PAKMAIL

Services > Container Shipping

When it comes to shipping large quantities worldwide, there is no better option than shipping with Pakmail. You can ship in a full container or half container, depending on your needs. There is, however, some important information you need to know about shipping in containers.

container shipping

When deciding whether you need a 20’ container or a 40’ container to meet your shipping needs you simply need to evaluate the quantity and size of items you need shipped. For instance, a 20’ container is generally used to ship a vehicle and some small household appliances and other goods or a two bedroom household without a vehicle. A 40’ container can generally hold a vehicle and a two bedroom household or a house with three or more bedrooms. These are generalizations, but if you have a small amount of things to ship the smaller container will probably work for you. However, if you need to ship a lot of furniture and even your vehicle then you will definitely need the larger container.

Once you decide that it is time to ship your belongings you should contact us by filling out our Quotation form and we will reply within 2 to3 Business days. Also, most shipping companies need at least a week to a week in a half advance notice before you ship your container. So, if you are working with a schedule keep this in mind.

Also, most shipping companies need at least a week to a week in a half advance notice before you ship your container. So, if you are working with a schedule keep this in mind.

When it comes to paying for your container shipping you will be required to pay a deposit and then pay the balance when your container is packed and ready to be shipped. Most shipping companies accept a wide variety of payment options from personal or cashier check to credit cards, so more than likely you will be able to pay for the shipping with what is most convenient for you.

Containers
These are the large steel containers you have seen on highways, ships and railroads.

Loading Options
Depending on where you live there are two loading options, the 'live load' or the 'drop and pick'. A 'live load' means that the trucker will bring the container to your home and wait for two hours while you load. If you exceed the two hours you will pay approximately $75 per hour for each additional hour of loading time. A 'drop and pick' means that the driver leaves the container at your home for two full days. The 'drop and pick' normally costs twice as much as a 'live load', but has the advantage that you can take your time in loading and securing your belongings in the container. If you live near a port, the cost for the 'drop and pick' is often not much more than a 'live load'; that cost might be worth it to be able to take your time loading. However, if you live a good distance from the port it is possible that a 'live load' will be the only option available.

Remember
You also need to bear in mind that the container will arrive on a chassis that is approximately 4 feet off of the ground. You will need to have some strong friends to help you load or you will need to rent a loading ramp. Also, the area where the container will be positioned needs to be a flat, firm surface. If you do not have your own driveway be sure to find out if you can/must reserve parking in front of your home.

Packing
Be sure that you pack all cartons tightly and that your furniture is well wrapped for full protection during the journey. We suggest wrapping furniture in Kraft Wrap, a thick brown paper with bubble wrap on one side. Other alternatives are bubble wrap, old comforters/blankets, movers blankets or paper blankets. see PACKING TIPS and tips for LOADING YOUR CONTAINER

You save $$$
Packing, loading and unloading your container can save you thousands in charges. However if you are not comfortable with packing, you can always hire a small local moving company to help you.

Documentation
We will send you the documents and metal container seal that you will need when loading the container.

The other side
At the destination we can either a) arrange your customs entry then have the container positioned at your house for you to 'live unload' or b) terminate our services at the port and you can arrange for customs and unloading.

This form will give you a rough estimate of cubic feet per item

Items	Cube	Items	Cube	Items	Cube
Appliances Small	2	Dresser	30	Sofa 3 seat	50
Armchair	25	End Table	10	Sofa 4 seat	65
Bed Single	30	Entertainment ctr	50	Stereo	10
Bed Double	60	Floor Lamp	8	Suitcase	6
Bed King	80	High Chair	10	Table Lamp	6
Bench	25	Ironing Board	6	Tool Box	2
Bikes	20	Large Cabinet	70	Toy Chest	12
Breakfast Table	30	Microwave	8	TV (Medium)	12
Buffet	30	Mirror	4	Vacuum Cleaner	6
Chest	20	Mower	20	VCR	3
China Cabinet	40	Mower Ride on	30
Corner Cabinet	30	Night Table	8	Hanging Wardrobes	15
Coffee Table	15	Piano Upright	70	Large cartons	6
Computer	10	Picnic Table	25	Lay flat cartons	6
Computer Desk	20	Picture (Wall)	2	Medium cartons	4
Desk	40	Rug	10	Small cartons	2
Dining Chairs	6	Sewing Machine	10
Dining Table	35	Sofa 2 seat	35