Terminal Operation Procedures: The Full Process of Gate-In, Yard Storage, Loading, Unloading, and Container Pick-Up

Goods are loaded into containers and onto ships, and the part in between takes place at the terminal. This operation is invisible to the cargo owner, yet it directly determines whether the goods can make the ship and whether storage fees will be incurred. This article breaks down terminal operations in both the export and import directions, and outlines terminal equipment and several time concepts that must be remembered.

Overview of Terminal Operations

Export direction (shipping)
Factory stuffing → Trailer enters port → Gate container inspection → Yard drop-off → Lift onto vessel → Vessel departs port

Import direction (receiving)
Vessel berths → Crane unloads vessel → Trailer tows to yard → Stacking → Container pickup exits gate → Trailer arrives at factory

Export Flow: Gate-In and Vessel Loading

Gate-In and Drop-Off

Gate inspection is the step where cargo owners are most likely to get stuck: if the container number and seal number do not match, the container body has obvious damage, or the seal is non-compliant, the container will be required to exit the gate and be processed again, and by then it is often close to the laden container cut-off time for the day.

VGM Weight Verification

Under the requirements of the IMO's SOLAS Convention, export containers must provide a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) before loading. There are two ways to obtain VGM:

The VGM submission deadline is usually the same as the laden container cut-off time; if not submitted on time, the container cannot be loaded. When choosing Method 2, the container tare weight must be based on the TARE value on the CSC plate on the container door and cannot be replaced with an approximate value.

Yard Stacking and Vessel Loading

After the container is dropped at the yard, the terminal arranges its stacking position according to the ship's stowage plan: containers for the same ship and same destination port are stacked together, heavy containers below and light containers above, and reefer containers are placed in positions with power outlets. During loading, terminal tractors transport the containers to the quay, the shore crane lifts them to the designated slot on the ship, and then workers secure them with twist locks.

Import Flow: Vessel Discharge and Container Pickup

Vessel Discharge

Container Pickup

Time pressure on the import side mainly comes from the free storage period: the storage period starts when the container is discharged from the vessel; for every day customs clearance is delayed, one day of available free storage is lost.

Main Equipment at the Terminal

Five Terminal-Related Time Concepts

The number of free storage days is announced by each terminal individually; it may differ among different ports in the same country and may be adjusted temporarily during peak season. Storage fees are charged in tiers based on the number of overdue days; the specific standards are subject to the rates announced by the terminal for the current period.

Data note: Terminal operating procedures refer to the general practices of major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, etc.); the number of free storage days and storage fee standards vary by terminal policy and may be adjusted. Before proceeding, please refer to the terminal's current regulations.

Further Reading

• The Complete Container Flow Process: Full Lifecycle from Picking Up an Empty Container to Returning an Empty Container
• Container Handover Methods: FCL/FCL, FCL/LCL, LCL/LCL, LCL/FCL Explained
• Weight Limit Regulations: Weight Limit Policies and Overweight Charges of Various Countries/Shipping Companies
• Composition of Container Freight: Breakdown of Cost Items under Different Handover Methods
• International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC): Certification System, Current CSC Regime, and Amendment History

Frequently Asked Questions

Why might a full container still be rejected after it is delivered to the terminal?

There are three common reasons: first, the full container cut-off time has passed, and the terminal no longer accepts containers for that voyage; second, the container number or seal number does not match the booking information; third, the container is severely damaged or the seal does not meet requirements. In addition, an overweight container without VGM or one exceeding the terminal weight limit may also be rejected. Before departure, checking the container number and seal number against the booking confirmation can help avoid most of these situations.

From which day does the free storage period start counting?

For import containers, it generally starts from the date of discharge from the vessel, subject to the rules published by the terminal. For export containers, the storage period starts from drop-off, but it is usually included in the normal operations before loading, so normal operations will not incur storage fees. On the import side, the key thing to watch is customs clearance progress; the longer clearance drags on, the fewer free storage days remain available.

To confirm the handover mode, the trucking arrangement at either end or the weight limit for a specific route, submit an enquiry online and the Bofeng Logistics team will assess it against your actual cargo and trade lane.

This article was prepared by the Bofeng Logistics team and reviewed in October 2026. Handover modes, free time, weight limits and terminal practice change with carrier and terminal policy; refer to the booking confirmation, bill of lading terms and current terminal rules for specifics.