How to Send Containers by Water to Europe From Florida

Use an ocean freight forwarder to help you ship cargo containers to Europe from one of Florida's 14 ports.

Ocean freight forwarders are companies licensed and bonded by the Federal Maritime Commission to ship containers internationally. They prepare and process all the necessary paperwork, such as letters of credit and bills of lading, and book and arrange for cargo space on ships. Ocean freight forwarders can also arrange for container packing, delivery to port, insurance, and customs documentation from any US port. Florida has 14 seaports, ranging along both coastlines from Cape Canaveral to Miami, generating $66 billion in economic value to the State of Florida. You can ship cargo containers from Florida to Europe by sea from one of Florida's deep-water ports with the assistance of an ocean freight forwarding company.

Instructions

1. Estimate your cargo's size (dimensions) and weight, and determine where you want it shipped.

2. Locate a port as close to your cargo location as possible because you will have to pay to transport the cargo to the port. Contact that port's authority for a list of licensed ocean freight forwarders operating out of that port.

3. Contact a freight forwarder and request a shipping quote. Give them your cargo's size, weight, current location and shipping destination. Request any extra services you would like them to handle, such as packing the container, shipment to port, obtaining insurance, customs services or delivery on arrival.

4. Arrange shipment dates with the ocean freight forwarding company. Unless you contracted the forwarder to do it for you, pack your cargo and arrange to have it delivered to the freight forwarder. The freight forwarder will arrange for your container to be loaded at the port onto a ship and shipped to Europe. Pay taxes and tariffs to the arrival port. Arrange for delivery from the European port to its destination. You can contract the forwarder to arrange delivery for you.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have enough cargo to fill an entire container, you can request a partial container from your ocean freight forwarder and save some money by sharing container space with another shipper.

References

• Federal Maritime Commission: Ocean Transportation Intermediaries
• Freight Forwarder USA: What is a Freight Forwarder? What is an N.V.O.C.C.?
• Florida Seaports

Resources

• Florida Seaports