Information Centre

Use packaging suited to the weight, shape and fragility of your goods. Protect individual items, fill empty spaces and seal cartons securely.

Number each package and keep an itemised contents list. Measure the outer dimensions and weigh each finished package. Ask our team about professional packing or crating for fragile, valuable or unusually shaped items.

Prepare a clear description of the goods, their quantities and values, plus the sender’s and receiver’s details. A packing list helps identify what is inside each package.

The documents required depend on the goods, destination and reason for shipping. Commercial and personal shipments may require different paperwork. Confirm the requirements with our team before dispatch.

The right option depends on your route, cargo size, timing and budget. Air freight can suit time-sensitive shipments; sea freight can suit larger overseas consignments; road transport serves accessible land routes.

Ask for an option based on your actual shipment. Transit estimates should include collection, handling, customs and final delivery where applicable.

Tell us about batteries, aerosols, perfumes, chemicals, liquids and other items that may need special checks. These examples are not a complete list.

Restrictions vary by transport mode, carrier and destination. Keep original product labels and safety information where available. Ask our team to confirm acceptance before packing or sending anything you are unsure about.

Ask about available cargo insurance before dispatch and check the scope of cover, exclusions, excess and claims process. Do not assume a shipment’s full value is automatically covered.

Keep purchase or valuation records, a contents list and photographs of the goods and packaging. Tell our team about fragile or high-value items when requesting your quote.

Have the collection and delivery locations, package count, outer dimensions, gross weight and goods description ready. Mention your timing and any packing, storage or access requirements.

Check which services and charges are included, who handles customs, and whether duties, taxes or destination charges are separate. Confirm the quote’s validity and any changes before booking.

Incoterms® are ICC trade rules used in sales contracts to allocate delivery tasks, costs and risks between buyer and seller. Specify the agreed rule, named place or port, and edition — for example, “FCA [named place], Incoterms® 2020”.

Any transport mode: EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU and DDP.

Sea and inland waterway only: FAS, FOB, CFR and CIF.

Do not assume that paying the freight means keeping the risk throughout the journey. Agree the appropriate rule with your trading partner and confirm how it fits your shipment with our team.

ICC guide to Incoterms® 2020 ↗

Compare common dry shipping containers below. Measurements are example internal dimensions, in metres (length × width × height).

Door openings are smaller than internal dimensions. Equipment varies by manufacturer; usable space and permitted cargo weight also depend on loading, packaging and route limits. Confirm the actual container and door dimensions before booking.

Source: Hapag-Lloyd equipment examples — 20 ft, 40 ft and 40 ft high cube.