Container shipping Antwerp to London Gateway

Topics

• International shipping to harbor London Gateway from Antwerp (Belgium)
• Advice for exporting goods in May 2024
• Choose the appropriate container
  • Important specifications of the 20ft container
  • Specifications of a 40ft container
  • In which situations do I choose an FCL container?
  • Positive aspects of Less than container (LCL)
  • What other types of containers are there
• Overview with cargo types
• FAQ: frequently asked questions and answers regarding international transport

What you need to know about the 20 FT container

Twenty Foot Containers (also known under the name dry van) is the most versatile container type. They are easy to load, access, and handle, which means they are cheaper to ship. Suitable for all types of cargo, including household goods or international movings. Pro tip: The term “TEU” stands for twenty-foot equivalent unit.

• This box is often used for transporting goods by means of shipping.
• A 20-foot container has the following dimensions: 6,06 x 2,44 x 2,59.
• You can use 11 pallets on one tier.
• The maximum allowable load is +/- 27.800 kg.

Details of a 40ft container

Besides the 20-foot, the 40-foot container is another popular option. Te 40ft is twice as big as the more standard 20ft. It is especially intended for shipping large sea freight. Also, people can also opt for the 40 foot container ‘high cube’ version. It is about one foot taller than a normal box. Ideal if you have high cargo.

• The ideal means of transport for large loads.
• In terms of format, this type comes out to: 12,0 x 2,4 x 2,3 m.
• The FEU can hold between 20 and 24 pallets.
• Important: maximum load weight of +/- 28.600 kilogram.

Information about FCL containers

If you have enough goods to fill an entire container, than you can reserve your own full container. Freight forwarders then refer to it as FCL (Full Container Load). You don’t need to share your container with anyone else. The benefits are great: quick transit time, limited chance of damage and you take advantage of economies of scale. Of course there are also downsides: it is unsuitable for Small Packages and it can be a financial risk with a larger inventory. There are also other departure ports. See for example Rotterdam to London gateway (GBLGP) or Hamburg to London gateway (GBLGP).

• The idea of FCL is that the whole container is intended for one shipper.
• Perfect for the transportation of large amounts.
• Recommended for shipments from 15 m3.
• Available at: e.g. CMA CGM, ONE, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, Maersk.

What is the meaning of LCL container?

If you do not need a full container, you can use be made of a shared container. Transport organizations describe that as Less Than Container Load (LCL). What we mean by LCL is that you pay per m3 or per metric ton for space inside a complete container. You consciously opt for various benefits such as: you can send some good in a cheap way, the handling and insurance costs are limited and more options during peak shipping season. Watch out: if your goods can fill up half of the container space, then it is often more interesting to go for an FCL shipping. LCL shipping charges are generally computed based on volume, usually in cubic meters (CBM).

• The meaning of LCL is: your shipment is taking up only a part of a partial container.
• The best choice for a charge between 2,5 m3 and 13 m3.
• You only pay for the space you are using.
• Can be booked via practical all shipping lines.
• Available at: e.g. ZIM, Yang Ming, HMM, Evergreen, POL.

Special containers for special freight

There are many different types of boxes available for shipping your items. Shipping companies offer a suitable solution for every cargo type. The most common type is the Dry van. There are innovative and special constructions for liquids, grain, flour, or other special goods. You can read all about it in the section below. You can also read more information about shipments to Lirquen (CLLQN), port of Manzanillo (MXZLO), Sao Francisco do Sul (BRSFS) harbor and terminal Prince Rupert Port (CAPRR).

Important types of ocean cargo: which items do you want to transport by sea?

Transporting goods by sea from Antwerp (BEANR) to London Gateway (GBLGP) has lots of advantages: low cost, best for Bulky Goods and much more environmentally friendly than e.g. air freight. Much seen ocean cargo via sea import/export routes are: break bulk, liquid bulk, neo bulk, containerized, roll on/roll off. You can read more about it in the section below.

• Car shipping: a professional company ships your vehicle internationally.
• House Moving: have your personal items sent for relocation.
• Removals (Household Goods): all your household effects shipped inexpensive and insured.
• Liquid Bulk: e.g. chemicals, diesel, gasoline, hydrogen, petroleum, biofuels.
• Dry Bulk: grain, coal, iron ore but also coils, cement, sugar, lumber.
• Roll on Roll off (RORO): vessel type used for the transportation of cars and other automobiles.
• Breakbulk: consists of goods transported, stored and handled piecemeal to some degree.
• Retail & other: products like medical/pharmacy, electronic goods, toys, art and antiques, sports equipment + food, shoes, fashion, machines, furniture.