There are many different types of ocean shipping methods used to transport your belongings. The difference between them reflects on the types of needs required. Whether you’re shipping furniture, cars, heavy equipment, trucks or boats we have the right solution for you.
We offer all types of containerized shipping, from less than container loads to 20′, 40′ and refrigerated containers. We also offer highly personalized Roll on Roll off services for cars, trucks and boats. Our ocean shipping experts are available to provide you with fast quotes to all destinations across the globe.
MEA Pack & Ship has developed a unique network and first-class relationships across the globe to provide you with the lowest rates.
Full Container Load (FCL), as the name implies, is the standard form of shipping freight for those who have a large amount of goods to send. The FCL definition seems to imply that you have to fill the container totally, but in fact, this is not the case – you are renting its exclusive use but if you cannot use every square meter it may still be the cheapest method. You have to calculate, versus the option of LCL Shipping (Less than Container Load), whether FCL transport is the more cost-efficient. As a rough rule of thumb, if you have 6 pallets or more, FCL freight is likely to be the better solution.
Other advantages are that you have less risk from other peoples’ cargo, and there is no bumping from the LCL consolidation/deconsolidation process. If you have fragile goods this can be a deciding factor in favor of FCL Shipping.
With a FCL you have the flexibility of mixing your commodity; a container may load a mixture of furniture, cars, motorcycles, or personal effects. Some items may be prohibited, hazardous or restricted, please contact our office if you have a specific item you would like to inquire about.
20 foot: 20’ long x 8’ wide x 8 ½’ high external (c. 6.1m x 2.4m x 2.6m)
40 foot: 40’ long x 8’ wide x 8 ½’ high external (c. 12.2m x 2.4m x 2.6m)
Increasingly used by bulk shippers is the Hi-Cube 40 foot, which has a 9 ½’ height.
There are also refrigerated containers, which can be broader at 2.6m width. Other specialist types that you may encounter include Flat Rack, Open Top, and ‘heavy tested’ 20’ containers that are suitable for heavy machinery.
The maximum payload mass for a 20’ container is approx. 22 tones: and for 40’, approx. 27 tones.
You can elect to have an empty container dropped off at your premises. Be ready to load soon to avoid extra charges. You will be responsible for the condition of the packing so ensure that it is well done. This option is considered "Live Load" the container is brought to you and you have 2 or 3 hours to load and secure the container before an hourly surcharge kicks in.
Less stressful is the "Drop and Pack" service where the container is left with you for an arranged time of 1 day to a week. It is a good option for people moving house abroad. It does cost more, though.
Your finial option is to leave the loading on us. This is a good option for those who are shipping bulky items or plan on loading a vehicle in the container. You can simply deliver your items to our warehouse and we do the loading for you. There is an additional charge for this as well.
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When you don't have enough cargo to fill an ocean freight container, we offer LCL (Less Container Load) service between major ports worldwide. LCL shipping is a good way to ship large or heavy orders, it is based primarily on volume rather than weight, however if the shipment exceeds a certain weight (normally 1000kg) you may be charged by weight. The cost of your shipment is based on cubic meter measurements (cbm). You will be charged for a minimum 1 cbm under LCL rules even if you have a very small shipment.
CBM – cubic meter is calculated by multiplying length, width and height of packages of goods. For example, if the length, height and width of a cargo is 2.3 meters, 1.4meters and 2 meters respectively, the volume of cargo is 2.3 X 1.4 X 2.00 = 6.44 CBM. If you have the measurement in inches or centimeters, first you need to convert in meters and then calculate CBM which will be easier for you. Although, we may be able to calculate the approximent CMB of your ship but we will not know the finial measurements until the cargo is loaded on pallets.
There are 33 cbm in a 20 foot container and 66 in a 40 foot container.
Generally speaking, LCL takes no longer in terms of transit time than FCL and can be less due to the need for FCL shippers to organise the filling of their dedicated container. An LCL customer may, if lucky, be able to nip in at the last minute and fill the remaining space on a load.
The only issue may be if you have a destination that does not have regular shipping to it: small shipment senders have no leverage in terms of getting a boat put on in the near future. However most international routes have frequent sailings.
Your pallet(s) must match the International shipping standards of all the others in the container and the ship in total. That means secure wrapping and clear labelling to the standards of the receiving country: some need dedicated ‘export wrapping’ services. But dont worry, we have it covered.
It is important to prepare the custom paperwork correctly because you will only have a few days’ grace before demurrage charges start to be imposed on the goods that have not moved. The receiver may be paying for this part of the process but he will not thank you if there have been errors at your end. therefor we work closly with you to insure all documention is completed correctly.
If you are moving house abroad, yes you can use LCL: but if you want to move a vehicle in or out of the USA or some other countries, LCL is not allowed because there are other procedures that the authorities will not allow the shipping agent to carry out. There are other goods that may be prohibited under national import/export laws: as with all matters, so please give us a call to verify if your cargo is allowed under LCL rules.
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MEA Pack & Ship takes pride in our exceptional track record with automobile shipments. Our experienced staff members work with you to offer you the best solutions for your shipment whether you’re shipping for trade or personal use.
When it comes to automobile shipping, you have three main options. You can ship your vehicle in a container, ship via Roll On Roll Off (RORO), or ship in a shared container. But which option is better?
All options can be used for your car, motorcycle, truck, or any other vehicle you need to ship internationally. It is important for your confidence to know that all vehicles are securely blocked, braced, and tied down ensuring absolute security during transportation.
Of course, we always recommend getting cargo insurance for your protection no matter what you’re shipping.
You can ship your vehicle in a container, this is a great option if you have multiple vehicles or if you want to add additional items such as; personal effects, goods, or merchandises. your vehicle is loaded into the container and securely blocked, braced, and tied down ensuring absolute security during transportation.
You may join a shared container. With our large customer base we have the ability to add multiple shippers into one container. This option is the cheapest out of all three since the cost of the container can be split among the senders. Although this option is the cheapest it may cause delays since you are obligated to wait for the other senders to complete their shipment.
RORO is the simplest and cheapest method of shipping for vehicles. Vehicles are driven directly onto the RORO vessel and secured to the car decks. They are securely inside the vessel, wind-and-watertight. It is important to note that you cannot ship personal effects using this method, but spare tire and factory fitted accessories are allowed.
Nowadays RORO carriers can handle not just cars but all types of motorized, rolling and even static cargo: trucks, boats, buses, motor homes, travel trailers, tractors, excavators, cranes, and other high & heavy equipment and machinery. The cargo is simply “rolled on” the vessel at the port of loading and “rolled off” the vessel at the overseas destination. Everything is handled by the port workers.
Shipping via RORO service from the U.S. can be arranged from the major ocean ports: New York, Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville, Miami, New Orleans, Houston, Galveston, and Los Angeles.
But there is a mark in favor of container shipping for vehicles. That’s broader shipping options. The only problem with RORO shipping is geographical coverage. While RORO transportation does have global routes, it is still not as all-encompassing as container shipping. Some smaller countries may not even have any options for international RORO transport. However, container shipping can get you pretty much anywhere you want to go.
Our knowledgeable staff will be able to advise you on the availability of RORO shipping to the destinations of your choice and whether it would be more advisable for you to do your auto shipping by container. We’ll make sure we find the option that is best for your shipment.
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque quis quam in risus pulvinar ultrices eget non sem. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae proin accumsan odio.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque quis quam in risus pulvinar ultrices eget non sem. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae proin accumsan odio.
Protecting the value of your goods is the primary benefit of Cargo Insurance. While you have the option of sending your freight without any insurance, if you do so you would bear the entire financial cost in the event of damage or loss of your shipment.
Cargo Insurance covers loss and/or damage of cargo while it is in transit between the points of origin and final destination. Cargo Insurance is essential for businesses engaging in international trade, especially those shipping large quantities of goods.
Cargo Insurance Policies are custom tailored for your specific shipment. For more detailed information about what types of Cargo Insurance that is best for you contact us by calling (708) 432-5600 or via email at info@meaship.com.
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We pride ourselves on our spectacular customer service and willingness to go that extra mile for our clients. If you have an unusual request, call and we’ll figure out a way to get it done.