General Cargo Shipping Services

General cargo and bulk cargo differ fundamentally in handling and shipping methods. General cargo is: packaged in individual units (boxes, crates, pallets), counted by pieces or packages, shipped in containers or as breakbulk, handled with forklifts/cranes, consolidated with other shipments, and charged by weight/volume. Bulk cargo is: unpackaged loose material (grain, coal, oil, ore), measured by tons or cubic meters, shipped in specialized bulk carriers, loaded by conveyor/pump/chute, requires dedicated vessel space, and charged by tonnage. Examples: General cargo = pallets of electronics, boxes of clothing, crated furniture. Bulk cargo = 50,000 tons of wheat, crude oil tanker, coal shipment. General cargo offers flexibility (smaller quantities, mixed products, containerization) while bulk cargo is for large-volume single-commodity shipments.

Yes, cargo consolidation (LCL - Less than Container Load) is cost-effective for smaller shipments. Your cargo shares container space with other shippers' goods, and you only pay for cubic meters used rather than renting an entire container. Consolidation works when: shipment volume is under 15 cubic meters (about 500 cubic feet), you're flexible on transit time (adds 3-7 days for consolidation/deconsolidation), cargo isn't extremely fragile or time-sensitive, and destination has consolidation services. Benefits include: significant cost savings (50-70% versus FCL for small volumes), no minimum volume requirement, regular weekly departures, and full tracking visibility. We consolidate cargo at major ports worldwide, coordinate customs clearance, and deliver to final destination. Ideal for: e-commerce businesses, small importers/exporters, sample shipments, and regular small-volume shipments.

Proper packaging protects cargo during international shipping's multiple handling points. Requirements vary by cargo type: Boxes and cartons - Use new or good-condition corrugated boxes, adequate wall strength for stacking (200 lb test minimum), internal cushioning (bubble wrap, foam), secure sealing with strong tape, and weatherproof wrapping if needed. Pallets - Standard pallet sizes (40"×48" most common), heat-treated wood (ISPM-15 certified for international shipping), secured with shrink wrap or strapping, stable stacking, and maximum pallet weight 2000-2500 lbs. Crates - For heavy/fragile items, sturdy wooden construction, internal bracing, moisture barrier, and proper weight distribution. All packaging must: withstand stacking under 8 feet of cargo, protect against moisture and handling, clearly labeled with destination and handling instructions, and meet destination country regulations. We provide packaging consultation and professional packing services.

Cargo insurance and claims are critical for general cargo shipments. Marine cargo insurance covers: physical damage, total loss, theft, general average contribution, and weather damage. Insurance costs 0.5-3% of cargo value depending on: cargo type and value, origin and destination (higher risk routes cost more), shipping method, and packaging quality. Claims process includes: immediate notification to us and insurance company (within 24-72 hours of discovering damage), cargo inspection (photos, damage assessment, surveyor report if needed), documentation submission (invoice, packing list, B/L, delivery receipt), and claim settlement (typically 30-90 days). Prevention measures we take: proper packaging guidance, cargo securing in containers, photo documentation pre/post loading, and partnering with reputable carriers. We assist throughout the claims process and work with insurance companies to expedite settlement. All general cargo shipments should be insured due to value and international shipping risks.

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) define seller and buyer responsibilities in international trade. Common terms for general cargo include: EXW (Ex Works) - buyer handles everything from seller's location; FOB (Free On Board) - seller delivers to origin port, buyer pays ocean freight and destination costs; CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) - seller pays to destination port including insurance; DAP (Delivered at Place) - seller delivers to buyer's location, buyer handles import customs; and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) - seller handles everything including import duties. For general cargo, we recommend: FOB for experienced importers (more control, usually lower costs), CIF for buyers needing insurance coverage arranged, and DDP for buyers wanting turnkey delivery with no hassles. Your choice affects: price negotiation, risk transfer point, insurance responsibility, and customs clearance duties. We advise on optimal Incoterms based on your experience level and cargo type.

Yes, we ship general cargo to remote locations worldwide including inland cities, island destinations, and areas with limited infrastructure. Methods include: Multi-modal transport - Combining ocean, air, truck, and rail to reach inland destinations; Transshipment - Using intermediate ports when direct service isn't available; Last-mile delivery - Coordinating local carriers for final delivery to remote areas; Alternative routing - Finding creative solutions for challenging locations. Considerations for remote shipping: longer transit times (add 1-4 weeks), higher costs (additional handling, limited carrier options), limited tracking visibility in remote areas, customs complexity (some remote areas have different procedures), and potential access restrictions (weather, security). We handle shipments to: mountainous regions, island nations, landlocked countries, developing markets, and conflict zones (with appropriate security). Our global network includes agents in 150+ countries enabling delivery almost anywhere. Provide your specific destination for feasibility assessment and detailed routing.

We handle general cargo shipments of all sizes with no strict minimums. Minimum practical volume: Small parcels (1-50 kg) - Often better suited for express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) for cost and speed. LCL consolidation (0.1-15 cubic meters) - Economical for small shipments sharing container space. Minimum is typically 0.1 CBM or 25 kg, though we can ship even smaller volumes combined with other cargo. Maximum volume: Full Container Load (FCL) - Up to 86 cubic meters in 45' High Cube container, weight limit 28-29 tons. Multiple containers - No practical limit; we handle shipments of hundreds of containers for large projects. Guidance: Under 2 CBM - Consider courier/air freight for speed. 2-15 CBM - LCL consolidation most economical. 15+ CBM - FCL typically cheaper per unit. Over 60 CBM - Multiple containers or consider sea freight optimization. We analyze your shipment and recommend the most cost-effective method.