1. What is a special container? How does it differ from a regularThe containerWhat are the fundamental differences?

Special containers refer to non-standard containers designed for special cargo, with three core differences compared to ordinary 20/40-foot containers:

• Structural Differences:Including 7 major categories such as open top containers (OPEN TOP), flat rack containers (FLAT RACK), and refrigerated containers (REEFER)
• Payload Discrepancy:The maximum load capacity of a frame container can reach 45 tons (standard container load limit is 26 tons).
• Standard Operating Procedures:IMO dangerous goods code must be declared 45 days in advance (if dangerous goods are involved).

II. How to Choose a Special Container Booking Agent? What Qualifications Need to Be Verified?

A high-quality agent must possess three core qualifications simultaneously:

• Industry certification:FIATA International Freight Forwarding Qualification, WCA Worldwide Agent Network Member
• Device Resources:with Maersk and COSCOThe MaritimeWait for the TOP5 shipping companies to have special container cooperation agreements.
• Case Endorsement:Successfully handled the export of oversized equipment in 2022 (e.g., an 80-ton single-unit generator).

3. What are the hidden costs for booking special containers? How to accurately estimate the expenses?

Please note that in addition to the base ocean freight, special attention should be paid to the following three types of fees:

• Additional fees:
  • Overweight Surcharge (Exceeding Carrier's Standard Tonnage)
  • Lashing fee for frame container (USD400-800/container)
• Special Operations Fee:
  • Port crane usage fee (billed hourly)
  • Night Work Surcharge (Standard Rate × 150%)
• File Fee:Special Cargo Transport Declaration (USD120-200 per shipment)

IV. Why is the booking time longer than that for standard containers? What are the key milestones?

Special container booking cycles typically require 60-90 days, primarily constrained by three key factors:

• Shipment Schedule Confirmation:A vessel capable of handling special containers must be matched (only 30% of the routes can accommodate this requirement).
• Port Approval:Oversized cargo must be declared to the port of loading/destination 30 days in advance.
• Loading Plan:Lashing plan requiring class society certification (average processing time: 14 working days)

5. What are the risks associated with special container transportation? How can they be effectively mitigated?

According to 2024 data from the International Cargo Insurance Association, the accident rate for special container transport is 3.2 times higher than that of standard containers. Major risks include:

• Cargo shift:In 2022, a wind turbine blade caused a loss of USD 2.2 million due to improper lashing.
• Port Rejection:Failure to declare special container parameters in advance resulted in a detention charge of USD 6,500 at the destination port.
• Response Plan:
  • Purchase Special Cargo Transportation Insurance (Premium Rate 1.2%-2.5%)
  • Request the agent to provide a visual report of the lashing plan.

VI. Special Containercustoms clearanceWhat special requirements do you have? How are common issues resolved?

Three key points require special attention in the customs declaration process:

• Declaration elements:Must indicate "Special Container Transport" and the specific container type code.
• Document preparation:The special container fitness certificate issued by the shipping company must be attached.
• Common Issues:
  • Case: A piece of construction machinery was detained by customs for 7 days due to failure to declare the parameters of the flat rack container.
  • Solution: Prepare a 3D dimensional drawing of the goods and a center of gravity specification in advance.

VII. Port of DestinationCustoms clearanceWhat special inspections might be encountered? How to prepare in advance?

According to the latest 2025 international trade data, the inspection rate for special container customs clearance has reached as high as 78%, with key focus on addressing:

• Security Check:Tie-down security test (third-party inspection report required)
• File Verification:The original special cargo transport declaration must accompany the vessel.
• Countermeasures:
  • Please apply in advance for the APEC Business Travel Card to facilitate customs clearance.
  • Prepare multilingual cargo characteristic description documents