Cargo handling and forwarding in the port: more details about these stages of maritime logistics

Sea transportation of goods involves a complex of stages: from the delivery of the goods to the port to its unloading and further delivery after arrival. The key procedures in this process are regrinding and forwarding of cargo at the port. In this article, we will consider their significance and features in the framework of maritime logistics.

What is cargo grinding

Transshipment is the operation of transshipment of cargo from one type of vehicle to another, often with an intermediate placement in a warehouse for storage. For example, transshipment from railway wagons or trucks to sea containers or vice versa.

Special equipment is used for grinding: cranes, loaders, conveyors, etc

Advantages of Cargo Transshipment

Key benefits:

• Route Optimization: Using different types of transport (multimodal shipping) helps select efficient and cost-effective delivery routes.
• Cost Savings: Transshipment reduces rental expenses if cheaper or owned containers are used. This allows shipping larger volumes via major vessels or railway mainlines, which is more economical than other delivery methods.
• Flexibility in Logistics: Timely transshipment during force majeure situations is essential to avoid delays.
• Improved Warehouse Logistics: This allows for the formation of product batches that can travel in a single container, consolidating or splitting cargo for timely delivery to customers.

Transshipment is an effective logistics tool that helps optimize transportation, reduce costs, and improve flexibility in managing cargo flows.

Types of products that are often subject to grinding:

• bulk cargoes — such as coal, grain, mineral fertilizers;
• bulk goods are goods that are not loose, but are loaded in bulk, for example, scrap metal or timber;
• containerized goods — goods that are transported in standard containers;
• liquid cargoes — oil, chemicals and other liquid materials;
• specialized cargo — heavy equipment, cars, etc.

How to guarantee the efficiency and reliability of transshipment in the port? How to ensure that all port procedures will go through without delays? Forwarding services at the port help with this.

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How Transshipment Is Performed in Sea Freight

The process involves several stages and varies depending on the type of cargo, available equipment, and routes. Let’s consider the key aspects of transshipment when planning sea freight delivery from China:

1. Preparation:
   The first step is cargo assessment, which includes checking its type, quantity, and condition. The type of transshipment and required transport is determined. At this stage, the freight forwarder coordinates transshipment terms with the carrier.
2. Unloading of the Initial Transport Vehicle:
   For sea freight, this involves emptying the primary container, inspecting the cargo for damages, and conducting inventory checks.
3. Warehouse Storage (Optional):
   If necessary, goods are categorized by type, batch, or destination. They may be consolidated with other cargo or divided into smaller shipments.
4. Loading into Secondary Transport Vehicles:
   The cargo is loaded into the container designated for delivery to its final destination. After verifying all documents, the container is sealed and loaded onto a vessel using portal cranes or stackers. Labels are applied to identify the contents.
5. Completion of Transshipment:
   The final stage involves verifying secure packaging and fixation. The cargo is dispatched to its destination along with accompanying documents, including waybills, reports, and customs declarations.

How to Ensure Effective and Reliable Transshipment?
To ensure that all procedures are completed without delays and that warehouses in China dispatch goods on time, port forwarding services are essential.

What is port forwarding and why is it needed?

Port freight forwarding is a set of services to ensure efficient handling, movement and delivery of cargo through the port. Forwarding is carried out by the forwarder at the customer's expense and on his behalf.

The main components of transport and forwarding services in the port:

• search for a terminal to work with a specific cargo;
• carrying out loading and unloading operations;
• movement of cargo through the territory of the port;
• processing of information, documents and information related to cargo;
• registration of intra-port and intra-terminal documents;
• cargo inspection;
• preparation of documents necessary for the movement and storage of dangerous or oversized cargo;
• cargo consolidation;
• overloading on other modes of transport;
• work on accompanying and freight documents from all line agents.

Each stage of forwarding is aimed at optimizing the passage of cargo flows through ports.

The port forwarder always acts in the interests of the clients and ensures fast passage of cargo through the port

Port Forwarding — Advantages

Delivery efficiency. Forwarding guarantees the continuous movement of goods from the seller to the buyer. Thanks to a carefully developed route and action plan, the cargo goes through all stages of its stay in the port as efficiently as possible.

Cargo security. The freight forwarder controls the selection of the appropriate terminal, compliance with storage conditions and carrying out all cargo operations. This guarantees the integrity and safety of the cargo.

Efficiency of transportation. Due to the constant monitoring of the cargo, the freight forwarder quickly resolves disputed issues during customs control, processing port documents or making payment and other fees.

How Cargo Rehandling and Freight Forwarding Are Connected at the Port

It’s simple: a freight forwarder coordinates rehandling when cargo arrives by sea and is to be transported further by another mode of transport. They plan and oversee the process, ensuring efficient transshipment.

Why It’s Better to Order Rehandling and Freight Forwarding Services from Experts

Experts in rehandling and freight forwarding have experience and understand all the nuances of loading and unloading operations, customs procedures, and document processing.

They have established relationships with terminals, carriers, and customs authorities, which helps avoid delays, mistakes, and additional costs. Professionals ensure cargo safety and timely loading onto the next mode of transport. That’s why your port freight forwarder is the key to on-time delivery.

Difficulties and Risks of Handling Rehandling and Forwarding on Your Own

First, it’s impossible. Ports are critical infrastructure facilities with strict access controls for security reasons. Special permits or passes are required, and they are issued to representatives of transport and logistics companies or other accredited individuals. If you don’t have the proper accreditation, you won’t be able to legally carry out freight forwarding at the port.

Second, freight forwarders are professionals with specialized logistics knowledge — from customs clearance to document flow. They interact with various port services (customs, border control, port operators, carriers) and handle all necessary documentation. A private individual cannot legally represent the interests of the cargo owner.

Third, it’s simply impractical. You’d need to hire an in-house freight forwarder or spend resources and time training a staff member. That’s why it's best to delegate these services to professionals.

Where to Order Transshipment and Port Forwarding Services

Container forwarding in ports requires deep knowledge of port logistics, infrastructure, service operations, legal specifics, and transportation management. Ports serve thousands of clients daily, and DiFFreight forwarders ensure your cargo undergoes transshipment efficiently and reaches its destination.

The specialists at DiFFreight have the necessary expertise to provide high-quality international logistics services. We offer not only warehouse services but also fast delivery to the EU, China, the USA, and back. Schedule a consultation to learn more about transshipment for your cargo type and route!