Ocean Freight – International Movers Boston

Ocean Freight Services

If you’re considering relocating overseas and prefer shipping your belongings through ocean freight, our team of experienced international moving specialists is here to assist in planning, scheduling, and expediting your ocean freight shipment. With its secure mode of transportation and cost-effectiveness, Ocean Freight stands out as the preferred method for international moves. The services for ocean freight in international moving are tailored to the size of your shipment and the chosen method of transport, offering options such as FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less Than A Container Load).

We are proud to be licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission.

Full Container Load (FCL)

International Movers Boston provides a range of standard and additional container options for your shipping needs. The standard containers consist of 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot high cube ocean freight containers. Additionally, various other types of ocean containers, such as 45-foot High Cube, Open Tops, and Flat Racks in sizes of 20 and 40 feet, are utilized in the international ocean freight industry. It’s important to note that the availability of these sea freight containers is contingent upon the equipment provided by Steam Ship Lines (direct ocean freight carriers and international ocean freight transportation companies), and in some cases, availability may be limited. For the smooth shipping of your regular cargo by sea, we recommend planning your international ocean freight shipment by selecting from the three types of multimodal sea freight containers which are 20 Ft Standard, 40 Ft Standard, and 40 Ft High Cube.

Less Than A Container Load (LCL)

Enhance Transit Efficiency with LCL Ocean Freight. When your cargo volume falls short of filling an entire ocean freight container, International Movers Boston presents practical solutions through LCL services connecting major ports. Leveraging our extensive network of agents and container freight stations worldwide, we offer shared container space, allowing you to optimize costs and resources.

As a licensed Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC), our LCL services encompass:

Comprehensive global network coverage
Competitive pricing structures
Door-to-door service tailored to your LCL requirements
Regular and reliable sailing schedules
Shipment visibility across multiple freight modes

20 Foot Container

Interior Dimensions (L x W x H): 19′-5” x 7′-8” x 7′-9′ 1/2” (5.919 m x 2.340 m x 2.380 m)

Cubic Capacity: 1,165 cubic ft (33.0 cbm) before loading

40 Foot Container

Interior Dimensions (L x W x H): 39′-6 1/2”x 7′-8” x 7′-9 1/2” (12.051 m x 2.340 m x 2.380 m)

Cubic Capacity: 2,377 cubic ft (67.3 cbm) before loading

40 Foot High Cube Container

Interior Dimensions (L x W x H): 39′-6 1/2” x 7′-8 1/4”x 8′-9 1/2” (12.056 m x 2.347 m x 2.684 m)

Cubic Capacity: 2,684 cubic ft (76.0 cbm) before loading

SEA FREIGHT CONTAINER LOADING METHODS:

Live Load:
- A dedicated International Moving Service trucker delivers the ocean freight container to your location, overseeing the loading, securing, and sealing of the container for international shipment.
- Freeloading time may vary from one to two hours.
Drop and Pick:
- An International Moving Service trucking company’s driver drops off the ocean freight container at your location for several days.
- The driver returns to pick up the loaded, secured, and sealed sea freight container.
- This service provides the shipper with more time for loading and sealing.
Warehouse Quality Loading:
- The shipper self-delivers loose cargo to the International Moving Service company’s warehouse or a loading dock specializing in cargo loading for international shipments.
- Upon acceptance by the shipping warehouse, the goods are loaded, secured, and sealed in the ocean freight container.

Shipper Owned Containers (S.O.C):

When booking an FCL ocean freight shipment and requesting a container, keep in mind:

Containers are “rented” from the ocean freight carrier, with rental charges included in the international ocean freight rate.
After release at the destination, the container must be returned within a designated time to avoid detention charges.
Consider using Shipper Owned Containers (S.O.C) for a “One Way” trip, where the container becomes your property, eliminating return obligations.

Considerations for S.O.C:

Check if a sea freight container condition survey is required before loading.
Use a crane for lifting containers, as some delivery trailers may not handle loaded container weight.
Avoid overloading the container, considering road weight and port crane limitations.
Ensure insurance coverage for potential damages to others’ cargo or vessels.

Shipper’s Responsibilities on Shipping Documents:

The shipper is responsible for accurately describing and ensuring the legality of the commodity for correct shipping documents.
The ocean freight bill of lading states ‘SHIPPER’S LOAD AND COUNT’ and ‘SAID BY SHIPPER TO CONTAIN,’ indicating the shipper’s responsibility for provided information.
While a freight forwarder guides the shipper, it is the shipper’s duty to provide all necessary documents required by origin and destination country officials.

Mandatory Documents for International Shipment by Sea:

Ocean freight bill of lading: Carrier’s transport document with cargo details.
Commercial invoice: Complete commodity description for commercial international ocean freight shipments.
Valued Packing List: Inventory with assigned values for shipping household goods and personal belongings overseas.

Note: Some couriers may require commercial invoices for personal international shipments, but a Valued Packing List can simplify the process.

Why Choose Us?

Fully Licensed & Bonded OTI. Ocean Transportation Intermediary No. 023564N

Licensed by the FMC (Federal Maritime Commission)

Member of IAM (International Association of Movers)

Better Business Bureau Accredited Business