Can I ask about something that isn't covered here?

Yes. These guides cover the topics we're asked about most often. For questions about a specific shipment, tell us the cargo details and destination and we'll give you a direct answer.

Can you help if this is our first time exporting?

Yes. We'll walk you through the required documents, how to plan the schedule, and how to read a quote, along with anything specific to your destination country.

Can I request a quote without committing to book?

Quotes are free and don't commit you to booking. Just tell us the load port, discharge port and cargo details.

GUIDE

Ocean Freight & Export Shipping Guides from Japan

From container basics to documentation and cost breakdowns, these 20 guides cover what you need to know to ship ocean freight from Japan — written for importers and buyers who are new to sourcing from Japan as well as experienced ones.

01All Guides

40HC Container: Dimensions, Capacity & Weight LimitsInternal dimensions, volume and maximum payload of a 40-foot high cube container, compared with 20ft and 40ft dry…FCL vs LCL Shipping from Japan: Which Should You Choose?How each is priced, where the volume breakeven typically falls, and the hidden costs LCL importers often miss…Incoterms 2020 Guide for Ocean Freight from JapanAll 11 Incoterms 2020 rules, and why FOB needs extra care for containerized cargo…Bill of Lading for Shipments from JapanWhat a B/L does, and how original B/L, surrendered B/L and sea waybill differ…Ocean Freight Costs from Japan: Charges ExplainedHow ocean freight rates are built — base rate plus BAF, CAF, THC and other surcharges…Demurrage and Detention Charges ExplainedThe difference between demurrage and detention, how free time is counted, and how to avoid extra charges…Export Documents Required for Shipping from JapanA practical checklist of documents needed to export from Japan, plus country-specific advance filings…SOC vs COC Containers: Shipper-Owned vs Carrier-OwnedWho owns the box, who’s on the hook to return it, and when shipper-owned pays off…CY vs CFS: Container Yard and Freight Station ExplainedWhat CY and CFS mean on a bill of lading, and the VGM rule you need to know before cutoff…Freight Forwarder vs Customs Broker: What’s the Difference?Different legal authorizations, different jobs — who to ask for what when shipping from Japan…Ocean Freight Booking Process: From Quote to B/LThe eight steps and three deadlines between a rate quote and a bill of lading in your inbox…ETD, ETA and Cut-off Dates ExplainedWhat each carrier-schedule abbreviation actually commits to, and how to read a schedule when a sailing runs late…Why Container Shortages Happen and How to PrepareThe structural, cyclical reason equipment gets tight, and what shippers can do about it…ISPM15 Wood Packaging Rules for Export From JapanWhich wood packaging needs treatment, how HT/MB treatment and the IPPC mark work…Container Vanning Basics: Weight, Lashing, SpaceWeight distribution, lashing methods, and making efficient use of available space…Reefer Container Basics for Shipping from JapanHow reefer containers differ from dry containers, and what to confirm before booking one…IMDG Dangerous Goods Shipping from Japan GuideHow the IMDG Code classifies dangerous goods, and commonly overlooked items like lithium batteries…How to Find the Right HS Code for Export from JapanWhy the first six digits of an HS code are universal, and how to lock one in with a ruling…Export Licenses and Controls for Shipping from JapanList control versus catch-all control, and how classification actually gets done…Marine Cargo Insurance Basics for Shipping from JapanWhy carrier liability limits leave gaps, and how ICC (A)(B)(C) coverage tiers compare…

02Browse by Service

Route ListIndicative transit times for our main ports DestinationsLandlocked countries and local import clearance SOC Container ArrangementNo return required, inland destinations covered

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Can I ask about something that isn’t covered here?: Yes. These guides cover the topics we’re asked about most often. For questions about a specific shipment, tell us the cargo details and destination and we’ll give you a direct answer.
Can you help if this is our first time exporting?: Yes. We’ll walk you through the required documents, how to plan the schedule, and how to read a quote, along with anything specific to your destination country.
Can I request a quote without committing to book?: Quotes are free and don’t commit you to booking. Just tell us the load port, discharge port and cargo details.

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