🚢 Freight Terms You Should Know When Shipping from China to the U.S.

Understanding key shipping terms can help importers and e-commerce sellers avoid delays, reduce costs, and ship with confidence. Whether you're using FCL or LCL, knowing what terms like “rolled cargo” or “port congestion” mean is crucial to managing your China–U.S. logistics flow.

At Passionship Logistics, we not only move your cargo — we help you understand the process behind it.

📌 1. Rolled Cargo 

Definition: After your booking is confirmed, the carrier cancels loading due to vessel overbooking or space issues.
Impact: Delays of 7–14 days are common during peak seasons.
How to avoid:

  • Book in advance

  • Choose a reliable freight forwarder

  • Avoid hot routes during peak times

📌 2. Container Yard Waiting / Drop-Off 

Definition: Your container can't be delivered directly to the terminal and must wait at a yard or depot.
Reasons:

  • Port is not open yet

  • Vessel delay
    What to do: Work with forwarders who monitor vessel schedules and coordinate timely drayage.

📌 3. Port Congestion 

Definition: Your cargo stays at the port for too long due to delays in loading, unloading, or customs clearance.
Results:

  • Increased demurrage or detention fees

  • Delayed delivery to U.S. warehouses
    Our tip: Ask your forwarder about real-time port conditions and possible alternative routes.

📌 4. LCL – Less than Container Load 

Definition: Your goods share a container with shipments from other sellers.
Best for:

  • Small-volume shipments

  • E-commerce startups
    Pros: Lower cost, flexible volume
    Cons: More handling, longer transit time

📌 5. FCL – Full Container Load 

Definition: One shipper uses the entire container (20GP, 40GP, or 40HQ).
Recommended for:

  • Shipments over 12 CBM

  • Fragile or branded goods
    Pros: Faster, more secure
    Tip: Use FCL when you scale your Amazon FBA or B2B inventory.

📌 6. Vessel Sharing / Space-Sharing Vessel 

Definition: Multiple shipping companies share space on the same vessel under an alliance.
Why it matters:

  • Enhances vessel availability

  • Optimizes routing for major trade lanes
    Note: Your booking might be handled by COSCO, but the vessel is operated by OOCL — that’s normal in modern shipping alliances.

✅ Why These Terms Matter

When you're shipping from China to the U.S., time and clarity are money. Understanding freight terms:

  • Reduces miscommunication

  • Helps with accurate budgeting

  • Improves supply chain predictability

💬 Need Help Navigating Your Shipment?

At Passionship Logistics, we combine expertise and transparency to help you succeed in global shipping. Whether you’re shipping DDP, FCL, or LCL, we’ve got you covered.

📦 Get a Free Shipping Quote

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