FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
On rare occasions shipping lines and airlines may have to leave cargo off the intended sailing vessel or flight. This can be due to a number of issues including needing to make the correct mix of cargo weights on a vessel, insufficient space on the ships deck for certain cargoes or incompatible hazardous cargoes.
LCL stands for “Less than a Container Load,” while FCL refers to “Full Container Load.” FCL is chosen when your goods occupy an entire container, typically either a 20′ or 40′ container.
We will coordinate with the shipping line to deliver your container to your premises or the address of your choice. You’ll need the appropriate equipment to load your cargo into the container. If you lack the necessary facilities, we can arrange for your cargo to be packed, palletized, and secured in the container as needed.
The shipment of an entire contract over a specified period, often involving oversized cargo, typically includes door-to-door logistics arrangements.
Out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo refers to cargo that exceeds the dimensions of a 20′ or 40′ container. Depending on its size, OOG cargo is loaded onto a flat rack or open-top container.
Cargo that is non-containerised shipped by sea on a Break bulk vessel.
An open top container is designed specifically for oversized cargo. Unlike regular containers, it lacks a fixed top or “roof” and instead features removable tarpaulin. This design facilitates crane access for loading or unloading cargo from above. Roof bows in an open-top container not only provide support for the tarpaulin but also enhance container stability. Flatracks are often preferred for cargos exceeding standard height limits. Planning ahead is typically necessary when using an open top container, coordinating with shipping lines’ stowage plans to ensure it is stacked on top of other containers aboard the vessel.
Flat Rack containers, Open Top containers, cargo packed in cases on non-containerized vessels, and mafi trailers on a RoRo vessel.
Yes, it’s essential to have one since a storage plan is utilized to estimate the space your cargo will occupy within a container. The outcomes will determine the type of container required. We’re here to assist you in coordinating this.
This will depend on the weight and dimensions of your cargo. We can help you work this out, with storage plans.
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) refers to the weight of the cargo, inclusive of dunnage and bracing, along with the tare weight of the container transporting the cargo for ocean freight. Since 2016, all shipping lines have mandated the provision of VGM weight to adhere to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) new SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) convention.
If you’re a VGM Approved Weigher, registered with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, you have the authority to declare the weight of your cargo. This requires specialized equipment to weigh both the container and the cargo. Alternatively, we can arrange for the exit port terminal to perform this task on your behalf. It’s important to note that VGM port charges apply, even for registered weighers.
In general, ocean freight tends to be more cost-effective than air freight. Opting for ocean shipping allows traders to significantly reduce logistics expenses compared to air freight. When shipping less than a container load, pricing is typically determined by cubic meter. For larger and heavier shipments, sea freight is often much more economical. However, it’s important to note that air freight is a faster mode of transportation.