新闻和见解,帮助您驾驭供应链,了解行业趋势,并制定物流战略。

感谢您注册

您现在已经注册接收新闻通讯。您很快将收到一封电子邮件,其中将说明如何对该新闻通讯进行偏好设置,以及如何取消订阅。 

发生意外错误

很抱歉,我们无法完成您的新闻通讯订阅注册。