Comprehensive Shipping Knowledge Base

Shipping Information

Everything you need to know about ocean freight shipping: containers, documents, terms, and best practices.

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Standard Container Specifications

Detailed dimensions and capacities for all standard container types

20ST (Standard)

33.2 CBM (1,172 cu ft)

Dimensions

External:20ft × 8ft × 8ft 6in
Internal:19ft 4in × 7ft 8in × 7ft 10in
Doorway:7ft 8in × 7ft 6in
Max Weight:28,180 kg (62,127 lbs)
Tare Mass:2,300 kg (5,071 lbs)

Features

  • Standard dry cargo
  • Most economical for smaller loads
  • Widely available

40ST (Standard)

67.7 CBM (2,390 cu ft)

Dimensions

External:40ft × 8ft × 8ft 6in
Internal:39ft 5in × 7ft 8in × 7ft 10in
Doorway:7ft 8in × 7ft 6in
Max Weight:28,750 kg (63,382 lbs)
Tare Mass:3,750 kg (8,268 lbs)

Features

  • Most common container size
  • Best value for large shipments
  • Global availability

40HC (High Cube)

76.3 CBM (2,694 cu ft)

Dimensions

External:40ft × 8ft × 9ft 6in
Internal:39ft 5in × 7ft 8in × 8ft 10in
Doorway:7ft 8in × 8ft 5in
Max Weight:28,600 kg (63,051 lbs)
Tare Mass:3,940 kg (8,687 lbs)

Features

  • Extra vertical space
  • Ideal for light/bulky cargo
  • Popular for oversized items

45HC (High Cube)

86.0 CBM (3,037 cu ft)

Dimensions

External:45ft × 8ft × 9ft 6in
Internal:44ft 5in × 7ft 8in × 8ft 10in
Doorway:7ft 8in × 8ft 5in
Max Weight:27,860 kg (61,420 lbs)
Tare Mass:4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)

Features

  • Maximum container capacity
  • Limited availability
  • Best for high-volume shipments

Special Container Types

Reefer (Refrigerated)

Temperature-controlled containers for perishables, pharmaceuticals, and sensitive cargo.

Temperature Range
-25°C to +25°C (-13°F to +77°F)
Features
  • Integrated refrigeration unit
  • Temperature monitoring
  • Humidity control
  • Ventilation options
Suitable For
Fresh produceFrozen goodsPharmaceuticalsChemicalsFlowers

Open Top

Containers with removable roof for cargo loaded from above or oversized height cargo.

Features
  • Removable tarpaulin roof
  • Crane loading capability
  • Same footprint as standard
  • Weather protection
Suitable For
MachineryHeavy equipmentTimberOversized cargoConstruction materials

Flat Rack

Platform with no roof or sides for cargo that exceeds standard dimensions.

Features
  • Collapsible ends
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Lashing points
  • No width/height restrictions
Suitable For
VehiclesBoatsIndustrial equipmentProject cargoOversized machinery

Required Shipping Documents

Essential paperwork for international ocean freight shipments

Commercial Invoice

Required

Detailed invoice showing goods value, description, quantity, and terms of sale.

Must Include:

  • Seller/buyer details
  • Item descriptions
  • HS codes
  • Total value
  • Payment terms
  • Incoterms

Packing List

Required

Detailed list of package contents, dimensions, and weight for each carton/pallet.

Must Include:

  • Package count
  • Net/gross weights
  • Dimensions
  • Contents per package
  • Marks and numbers

Bill of Lading (B/L)

Required

Legal document between shipper and carrier serving as receipt and title document.

Must Include:

  • Shipper/consignee details
  • Port of loading/discharge
  • Container numbers
  • Cargo description
  • Freight terms

Certificate of Origin

Optional

Certifies the country where goods were manufactured (may reduce duties under FTAs).

Must Include:

  • Manufacturer details
  • Country of origin
  • Product description
  • HS codes
  • Authorized signature

ISF Filing (USA)

Required

Importer Security Filing required 24 hours before loading for USA-bound cargo.

Must Include:

  • Manufacturer details
  • Consignee information
  • Ship-to party
  • Country of origin
  • HS codes
  • Container stuffing location

Insurance Certificate

Optional

Proof of cargo insurance coverage (recommended for high-value shipments).

Must Include:

  • Policy number
  • Coverage amount
  • Cargo description
  • Route details
  • Validity dates

Important Document Reminders

  • •All documents must be in English or include certified translations
  • •ISF filing is mandatory 24 hours before loading for USA imports (penalties apply)
  • •Original Bill of Lading may be required for cargo release (or Telex/Express release)
  • •Keep digital copies of all documents for your records and faster customs clearance

Incoterms 2020

International Commercial Terms defining buyer and seller responsibilities

EXW

Ex Works

Seller Responsibility

Minimum responsibility - goods available at premises

Buyer Responsibility

Arranges all transport, bears all costs and risks

Risk Transfer

At seller's location

Best For

Experienced buyers with logistics capabilities

Cost Impact

Lowest for seller, highest for buyer

FOB

Free On Board

Seller Responsibility

Delivers goods on vessel, pays export costs

Buyer Responsibility

Pays ocean freight, import costs, and destination charges

Risk Transfer

When goods pass ship's rail at origin port

Best For

Standard ocean freight transactions

Cost Impact

Balanced - most common for ocean freight

CFR

Cost and Freight

Seller Responsibility

Pays export and ocean freight to destination port

Buyer Responsibility

Pays unloading, import duties, and destination delivery

Risk Transfer

When goods pass ship's rail at origin port (seller pays freight but risk transfers earlier)

Best For

When buyer wants cost certainty for ocean freight

Cost Impact

Seller pays ocean freight

CIF

Cost, Insurance, and Freight

Seller Responsibility

Pays export, ocean freight, and minimum insurance

Buyer Responsibility

Pays import duties and destination delivery

Risk Transfer

When goods pass ship's rail at origin port

Best For

Buyers wanting basic insurance included

Cost Impact

Seller pays freight + minimum insurance

DAP

Delivered At Place

Seller Responsibility

Delivers to named place, ready for unloading

Buyer Responsibility

Responsible for unloading and import clearance

Risk Transfer

When goods are ready for unloading at destination

Best For

Door-to-door shipments (seller handles most logistics)

Cost Impact

Higher for seller, lower for buyer

DDP

Delivered Duty Paid

Seller Responsibility

Maximum responsibility - delivers cleared for import

Buyer Responsibility

Only needs to unload goods

Risk Transfer

When goods are ready for unloading at destination

Best For

Buyers wanting turnkey delivery with no surprises

Cost Impact

Highest for seller, lowest for buyer

Choosing the Right Incoterm

  • •FOB is most common for ocean freight (buyer controls ocean shipping)
  • •DDP offers convenience but seller must understand import regulations
  • •CIF includes insurance but only at minimum coverage (consider additional)
  • •Always specify the named place clearly (port, city, or delivery address)

Shipping Glossary

Common terms and acronyms used in ocean freight shipping

Packing Guidelines

Best practices for safe and efficient container loading

Weight Distribution

  • Place heavier items at the bottom of the container
  • Distribute weight evenly to prevent shifting
  • Keep center of gravity as low as possible
  • Do not exceed container's maximum payload capacity
  • Consider axle weight limits for trucking

Securing Cargo

  • Use dunnage (wood/airbags) to fill gaps and prevent movement
  • Secure with straps, lashing, or blocking and bracing
  • Wrap pallets with stretch film (minimum 6 rotations)
  • Use corner protectors for fragile edges
  • Document container stuffing with photos

Protection from Elements

  • Use moisture-absorbing desiccants for long voyages
  • Wrap goods in plastic to prevent water damage
  • Elevate cargo on pallets above container floor
  • Consider container lining for extra protection
  • Use proper packaging for temperature-sensitive items

Maximizing Space

  • Load floor-to-ceiling when cargo permits
  • Use every cubic inch efficiently (stack when possible)
  • Consider cargo dimensions when selecting container size
  • Palletize loose cartons for easier loading/unloading
  • Plan loading sequence for multiple-stop deliveries

Critical Packing Reminders

  • •Always provide accurate VGM (Verified Gross Mass) as required by SOLAS - penalties apply for incorrect weights
  • •Leave 2-3 inches clearance from container ceiling for air circulation and ease of unloading
  • •Document container condition before loading (take photos of interior) to avoid damage disputes
  • •Ensure container doors can close properly before shipping - cargo protruding prevents sealing

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