Critical Concepts to know before requesting an Ocean Shipment Quote:
Less than Container - LCL Rates: The primary cost factor for less than container ocean freight is the dimensions of the packed cargo. Some origins will accept and transfer drums to the Caribbean without palletization but boxes, must be palletized or crated to facilitate their movement into and out of metal ocean containers and to protect their contents while in transit.
Intermodal Service - term used when the transportation provider is offering ocean service along with trucking and or rail services from inland truck / rail terminals. Most ocean shipments originate from inland truck terminals. Sending a truck to pull a container from a container port or inland terminal, deliver that container for loading and then retuning that container to the rail terminal or ocean port for sea transport can be costly. An accurate quote requires details on the origin address of the cargo so that we can assist the trucking cost.
Full Containers - Ocean containers are primarily 20 - 40 ft in length but there is a variety of transport equipment designed to accommodate different types of cargo. Details on those options can be found here. When requesting a quote for a full container, you will need to specify the type of equipment required for your cargo or to provide a detailed cargo description so that we can provided you with options that may work for your cargo.
Loading Containers: Generally the full container rate includes cost of a 1 hour live load. After 1 hour carriers charge $95 hours of more for "driver detention time". Containers are loaded while on the trailer chassis, placing the trailer loading deck about 48 inches in height. They do not come with a ramp or lift gate. It is always best to load a container from a covered dock.
Packing, Palletization, Loading: these are considered accessorial services or full moving services. We have vendors who provide these services throughout North America and even other countries.
Household Goods - Relocations: It is highly recommended that the shipper obtain a full service moving quote from a company specializing in residential relocations, prior to deciding to save by doing it themselves with LCL or FCL service. If you request a quote for these services, we can provide you with the wholesale do it yourself rate and refer you to local full service providers that can assist you with better estimating your actual cargo volume and equipment you would need and additional details on services in your country of destination.