Rules for Container Cargo Transportation

Container shipping is the most cost-effective method for long distances. Containers are transported by sea (barges) or by road. Conditions are regulated by national laws and international trade agreements.

Main Rules and Conditions for Container Cargo Transportation

General requirements:

• Standardization. Universal sizes and types are used to ensure compatibility with equipment worldwide.
• Documentation: Sea Waybill / Bill of Lading, packing list, invoice, certification, customs declaration.
• Responsibility of the parties (shipper, carrier, and consignee). Conditions are determined by international regulations such as Incoterms.
• Compliance with loading, securing, and sealing standards.
• Contents are subject to customs inspection and clearance in both the country of origin and the destination country.
• Insurance is recommended in case of damage, loss, theft, or force majeure events.

It is important to know all protocols, standards, and laws, especially when transiting through multiple countries. Violations can result in fines, confiscation, or even criminal liability.

How to Choose a Container

Choosing the right type is a key factor in preserving the contents and optimizing costs. Consider:

• Type of cargo: general, bulk, liquid, perishable, hazardous, oversized.
• Volume and weight — whether the goods will fit and if weight limits are not exceeded.
• Transportation conditions: temperature control, ventilation, specific loading/unloading requirements.
• Route and modes of transport — some types are not used on certain transport means or routes.

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Main container types in the table:

Rules for Container Transportation by Sea

Key terms:

• Incoterms — international rules for interpreting trade terms that define the transfer of risks, costs, and responsibilities between parties.
• Booking — reserving space on a vessel with a shipping line or freight forwarder. Includes freight rate agreement, routing, and schedule coordination.
• Loading. Containers are loaded using cranes at ports, secured to the deck and to each other with special locks and lashings.

• Bill of Lading — the main document when cargo is delivered by sea.
• VGM (Verified Gross Mass) — the exact gross weight.
• Port operations include loading/unloading, storage at the terminal, movement, and customs clearance.

Rules for transporting goods in containers by sea:

• Universal and specialized containers with a gross weight of up to 30.48 tons inclusive are used.
• The transportation of chemical liquids and liquefied gases is allowed only in specialized containers (refrigerated, isothermal, etc.) with compliance to technical requirements.
• The sender must be provided with a container cleaned of debris and previous cargo.
• The container must be fit for seal installation. Seals must display the sender’s or forwarder’s name and control marks.
• Opening upon customs request must be formalized with special documents.
• A loading order (waybill) must be prepared for each container. It must include the number, type, gross and net weight, volume, cargo description, and seal imprints.
• For consolidated shipments, one Bill of Lading may cover several containers. In such cases, the forwarder or recipient is responsible for breaking down the shipment and forwarding it.

Rules for Transporting Goods in Containers by Road

International road transportation is sometimes part of a multimodal chain, ensuring “door-to-door” delivery or transportation from the port to the storage location.

Key points:

• Delivery is carried out using specialized vehicles — container trucks with chassis (semi-trailers) and fittings for securing the container.
• Carriers must comply with limitations on maximum weight, axle loads, and vehicle dimensions.
• CMR waybill — the main document for international deliveries; TTN — for domestic shipments.
• Traffic safety — the driver must observe speed limits, work and rest schedules. The route is planned considering bridge heights and road surface strength, especially for oversized equipment.
• The rules for transporting dangerous goods in containers by road require special labeling and driver permits.
• Pre-trip inspection of the container truck is mandatory — the carrier is responsible for this.
• Proper labeling of containers and vehicles. Standard 20 and 40-foot containers and others are used, provided they meet weight and size limits.
• It is recommended to load cargo after removing the container from the vehicle.
• It is prohibited to transport bulk goods without appropriate containers or packaging; toxic, corrosive, foul-smelling substances, or goods that pollute or damage the interior surfaces.

Container logistics is strictly regulated by laws and standards. Delivery times depend on distance, route, and additional operations. Among DiFFreight’s services — container shipping from China to the USA, Europe, or Ukraine. We organize logistics to save your resources and money — trust the professionals!