5 Factors to Consider Before Shipping Cargo through Containers for the First Time

Do you want to transport your cargo for the first time? Are you perplexed by the various terms and regulations that apply when carrying cargo from A to B on a global scale? And if it happens to be your first time, you must be worrying more. 

When shipping your items, you must ensure that they reach on time, in the correct location, and in flawless condition according to your company’s specifications. Here are the five most critical things to keep in mind before you embark on your first shipping experience. 

1. What type of things are you planning to ship by container?

First, it is essential to consider the type of commodity you wish to ship. Be clear about –

• What kind of product is it?
• Is there a requirement for cooling?
• Is it deemed dangerous freight?

Based on these things, your documentation of the goods will take place. 

2. How many are there and what are their dimensions?

Multiple stakeholders are engaged in the supply chain. It can complicate your logistical operations. Consequently, the type of product you are transporting will frequently dictate the logistics provider that will best meet your demands. Before attempting to send your cargo, you must determine its number and dimensions. It means you must evaluate these three factors below:

• Overall weight
• Total size
• The number of cartons or pallets

The dimensions and weight of your shipment can affect your final expenditures. Larger, lengthier, and heavier shipments may necessitate greater room, so you should anticipate additional surcharges on top of standard service fees.

If you cannot completely fill a container, you may be interested in LCL (Lesser than Container Load). LCL is applicable when container space is shared between multiple orders and/or companies. 

3. Where do your shipments originate and end?

The next step is to determine where you wish to ship. Ultimately, the shipping distance will also affect the total freight cost.

Do you wish to transport your freight from door to door? Do you wish to transfer your cargo across oceans and continents? Then you require an end-to-end logistics provider that offers both inland and ocean freight transport. There are many online logistics booking services that can help you with the whole process. 

The origin and destination of your shipment also affect your demand for insurance and customs services. These additional services vary based on whether you are shipping within a country or in-between countries. 

4. Are you ready with your time planning?

In this step, you have to prepare a time schedule. Know when your things are expected to arrive at their destination. What if unexpected delays occur? For example, as busy seasons such as Christmas time, Golden Week, or Chinese New Year approaches, you must account for longer wait periods. Therefore, when shipping for the first time, be sure you have a specific timeline at hand. 

5. How much will your container’s transport cost?

There are several costs associated with transportation. Primarily, the mode of transportation (land, air, or sea) will determine your cost. Then, there’s the Incoterms. 

The Incoterms are a starting point for determining who pays for which components of your transportation expenditures. Whether you are preparing a bill of lading, a customs invoice, or a certificate of origin at a port, Incoterms will guide you.

Conclusion

Once you have figured out all of these things, you will be confident enough to ship your consignments.