常用术语

Did you know? Indian ports handle a whopping 2.8 million TEU bookings each year, with an impressive 85% of those confirmed electronically within just 2 hours. However, during peak season, that confirmation rate takes a hit, dropping to around 60% due to capacity issues that impact container freight rates.

Confirmation Process and Requirements

To get a booking confirmed, you need to provide all the necessary cargo details, such as the type of commodity, weight, dimensions, container type needs, and pickup/delivery instructions. Freight forwarding companies send booking requests to shipping lines, including shipper information, cargo specifics, and preferred sailing dates. The confirmations will include booking reference numbers, vessel names, voyage numbers, cut-off dates, and details about the allocated container equipment.

Documentation and Validity

Valid booking confirmations act as contracts between shippers and carriers, laying out container freight rates, service terms, and operational responsibilities. These documents contain crucial information like container yard (CY) cut-off times, documentation cut-off deadlines, vessel departure schedules, and estimated transit times. If any changes are made after confirmation, they usually come with amendment fees ranging from $50 to $200, depending on the type and timing of the modification.

Strategic Booking Management

To run successful FCL shipping operations, timing your bookings strategically is key, especially during peak seasons (September to December) when space can be hard to come by. Top freight forwarding companies often have allocation agreements with various shipping lines, ensuring they can secure space even when capacity is tight. Booking early (2-3 weeks in advance) typically leads to better container freight rates and guaranteed space allocation, unlike last-minute requests during busy periods.