The 7 Critical Steps of International Ocean Shipping

Complete Guide to Containerized Cargo Movement

1. Export Haulage

Process: Initial transport from shipper's location to freight forwarder's facility
Transport Modes:

  •   Truck (most common)

  •   Rail

  •   Intermodal combinations

Cost Responsibility:
  •   Typically paid by exporter
  •   Can be negotiated to consignee

Pro Tip: For LCL shipments, allow 2-3 days for consolidation at CFS (Container Freight Station)

2. Export Customs Clearance

Key Requirements:
 ✔  Commercial invoice
 ✔  Packing list
 ✔  Export license (if applicable)
 ✔  HS classification

Execution Options:
A) Forwarder's in-house customs brokerage
B) Shipper's designated customs broker

Timing: Must be completed before cargo departure

3. Origin Handling

Activities Breakdown:
 ✓  Cargo inspection & tallying
 ✓  Load planning
 ✓  Container stuffing
 ✓  Port delivery

Critical Path:

⒈ CFS receiving → 2. Documentation check → 3. Container loading → 4. Gate-out → 5. Vessel loading

Cost Factors:
  •   Handling fees ($50-$150/TEU)
  •   THC (Terminal Handling Charges)
  •   Equipment imbalance charges

4. Ocean Transport

Contracting Parties:
Freight forwarder ↔ Shipping line

Freight Components:
  •   Base ocean freight
  •   BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor)
  •   CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor)
  •   PSS (Peak Season Surcharge)

Transit Times (China-US):

  •   West Coast: 14-18 days

  •   East Coast: 28-35 days

5. Import Customs Clearance

Documentation Package:

 ⒈ Bill of Lading

 ⒉ Customs declaration

 ⒊ Commercial invoice

 ⒋ Packing list

 ⒌ Certificates (FCC, FDA, etc.)

Clearance Timeline:
  •   Standard: 24-48 hours
  •   Exam required: 3-5 business days

6. Destination Handling

Service Flow:

⒈ Vessel discharge → 2. Terminal transfer → 3. Devanning → 4. Cargo readiness

Key Charges:
  •   Pier pass fees
  •   Demurrage/detention
  •   Destuffing charges

Release Condition: All fees must be settled prior to cargo release

7. Import Transportation

Last-Mile Options:
A) Forwarder's trucking network
B) Consignee's designated carrier

Additional Services:
 ✓  Liftgate delivery (+$75-$150)
 ✓  Inside delivery (+$100-$300)
 ✓  White glove service

The 4 Key Players in Ocean Shipping

Why Forwarder Selection Matters:
A professional forwarder like Shengshi Group can:
  •   Reduce shipping costs by 15-25%
  •   Cut transit time by 3-7 days
  •   Lower customs exam rate to <5%

Shengshi Group's End-to-End Solution

Our Advantages:
✅ 50+ years U.S. customs expertise
✅ All-port coverage (LA/LB, NY/NJ, Houston, etc.)
✅ Bilingual support (Chinese/English)

Value-Added Services:
  •   Pre-clearance filing
  •   Bonded warehousing
  •   Cross-docking