The World of Shipping: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re in the shipping industry, or even if you just know someone who works there, chances are you’ve heard the term bunker thrown around once or twice. But what exactly does this term mean? And how does it apply to the shipping industry? This guide is essential reading for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating field!
You may have heard of containers but lack a firm grasp on their function and purpose if you’ve never worked with one directly. A shipping container is essentially an intermodal freight transport packaging unit. Its primary function is to facilitate the transportation of goods via sea from one place or country to another. Containers can be transported by train, truck or plane after being offloaded from a ship at its destination port and then shipped across land.
Shipments are classified into three types based on their weight. A-cargo refers to loads under 100 tons, B-cargo to loads between 100 and 1,000 tons, and C-cargo to loads over 1,000 tons (everything bigger than that). Unlike automobiles, shipments don’t have a standard size or shape, so they can’t be classified by volume. Instead, dimensions like length and width are needed to provide an accurate estimate. In general, it takes longer to ship larger cargo because it takes more time for a vessel to travel from one destination to another.
When it comes to moving your cargo from one location to another, you typically have four options: self-ship, full carrier, less than container load (LCL), or a combination of any and all. Each option has distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on what you require and where you are located. Once you’ve decided that shipping is the best option for your needs, you can begin planning. Whether you’re self-shipping or hiring a carrier, they will require specific information before they can take care of everything else involved with getting your goods from point A to B safely and efficiently.
Whether you’re shipping goods within your own country or across an ocean, it pays to do a little research first. You need to find an expert to explain all of the terms you’ll need to know about the industry, from dry bulk cargo to bunker fuel and everything in between! Freight forwarding companies provide a variety of shipping options, including ocean freight and air freight, also known as express freight, as well as trucking, multimodal freight, cross-border trade, and international logistics. When comparing rates between several shippers, remember that you’re not just paying for transport; you’re also paying for delivery, door-to-door service and insurance. Take those factors into account when comparing prices between carriers. If your shipment is small enough, it’s also worth shopping around; chances are, many companies will give you good deals on short hauls.