Detailed explanation of international shipping container import and export procedures
In international trade, shipping is one of the main logistics methods, and containers are the most common means of transportation in shipping. Whether exporting or importing, a series of processes are required to successfully complete the transportation of goods.
Export process
(I) Booking
The shipper prepares the container cargo consignment note within a certain period of time before the goods are shipped, and entrusts its agent or directly applies for booking from the shipping company.
(2) Accept consignment applications
The shipping company or its agent decides whether to accept the consignment application based on its own transportation capacity, route, etc., as well as the shipper’s requirements. If accepted, a booking list will be prepared and distributed to the container yard and freight station to arrange empty containers and handle freight handover.
(3) Distribute empty boxes
For full container loads (FCL), the shipper usually needs to go to the container terminal yard to pick up the empty containers; while for less than container loads (LCL), the freight station is responsible for picking up the empty containers.
(4) Packing of LCL goods
The shipper delivers less than a full container of goods to the freight station, which packs the goods based on the booking list and station receipt, and then the packer fills in the container packing list.
(5) Full container delivery
The shipper is responsible for packing the full container of goods and delivering the full container with customs seal to the container yard. The yard will receive the goods after verifying the yard receipt and packing list according to the booking list.
(6) Exchange for bill of lading
The shipper uses the station receipt to exchange the bill of lading with the container transportation operator or its agent.
(7) Shipment
The container loading and unloading area develops a loading plan based on the loading situation, and adjusts the shipping boxes to the storage yard in front of the container terminal, where they can be loaded and shipped after the ship docks.
Import process
(1) Submit import documents
The consignee provides the freight forwarder with a complete set of import documents, including the original bill of lading with endorsement or telexed copy, packing list, invoice, contract, etc. The freight forwarder needs to contact the station in advance to confirm the relevant fees.
(2) Exchange order
The freight forwarder needs to confirm the time and location of the ship’s arrival at the port, and exchange the endorsed original bill of lading or telexed copy for the bill of lading (small bill of lading).
(3) Inspection report
The Inspection and Quarantine Bureau determines whether commodity inspection is required based on the regulatory conditions in the commodity code.
(4) Customs declaration (customs clearance)
The consignee can choose to carry out customs clearance by himself or entrust others to do so. The required information includes the original bill of lading with endorsement/telephone copy, packing list, invoice, contract and small bill of lading.
(5) Handle equipment handover order
The freight forwarder applies for an equipment handover order from the shipping company or the shipping agency’s container management department with the endorsed original bill of lading or fax of the telex release and letter of guarantee.
(6) Suitcase
The freight forwarder needs to use the small bill of lading and the application form to handle the deposit procedures for various fees for imported containers. Consignees other than those specified on the bill of lading are also required to provide a letter of guarantee agreeing to pay the fees. After completing the deposit procedures, you can receive the container equipment handover form and return the empty containers as instructed.
(7) Pick up goods
The freight forwarder or consignee will contact the trailer with the small bill of lading and go to the designated terminal or station to pick up the goods. For LCL shipments, a small bill of lading and a separate bill of lading are required to pick up the goods from the terminal.
The above is an introduction to the basic procedures for the import and export of international shipping containers. I hope it will be helpful to you.