Key Tips for Effortless Shipping Containers Overseas
Overseas shipping containers can be a daunting exercise if this is your first time doing it. It is complex because it covers a number of activities from selecting the right service provider to packing all the items and handling papers. In order to simplify everything we have gathered five useful tips that will allow you to get through this process with flying colors.
1. Select the Right Freight Forwarding Company
A freight forwarder is a company that assists in the organization of the delivery process such as movement, documentation, and conditions of customs clearance. For first-time shippers, a freight forwarder can help you navigate the system and minimize the time that you spend stuck in a container ship.
When choosing a freight forwarder, consider these factors:
- Reputation: Seek advice from people that has used this service before.
- Experience: Make sure that they have experience in sending a consignment to your country.
- Services Offered: It is helpful to know what is and what is not included in the process-i.e. transport, documentation, and fees.
- Communication: The best thing is that everyone should be on the same page all the time.
They should provide additional detailed information about their services and ensure that all is brought on paper to avoid some pitfalls.
2. Take a few moments to subscribe to Documentation and Regulations
The specialty products need different permits and documents to meet the regulations of international of customs and law practices. Report to your freight forwarder and do all you can to develop the paperwork that is necessary. Here’s a list of common documents for shipping containers from abroad.
- Bill of Lading: Acknowledges delivery of items and summarizes its shipping agreement.
- Commercial Invoice: Gives information about the value of the shipment, goods inside, and payment conditions.
- Certificate of Origin: Shows the origin of the goods More than 50,000 Individuals Indicate the origin of the goods.
- Insurance Certificate: To add to that, proof that your cargo is insured.
- Packing List: List type, quantity, packing if any, gross weight, and size of the shipment.
- Import/Export Licenses: Required for specific goods.
It helps to ensure that two people handle the document and make copies of them for additional reference.
3. Choose the Proper Shipping Container
Packaging receptacles available for selection are influenced by the size and nature of the items to be transported. Here are a few considerations for shipping containers overseas
- Container Size: The majority of the shipments involve 20-feet or 40-feets containers.
- Standard vs. Specialty Containers: Conventional containers are suitable for most supplies, but if your products call for additional attention, you would need an open-top, side door, or high cube container.
- Ownership: Choose to either hire a container from the shipping line or own your own ‘container’ also known as a shipper-owned container. If you decide to own it, be certain that it is in a condition fit to be shipped by cargo and must meet international standards.
At GGR Enterprises we shall assist in sourcing the right container if it is a normal or exotic type to conform to shipping traditions.
4. Plan Your Loading Process
The way the container is loaded is very important so that during transportation some of the items do not get destroyed. In most times, the containers are shipped on a chassis or trailer to either a railhead or a port. Always make sure that there are people to offload the container very fast because the drivers always have little time to wait. You may also require more time so it is advisable to store your goods until you prepare to load damage during transit. Typically, containers are loaded onto a chassis or trailer and transported to a rail yard or port. Here are some tips for efficient loading for shipping containers from overseas
- Have a team ready to load the container quickly, as drivers usually have limited waiting time.
- If you need more time, consider storing your goods until you’re ready to load. Hiring additional accessories such as a crane and a forklift is very expensive. Distribute the loads weight equally and tighten something to avoid moving sideways or in any other way during transportation damage during transit. Typically, containers are loaded onto a chassis or trailer and transported to a rail yard or port. Here are some tips for efficient loading:
- Have a team ready to load the container quickly, as drivers usually have limited waiting time.
- If you need more time, consider storing your goods until you’re ready to load. Renting additional equipment like a crane or forklift can be costly.
- Balance the weight evenly and secure items to prevent shifting during transport.
Right planning should be done to avoid wasting time and increasing the risk factor which can lead to the emergence of damages.
5. Get Insurance of Your Shipment
Insurance is crucial in the shipment business, and it aims to ensure that your shipment is safe. This could be as a result of an accident, in extreme weather conditions, during transit, or even lost containers. Such risks are covered by cargo insurance in order to prevent the shipper from being on the hook for the costs of unpredictable events. It is important to read the insurance terms and then select a policy that will suit you.
Where to Find Shipping Containers
If you’re thinking of purchasing or leasing your shipping container, GGR Enterprises is your ideal choice. We offer standard new and used 20ft and 40ft containers and also new and used reefer, high cube, open top and flat rack. That is why our containers are surveyed and approved for international use so you will not have to worry about the condition of your shipment.
You can reach GGR Enterprises now for the kind of container that will suit your overseas transfer needs. Now here’s what we can offer you – we’re here to make getting the oxide as easy as possible.