Things to evaluate When Choosing a Container Shipping Company

Are you looking to ship a few of your larger items? Perhaps you are a business owner looking to export your goods overseas.

Before you set your shipment sailing, there are a few key considerations when choosing a shipping company.

In this post, we will look at some of these factors, as well as tips on choosing the right container shipping company for your needs.

How to Decide on a Container Shipping Company

Goods shipped by sea are usually packaged into containers. These cargo containers are loaded onto ships and transported across oceans.

Once the goods reach their destination port, they are unloaded from the container and placed on trucks or trains. They are then delivered to stores or warehouses.

Shipping containers provide companies with storage space, protection against weather conditions, and transportation capabilities.

But how do you select a service provider? Here are a few factors to mull over:

Research

Before you start shopping around, do your homework. Start by looking up reviews of different companies.

Also, visit the Better Business Bureau's website and check for any complaints against the company.

Another source is word of mouth. Ask friends and colleagues who've used a particular company about their experience.

Understand your needs

Understand what you require for the shipping process.

What type of shipment will you be moving? How many boxes or packages? Are you shipping internationally or locally? Will you be paying by invoice or credit card? Is there anything special about your shipment?

Consider a trucking broker if you're sending many items over long distances.

These professionals typically handle multiple shipments per day, ensuring that each one gets delivered safely and on time.

Additionally, they have the industry know-how to ensure that everything is up to code when it comes to your shipment.

Know your budget

Determine affordability and look out for any additional charges that may come up, especially where the container load is concerned.

Choosing a good shipping company is like choosing a doctor. You want someone knowledgeable, experienced, trustworthy, and affordable.

The Next Step: Finding and Working With the Right Shipping Company

In today's world, where everything moves quickly, it's important to ensure you're dealing with a reliable partner.

Check the company's registration and licensing credentials

Are they licensed and insured? Do they follow safety guidelines? How about licensing requirements?

Cargo carriers come in many different forms. Some offer local pickup and delivery, while others specialize in long-distance moves.

If you're looking for a domestic move, you might work with a freight forwarder, trucking company, or logistics provider.

And if you're planning on making international moves, you could work with a customs broker, ocean carrier, or air transport agent.

But there's one thing that shipping companies have in common: they must comply with federal, state, and local regulations.

You can familiarize yourself with the different regulations by speaking to your chosen shipping company or visiting the offices or websites of the different oversight bodies.

For one, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is charged with interstate movers. This includes everything from the truck size to the number of drivers needed to operate safely.

In addition, the agency requires carriers to maintain insurance coverage and file reports detailing driver hours worked and accidents.

State agencies regulate intrastate carriers, including local moving companies. Most states require carriers to hold licenses and pay fees.

Local governments often set additional requirements for carriers, such as requiring permits for certain types of vehicles or having workers undergo background checks.

The company must be registered and licensed if you're planning an international shipment.

Many countries have specific regulations regarding the transportation of goods across borders. Carriers that don't meet these standards face fines or even imprisonment.

Specifics of cargo-loading services

Each cargo-loading service packages and moves cargo differently.

To best protect your cargo during shipment, ask about the following:

• Find out whether the company uses forklifts or hand trucks. Hand trucking is safer as there is no risk of falling off a ladder.
• Ask if the company provides packaging material or supplies. If they do, make sure they provide enough. Packaging material is important because it helps protect items from being damaged during transit.
• Inquire about the company's storage options. Some companies charge extra fees for storing items while waiting for pickup, while others offer free storage.
• Research whether the company charges more for rushed delivery. These deliveries happen within 24 hours of receiving your request, but they usually cost more than standard deliveries.

Different container types

Make sure you know about the various container types so that you're able to make the best decision about how to ship your items.

A 20-ft container is perfect for storing pianos, pool tables, and other large items.

A 40-ft container is suitable for household goods, cars, trucks, boats, and other large objects.

If refrigeration is required, a reefer container is recommended.

The overall price

The overall price includes everything you pay, including taxes, shipping, and other charges.

If there is any way you could save some money, you'd want to take advantage of that. At the same time, you must be aware of hidden costs.

Safety records

Ask about safety records before hiring a container transport company. You want to know the company's reputation before you trust them with your shipment.

Check out the safety record of the company to better inform your decision.

You can also ask about the container ship that will be used for your shipment.

This is important because it will tell you whether or not the vessel is safe enough to transport your belongings. Some ships have had accidents, while others haven't had one.

Insurance coverage

Make sure your mover has good insurance coverage. Insurance protects you against damage or injury during the move.

Your mover needs to carry liability and property insurance. Property insurance includes electronics, clothing, and furniture. Liability insurance covers damages caused by the moving company.

Some shipments require full value protection, while others only require liability insurance.

Liability protects against damage caused by third parties, such as theft or fire. Full value protection covers everything else, including damaged goods and lost profits.

If you choose full-value protection, make sure you understand how it works. Some, but not all, policies also cover the cost of replacement parts.

Also, some policies cover the entire shipment value, while others only cover up to $1 million.

Holding facilities

It's important to check if the shipping company offers storage facilities. If they do, find out the cost.

Some companies offer free storage space, while others charge monthly fees.

To see which storage options are available, inquire with the shipping company. If they don't offer storage options, they may be able to point you in the right direction.

Discounts

When shopping online for container companies, you want to guarantee you get the best deal possible.

Discounts are usually listed on a company's landing page, so keep an eye out for them.

Conclusion

There are many different types of logistic transportation businesses available today, each with its pros and cons.

Choose the right container company to avoid any problems.

At A1 Auto Transport, we care about your needs and offer numerous shipping services. Talk to us about which option is right for you.