1. Full Process of Export Sea Freight (12 Steps)
| Timeline | Process Step | Operator | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-7 days | ① Booking | Freight Forwarder/Shipping Line | Obtain S/O, confirm closing time |
| T-5 days | ② Trucking/Container Pickup | Trucking Company | Pick up empty container to factory, check container condition |
| T-4 days | ③ Return Loaded Container | Trucking Company | Return loaded container to terminal, must be done before CY closing |
| T-3 days | ④ Customs Declaration | Customs Broker | Submit declaration form, invoice, packing list |
| T-1 day | ⑤ Customs Release | Customs | Inspection or direct release |
| T-0 day | ⑥ Loading | Terminal/Shipping Line | Container loaded onto vessel |
| T+1 day | ⑦ Departure | Shipping Line | Vessel sails, record actual departure time |
| T+2 days | ⑧ Shipping Instruction (SI) | Shipper/Freight Forwarder | Submit bill of lading details |
| T+5 days | ⑨ Bill of Lading Issuance | Shipping Line | Telex release or original B/L |
| T+15-30 days | ⑩ Arrival | Shipping Line | Prepare for customs clearance after ETA |
| T+15-30 days | ⑪ Customs Clearance | Customs Broker | Submit import documents, pay duties |
| T+15-30 days | ⑫ Delivery/Pickup | Consignee | Truck container from terminal |
2. Detailed Operation for Each Step
① Booking
Submit booking request to freight forwarder to obtain S/O. The S/O includes vessel name, voyage number, closing time, CY closing time, and ETD.
② Trucking/Container Pickup
Use S/O to pick up empty container from designated depot. Check container condition: no dents, smooth door operation, no floor damage, no residual odor, no light leaks through door seals.
③ Return Loaded Container
Return loaded container to terminal after stuffing. Must be completed before CY Closing time, or it cannot be loaded.
④ Customs Declaration
Declare export to customs via broker. Required documents: customs authorization letter, commercial invoice, packing list, contract (if needed), export license (for regulated goods).
⑤-⑥ Customs Release → Loading
Customs reviews and releases (machine or manual inspection), then container is loaded onto vessel.
⑦-⑨ Departure → Shipping Instruction → Bill of Lading Issuance
Submit shipping instruction (SI) after departure, shipping line issues B/L.
⑩-⑫ Arrival → Customs Clearance → Delivery
Consignee exchanges B/L for D/O, handles import customs clearance, pays duties, then takes delivery.
3. Time Control Key Points
| Step | Recommended Lead Time | Risk Point |
|---|---|---|
| Booking → Trucking | 2-3 days | Slow space release by shipping line |
| Trucking → Return Container | 1-2 days | Traffic, overtime stuffing |
| Return Container → Customs Decl. | 1-2 days | Missing inspection |
| Customs Decl. → Release | 1-3 days | Inspection takes 1-2 days |
| Total Front Time | 7-10 days | Arrange in advance |
Have cargo to ship? Send the product name, weight, volume, and destination port to Bofeng Logistics, and we will provide an ALL-IN quote with no hidden fees. 20 years of international sea freight experience.
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Get a quote: 13075678958 | info@zhbfwl.com
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