由 caicai8478 Large cargo generally refers to cargo that exceeds the size or weight of a standard container, such as construction project equipment, large machinery, wind turbine blades, and transformers. Safety, compliance, and efficiency are key to handling these cargoes.
I. Core Concepts and Preliminary Preparation
Collecting detailed cargo information: This is the foundation of all operations. Essential preparation is required:
Accurate dimensions: Longest, widest, and highest dimensions (in meters), including packaging or base.
Accurate weight: Total gross weight (in metric tons).
Center of gravity location: This is crucial for equipment with uneven weight distribution, which can affect lifting and lashing safety.
Cargo photos/drawings: Multi-angle photos and structural diagrams are provided to facilitate intuitive assessment of loading, unloading, and transportation requirements.
Packing method: Will the cargo be unpacked, crated, or palletized? If using wooden packaging, fumigation standards (such as ISPM 15) must be met.
Route and Port Evaluation:
Port of Departure: Choose a Chinese port with well-equipped facilities and extensive experience handling large cargo, such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Tianjin, Qingdao, Guangzhou (Nansha), and Shenzhen (Yantian).
Port of Destination: Verify the Southeast Asian destination port’s loading and unloading capacity, berth depth, terminal crane capacity, and inland transshipment conditions (e.g., Singapore, Port Klang, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Laem Chabang). Some remote ports may not be able to handle oversized cargo.
Choosing a Professional Logistics Service Provider
It’s crucial! Avoid using a freight forwarder that only handles general cargo. Look for an international freight forwarder or shipping company with extensive experience in project logistics and heavy-lift & out-of-gate (OOG) transport.
They can provide: professional transportation solutions, port operation coordination, lashing and reinforcement design, customs clearance services, and specialized transportation equipment (e.g., heavy-duty cranes and multi-axle hydraulic flatbed trucks).
II. Ocean Freight Booking Process
Quotation Request and Proposal Confirmation:
Submit the cargo details prepared in Step 1 to multiple freight forwarders for quotation requests.
Based on this information, the freight forwarder will request special cargo space from the shipping company and provide a preliminary transportation plan and all-inclusive quotation. The quotation should clearly state:
Ocean freight (usually a lump sum price)
Port of departure miscellaneous charges (THC, customs clearance fees, document fees, VGM declaration fees, etc.)
Port of destination miscellaneous charges (unpacking fees, unloading fees, customs clearance fees, delivery fees, etc.)
Special charges: Lashing & Securing, special lifting fees, over-the-gauge surcharge, escort fees (if any).
Booking:
After confirming the plan and price, send the booking form to the freight forwarder.
The freight forwarder will formally book the space with the shipping company, and the shipping company will issue a Shipping Order (SO) and a S/O No. (booking number).
Container Pickup and Loading Instructions:
If the container is a flat rack or open top container, the freight forwarder will arrange for the pickup of a special container.
The freight forwarder or shipping company should provide a professional loading plan and lashing scheme to ensure the absolute safety of the cargo during sea transport.
III. Port of Departure Operational Procedures (Chinese Port)
Cargo Arrival:
Arrange for a truck to transport the cargo to the designated terminal or the shipping company’s designated container yard. An oversized transportation permit may be required for transportation.
Customs Declaration:
Prepare a complete set of customs documents (contract, invoice, packing list, customs declaration form, declaration elements, etc.) for export declaration.
Note: Large equipment often involves tax refunds, so the document information must be accurate.
VGM Declaration:
The cargo must be weighed and the Verified Gross Mass (VGM), the container’s gross weight, must be submitted to the shipping company.
Terminal Operations and Loading:
Hoisting/Roll-On/Roll-Off: The terminal uses heavy cranes (floating cranes, quay cranes, etc.) to safely lift cargo onto the vessel.
Lashing and Reinforcement: The ship’s crew or professionals will securely secure the cargo to the deck or hold using wires, chains, ground bells, and other tools according to a pre-determined plan. This is crucial to preventing the cargo from shifting in wind and waves.
Ship Inspection: The captain or first mate will inspect the lashings and confirm they are correct before sailing.
IV. Port of Destination Operations (Southeast Asian Ports)
Pre-Arrival Preparations:
The port of destination agent will receive documents in advance and arrange customs clearance and unloading preparations in advance.
Customs Clearance:
This is usually handled by the port of destination agent appointed by the consignee. Documents such as bill of lading, invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin (such as Form E) are required. Customs policies vary across Southeast Asian countries, so it is important to confirm the required documents in advance.
Unloading and Pickup:
Heavy equipment is used at the port to safely unload the cargo onto the dock.
The consignee collects the cargo at the port with a delivery order (DO).
A heavy-duty truck is then arranged to transport the cargo from the port to the final destination. This may also involve complex inland transportation, such as requesting an escort and temporarily removing streetlights or toll booths.
V. Key Considerations and Common Risks
Document Preparation:
Bill of Lading (B/L): Ensure that the cargo description on the B/L (particularly dimensions and weight) is 100% accurate. This directly impacts port of discharge arrangements and potential fines.
Certificate of Origin (COO/Form E): This is used to secure tariff concessions in Southeast Asian importing countries and must be obtained in advance.
Insurance:
It is strongly recommended to purchase a comprehensive all-risk cargo insurance policy, along with additional insurance such as lifting accident insurance and war risk insurance. Large cargo carries high value and carries significant risks, making insurance essential.
Communication:
Maintain close communication with the freight forwarder at the port of departure, the agent at the port of destination, and the consignee to ensure information is kept current and any changes can be addressed promptly.
Compliance:
Strictly adhere to Chinese export and Southeast Asian import regulations, including commodity inspection, quarantine, and licensing. In particular, motors and mechanical equipment may be subject to specific standards.
Time Buffer:
Large cargo handling involves numerous steps and uncontrollable factors (such as weather, customs inspections, and shipping delays). Please allow ample time buffer in your plans.
Summary: Exporting large cargo to Southeast Asia is a systematic undertaking. The key to success lies in:
Detailed Preparation: Accurate cargo data is the starting point.
Professional Team: Choose an experienced and reputable project logistics service provider.
Clear Process: Understand and track every operational step.
Comprehensive Protection: Purchase adequate insurance to cover unknown risks.