Detailed explanation of cross-border e-commerce container transportation costs and analysis of packing rates

In the field of cross-border e-commerce, container transportation costs are a complex but crucial part. Depending on the mode of transportation, the fee structure is also different. Here are a few common ways shipping costs are structured.

FCL/FCL shipping costs

FCL transportation usually includes loading port and towing fees, terminal operating fees, freight, unloading terminal operating fees and towing fees.

FCL/LCL transportation costs

For FCL to LCL, the cost usually consists of towing fees, terminal operating fees, freight and unpacking fees provided by the shipping company.

LCL/LCL shipping costs

Under the LCL to LCL transportation mode, the cost structure mainly includes packing fee, freight and unpacking fee.

LCL/FCL shipping costs

Finally, in the case of LCL to FCL, the cost components are packing fee, freight, terminal operation fee and towing fee provided by the shipping company.

Overview of packing rates

In order to better understand how these fees are calculated, it is necessary to understand the basic concept of box rates. According to the regulations of China Ocean Shipping Company, there are three main forms of package rates:

• FAK container rate: A uniform rate is applied to each container no matter what kind of goods are loaded.
• FCS Container Rates: Rates based on different grades of goods. This rate applies to low-priced goods and high-priced goods, and goods of the same grade will be charged differently by weight or volume.
• FCB box rate: It combines factors of cargo grade and calculation standard. Even under the same grade, there will be different rates based on different weight or volume.

Lowest shipping method

In addition, there are some regulations regarding minimum shipping costs:

• Specify a minimum freight level: for example, goods below a certain level will be charged according to this level.
• Specify the minimum freight ton: For example, for a 20-foot container, the minimum freight ton can be 17.5 tons for actual weight cargo or 21.5 cubic meters for size cargo.
• Specify minimum container load utilization: ensure that each container has a certain loading capacity to avoid waste of resources.

Highest shipping method

For situations that may exceed the normal range, there are corresponding maximum shipping methods:

• Specify the maximum billable ton: when the cargo volume exceeds the standard volume, it will still be charged according to the standard volume.
• Specify the maximum charging level: all goods not exceeding this level will be charged according to this level.

It can be seen from the above introduction that cross-border e-commerce companies need to consider many factors when choosing container transportation, and they must reasonably plan costs according to different situations to achieve the best economic benefits.