can be defined as the use of one or several metal boxes for transporting freight. Different models are available, each with standard sizes. They help meet international business exchange needs, namely when it comes to transport offers.
This solution for delivering goods is particularly well-suited for . The various intermediary handling operations do not concern the goods themselves, but rather their container. Once shipped overseas, the container can then be transferred from the ship’s cargo to another means of transport, such as the rail or road network. Waterway convoys are also available for optimizing large volumes of freight traffic.
is an economical and safe solution, that generally stops off in major port hubs before pursuing its journey to the recipient. With globalization and large-scale business exchanges at their highest, it has become the most-used means of transport in the world.
As mentioned previously, the containers’ sizes are standardized. However, there are different models available, to adapt to various customer needs. The main solutions are as follows:
Pallet Wide: used to store European-standard pallets;
Flat Rack: designed to transport cumbersome equipment, such as vehicles or boats;
Tank container: authorized for the transport of gas and liquids. It complies with the ISO 1496 standard;
Open Side: has a side opening to make handling easier;
: includes a system used to regulate and control temperature inside the container;
Dry Standard: this is the most widespread model, given its universal possibilities.
Regardless of the type of goods or final destination, complies with very specific logistics:
Loading and handling phase.
Positioning determined by the of the container in a designated area.
Transfer onto the ship.
Shipping to the destination country and transfer to another means of transport.
requires for import-export and formalities to be complied with. Depending on the country and its related regulations, more or less administrative work may be required. With regard to Europe and France, this essentially includes:
Checking compliance of the goods;
status;
Declaration of the goods;
Export accompanying document;
;
Settlement of all taxes and formalities due, etc.
These matters may concern either import or export procedures. It is important to refer to the competent authorities to conduct the appropriate administrative formalities. This helps avoid any and transshipments during . The sender and recipient are also entitled to hire a specialist - such as an - to benefit from administrative, legal and financial assistance.
About 90% of freight is transported via maritime routes. represents over 9 billion tons of merchandise every year. Currently, about 5,000 container carriers are sailing out at sea all over the world. French import resorts to this type of transport in 75% of cases. In France, this activity represents over 440,000 jobs.
https://www.e-tlf.com/dossiers-tlf/chiffres-cles/)
Maritime law
Regulations pertaining to international trade
regulations, Union Code (UCC)
Transport Code