There are 5 physical steps and 2 documentation steps when it comes to shipping the container internationally. All of the steps take place for every shipment. 

For your information, there is a cost in each step. This need to be settled by someone. Usually, the one who settles is the shipper or the consignee. If you don’t want to pay extra cost or experience unnecessary delays, you need to have a clear agreement on who will pay for each step. Those steps are:

1. Export Haulage

Export haulage is related to the movement of the container from the shipper to the forwarder’s
destination. The container would be moved by truck, rail, or a local transportation company.

2. Export Customs Clearance

Export customs clearance is related to every shipment that leaves a county. The customs formalities have to meet the regulatory requirements.

3. Origin Handling

Origin handling will cover all physical handling and inspection of the shipment.

4. Ocean Freight

If the freight forwarded decides to ship the container with ocean freight, they and the shipping line has a contract to carry the container.

5. Import Customs Clearance

Import customs clearance is handled by the freight forwarder or by a customs house broker. This step begins before the container arrives at the destination country.

6. Destination Handling

Destination handling is when the container transfers from the ship to shore.

7. Import Haulage

The last step of sea freight international shipping containers imports haulage which is the actual delivery of the container to the consignee.