Equipment
The facilities of the shipping companies with equipment and number of depots vary. The method and duration of usage of the shipping company’s own equipment is clearly regulated and should be planned by all means within the framework of respective transport-project. Overrunning the usage can cause significant additional cost for the shipping agent.
The shipping agent (or his commissioned shipper) can also use own equipment for shipment; so-called owned container or also purchased container. In English, one uses the term Shippers Owned Container or Shippers Own Container; many times, only the abbreviation “SOC” is used. In case of all the containers, it is important that a valid CSC-badge (Container Safety Certificate) is available that is issued 5 years after the date of first registration at the latest and only for one year. We facilitate buying of first-hand sea containers on very beneficial terms and deliver them to your location according to the required appearance, on the chassis for loading or for removing with a crane or side loader.
“Renting” containers from carriers
The term leasing container is misleading as the shipping company does not explicitly rent the sea container. On the contrary, usage right is guaranteed within the framework of booking. The shipper can have this container free of charge during the limited cost-free time prior to transportation and after unloading in the port of destination. After exceeding the respective free time, one can speak about leasing containers, because the user must pay the usage charges according to the specified table (increasing), so-called Detention cost. Especially, in case of import containers, it can lead to additional charges due to detention. In order to avoid this, we concentrate and work on a good preparation for the import orders assigned to us and utilize different options to decrease the risk of detention for leasing containers, for which delays cannot be avoided in particular cases (mostly related to customs).
Demurrage and storage charges
In connection with the cost risks, the demurrage and storage charges, technical terminology for which is Demurrage, must also be mentioned. These costs arise if delivery of the import container is not taken during the cost-free time guaranteed by the respective port terminal. These costs are very high and increase according to a specified table depending on the time for which the containers remain at the port terminal. Even for this cost risk, we make provision and operate in advance so that the container can be taken off from the port within the free time. In spite of this, if it is not possible, we suggest advantageous alternatives for storage to our customers at specific ports.
Purchase or rental container?
Usage of purchased containers as an alternative for leasing containers/ shipping containers should be already considered during planning of transport project and should be incorporated in the risk analysis. The operating plan should be oriented towards minimising such risks. OTC global considers itself as your partner and advices and accompanies you over the entire process.
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Questions about leasing containers or shipping costs? Send us an individual inquiry or give us a call!
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