Ocean Freight Q&A

• How much does it cost to ship a container from China?
  Container shipping costs from China in 2026: a 40HQ to Europe typically runs USD 2,500–5,500, to the US West Coast USD 3…
• What are the dimensions and capacity of a 40HQ container?
  A 40HQ (40ft high cube) container has internal dimensions of about 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m, a capacity of roughly 76 m³, a…
• What is the difference between 20GP, 40GP and 40HQ containers?
  20GP carries ~33 m³, 40GP ~67 m³ and 40HQ ~76 m³. A 40GP holds twice a 20GP; a 40HQ adds extra height for light bulky ca…
• How is ocean freight calculated?
  FCL ocean freight is quoted per container regardless of how full it is; LCL is charged per revenue ton (1 CBM = 1 tonne,…
• FCL vs LCL: which is cheaper and when should I use each?
  FCL (full container load) is cheaper per m³ above roughly 15 CBM and gives better transit reliability; LCL (less than co…
• What is THC in shipping and who pays it?
  THC (Terminal Handling Charge) covers the cost of moving a container through the terminal. It is charged separately at o…
• What is BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) and how is it charged?
  BAF is a fuel surcharge that carriers add to the base ocean freight to recover bunker cost movements. It is quoted per c…
• What is the difference between demurrage and detention?
  Demurrage applies while the container sits inside the terminal beyond free time; detention applies while you hold the co…
• How long does sea freight from China take?
  Typical port-to-port transit from China: Southeast Asia 3–10 days, Middle East 18–28, Europe 28–45 (Suez/Cape route depe…
• What documents are required to export from China?
  Standard China export documents: commercial invoice, packing list, customs declaration, bill of lading (or sea waybill),…
• What is a bill of lading and why does it matter?
  A bill of lading (B/L) is both a receipt for the goods, evidence of the contract of carriage, and a document of title. T…
• Telex release vs original bill of lading: which should I use?
  Telex release is faster and cheaper (no courier, no originals) but the shipper loses control of the cargo; original B/L …
• What is VGM and why must I declare it?
  VGM (Verified Gross Mass) is the mandatory declaration of a packed container’s total weight under SOLAS. Without a valid…
• How do I ship lithium batteries from China?
  Lithium batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods. Shipping requires a UN38.3 test report, MSDS, and packaging certification…
• What is DDP shipping and when should I use it?
  DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the seller handles everything to the buyer’s door, including import clearance and duties…
• FOB vs CIF: what is the difference?
  Under FOB the seller delivers to the vessel at origin and the buyer pays freight and insurance. Under CIF the seller pay…
• What are ISF and AMS filings for US imports?
  AMS is the carrier’s advance manifest filing; ISF (10+2) is the importer’s security filing. Both are due 24 hours before…
• How do I choose a freight forwarder from China?
  Choose a forwarder on lane coverage, carrier relationships, documentation discipline, response time and transparent char…
• What is an NVOCC and how is it different from a forwarder?
  An NVOCC is a non-vessel operating common carrier: it issues its own bills of lading and contracts with shippers as a ca…
• How many pallets fit in a 20ft or 40ft container?
  Standard 1.2 × 1.0 m pallets, single layer: about 10 in a 20GP, 20 in a 40GP and 20–21 in a 40HQ. Euro pallets (1.2 × 0.…
• What is transshipment and what risks does it add?
  Transshipment means cargo is discharged at an intermediate port and loaded onto a second vessel. It is usually 10–25% ch…
• What is a container rollover and what can I do about it?
  A rollover happens when cargo is shut out of the booked vessel and moved to a later sailing. Causes include carrier over…
• What is a peak season surcharge (PSS)?
  A peak season surcharge is a temporary per-container fee carriers add when demand exceeds capacity. Peak seasons run rou…
• How does US West Coast congestion affect my shipment?
  US West Coast congestion (Los Angeles/Long Beach) increases vessel waiting time, gate and rail delays. Typical impact is…
• How do I know if my container is overweight?
  Three limits apply: the container’s max gross weight (~30,480 kg), the carrier’s limit (often 26–28 t on many lanes), an…
• What is marine cargo insurance and what does it cover?
  Marine cargo insurance covers loss or damage to goods in transit. Three main levels: FPA (total loss and general average…
• How do I claim for cargo damage in ocean freight?
  Cargo damage claims follow two routes: insurance (if covered) or carrier liability (limited). The decisive steps are ins…
• What are destination charges and why are they so high?
  Destination charges cover terminal handling, documentation, customs clearance, CFS handling, delivery and any storage. T…
• Incoterms 2020 explained: which terms should I use?
  Incoterms 2020 defines who arranges and pays for transport, insurance and customs at each stage. The most used for ocean…