Exporting with Confidence: Your Guide to International Shipping Containers and Logistics
If you’re searching for ocean shipping containers, freight containers, or intermodal freight containers for export, you’re likely preparing to move goods internationally and need the right container to get the job done. Whether you’re a business shipping product overseas, a resident moving your household goods, or an International Freight Forwarder helping clients navigate logistics, choosing the right overseas container is critical.
Important Factors To Consider When Using Shipping Containers for Export
- Buy a Certified Cargo Worthy Shipping Container that meets shipping standards
- Find a vendor that has a vast network of international shipping container surveyors to provide inspections and certifications (like CSC plates)
- Choose the right container size and type based on your cargo—such as standard, high cube, open-top, or refrigerated units
- Ensure the supplier understands international shipping regulations to help you avoid customs issues and port delays
- Confirm the container’s condition and structural integrity to protect your cargo throughout the journey
- Work with a partner who can provide professional documentation and ongoing support throughout the export process
The Important Role of International Freight Forwarders in Overseas Shipping
International Freight Forwarders play a vital role in making sure your export process runs smoothly. They serve as logistics experts, managing the complex coordination involved in moving business or household goods across international borders.
Key Responsibilities of a Freight Forwarder:
- Shipment Planning: Freight forwarders assess your shipping requirements—including delivery timeline, budget, and cargo type—to determine the most efficient transportation method (air, sea, rail, or road) and route.
- Coordinating Transport: Leveraging their relationships with carriers, they secure competitive rates and arrange for the movement of goods from origin to destination, optimizing logistics every step of the way.
- Managing Documentation: Freight forwarders handle all required paperwork, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, and certificates of origin, ensuring full compliance with international customs regulations.
- Customs Clearance: They work with licensed customs brokers to manage clearance procedures and avoid costly delays or penalties at ports of entry.
- Shipment Tracking & Final Delivery: Once the cargo is in transit, freight forwarders monitor progress and ensure on-time, intact delivery to its final destination.
Why Businesses Rely on Freight Forwarding Services
Freight forwarding is essential for companies involved in international cargo shipping. Here’s why:
- Regulatory Expertise: Freight forwarders understand the nuances of customs and trade regulations, helping clients navigate international requirements with ease.
- Cost Savings: By consolidating shipments and negotiating carrier rates, they reduce overall freight container shipping costs, especially beneficial for small to mid-sized loads.
- Time Efficiency: Outsourcing logistics allows companies to focus on core operations while experts handle the complexities of documentation, coordination, and compliance.
Many freight forwarders also work directly with container suppliers to source cargo shipping containers that meet shipping line requirements. They often seek CSC-certified Cargo Worthy Containers and trust partners like Container Sales Group for consistent supply, competitive pricing, and nationwide availability.
Whether you’re a first-time exporter or managing large international shipments, working with an International Freight Forwarder ensures that your goods are compliant, protected, and on schedule—giving you peace of mind from origin to destination.
Types of Ocean Shipping Containers for Export
Choosing the right New Or Used Cargo Worthy freight container depends on what you’re shipping. Here are the most common types used in overseas transport:
• 20ft Standard (8’ 6” high) Containers – Used for general cargo like boxes, pallets, and small machinery
• 40ft Standard (8’ 6” high) Containers – Offers more space for large shipments at a better per-foot value
• 40ft High Cube (9’ 6” high) Containers – Extra height makes it ideal for taller cargo or when stacking is needed
• Open-Top Containers – Great for machinery or oversized items that need to be loaded from above
• Flat Rack Containers – Designed for heavy or bulky cargo such as vehicles or construction equipment
Export-Ready Container Certifications and Standards: What You Need To Know
When exporting cargo, your freight container must meet global certifications and safety standards to ensure smooth passage through ports and inspections. The most important certification to look for is the CSC Plate, issued under the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC). This metal plate is affixed to the container and proves that it meets structural, safety, and maintenance requirements for international shipping.
Other important standards and certifications include:
• ISO Standards – Ensure uniform container sizing, strength, and compatibility with global handling equipment
• ACEP (Approved Continuous Examination Program) – A maintenance standard some containers follow to stay compliant over time
• IICL (Institute of International Container Lessors) Grading – Indicates a higher-grade condition, often preferred by leasing companies and freight forwarders
At Container Sales Group, all shipping containers are Certified Cargo Worthy for export. Most ocean freight requires containers to be CSC-certified, meaning the container has been inspected and is safe for international transport. Upon request, Container Sales Group can supply a Written Survey Certificate by a professional surveyor, so you can ship with confidence. We can also guide you through any questions about inspections and compliance, helping you avoid costly delays or rejections at port.
The Importance of Working with Professional Container Surveyors
At Container Sales Group, we work with a network of experienced, third-party container surveyors across the United States to ensure your container is properly inspected and documented before it ships. Upon request, we can also provide a written CSC Survey Certificate, giving you peace of mind that your shipment meets all required regulations and is ready to move across borders without issue.
Why Buy Intermodal Shipping Containers from Container Sales Group
We make exporting simple. Here’s why thousands of customers across the United States trust us with their intermodal freight container purchase:
- CSC-Certified Containersfor immediate export use – including New/One-Trip and Cargo Worthy options
• Vast network of professional surveyors to provide CSC Certification Reports, inspection photos, and documentation required for overseas shipping
• Trusted by international freight forwarders, businesses, manufacturers, global brands, and individual residents for consistent service and container reliability
• 5-star Google Reviews showcasing our commitment to customer satisfaction
• Featured on CNBC News as a leader in the shipping container industry
• WBENC-Certified Women-Owned Business, providing a honest pricing, fast response times and top rated customer service nationwide
Whether you’re shipping overseas, outfitting a job site, or managing international logistics, Container Sales Group is your reliable partner for quality, compliance, and customer-first service.
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Purchasing Questions
How do I order a container?
Once you decide the size of the container and if you need delivery, we will email you an invoice to purchase with the following provided information: Name/Company Name, Billing & Delivery Address, Email Address and how to position the container on the delivery truck (container doors sliding off back of truck and hitting ground first or last). Upon receipt of your payment, either delivery will be scheduled or we will provide you with pick up/release information which is the depot facility address & pick up number.
How do I make payment?
Do you offer financing?
Do you rent containers?
Is there sales tax on the purchase of a shipping container?
Delivery Questions
What is the delivery process?
Once we receive payment on your invoice to purchase a container and agree on a delivery date. The truck driver will call the contact you provided us once the container is loaded on the truck to advise he is on his way to your location.
How much does it cost to deliver a container?
Delivery depends on the distance of your location from where we store our containers. Call our office at 708 627-2725 and we will provide you with a delivery quote.
How much space is required for delivery?
Containers are typically delivered with a tilt-bed roll off truck. The driver tilts the bed up and the container slowly slides off onto the ground as the driver then pulls out from under the container. For a 20ft long storage container, you will need about 75ft of straight line clearance. For a 40ft long storage container, the truck and trailer will need about 110ft of straight line clearance.
What kind of site preparation is needed?
We will deliver on cement, pavement, asphalt, gravel, grass & dirt, provided the surface is not too soft. However, we strongly recommend that you choose a site that is as level as possible. If the storage container is not level, the container doors may be hard to open and close. The surface area where you place your container should also have adequate drainage to avoid sinking.
