FCL ocean freight booking involves a four-step process: Inquiry → Booking → Container Pickup → Loading (Source: Qinyuan Logistics). Timing: 5–7 days in advance for standard cargo (Source: greathensen). Key Point: Space is only secured once the Shipping Order (SO) is received (Source: WFH). Machinery: Oversized items require Open Top or Flat Rack containers (Source: Zbao).
I.
Inquiry and Booking
Information: Port of loading, port of destination, cargo description, volume, and weight (Source: Qinyuan). Container Type: 20GP/40GP/40HQ (Source: Xinhan). Schedule: Target sailing date (Source: Qinyuan). HS Code: Commodity HS code (Source: UFI). Incoterms: Trade terms (Source: UFI)—Inquiry: Port + Container Type + Schedule (complete information required).
II.
Submitting the Booking
SLI: Fill out the Shipping Letter of Instruction (Source: WFH). Content: Cargo description, number of packages, gross weight, and volume (Source: WFH). Accuracy: Booking information must match actual cargo details (Source: Wutong.com). Shipping Line: Freight forwarder books with the shipping line (Source: Bofeng). Space: Book early if space is tight (Source: Wutong.com)—Booking: SLI + Accuracy (consistent information).
III. SO Confirmation
SO: Confirm space booking via the Shipping Order (Source: WFH); Verification: Check vessel name, voyage, and cargo cutoff time (Source: Douyin); Container Pickup: Clarify the pickup location (Source: Douyin); Weight Cutoff: Confirm the weight cutoff deadline (Source: Douyin); Lock-in: Secure the SO space booking (Source: WFH) — SO: Verify vessel name & cutoff (critical documentation).
IV.
Container Pickup & Loading
Empty Container Pickup: Collect empty container from the depot using the SO (Source: Douyin); Inspection: Check container condition; swap if damaged (Source: Douyin); Loading: Transport empty container to the factory for loading (Source: Douyin); Securing: Machinery requires professional securing/lashing; Photos: Document loading with photos (Source: Zbao) — Pickup/Loading: Inspection & loading (quality control of container condition).
V.
Special Cases: Machinery
Open-Top Container: For over-height machinery (Source: Best China); Flat Rack Container: For over-width/over-weight cargo (Source: Zbao); Lead Time: Arrange special containers 10–14 days in advance (Source: greathensen); Approval: OOG (Out-of-Gauge) cargo requires carrier approval (Source: Dedola); Lifting: Confirm terminal lifting capabilities (Source: Dedola) — Special Cases: Open-top/Flat rack (advance planning).
VI.
Cost Considerations
Overweight Surcharge: Applies if weight exceeds 18 tons (Source: Sinotrans); Origin Port Charges: Confirm local fees (Source: Qinyuan); Ocean Freight: Base rate + surcharges; Quotation: Request an all-inclusive quote (Source: Top China); Comparison: Compare transit times and prices (Source: Sinotrans) — Costs: Overweight fees & surcharges (confirm in advance).
VII. Procurement Recommendations
Key points include: booking early (5–7 days in advance); ensuring accurate information (consistency with the SLI); verifying the SO (checking vessel name and cargo cutoff times); handling special equipment requirements (open-top or flat-rack containers); and controlling costs (managing overweight surcharges).
In summary—Booking: Information + SO + Special Requirements (forming a closed-loop process).
