In-port container shifting
and lot consolidation
In-port container shifting is needed when cargo has to reach inspection, the warehouse, the rail front or another terminal, and when lots must be split by consignee or combined into one shipment. We file terminal orders, agree cargo movements with customs and keep track of every package.
Every move at the terminal is charged, and the time counts against free time. So we plan moves as a package, so the cargo is not shifted twice and leaves the port before demurrage and paid storage begin.
Specification
Specification · Shifting and consolidation. Standard terms · operations are confirmed per lot and terminal
Service
- Operations
- shifting, segregation, consolidation
- Cargo
- containers, breakbulk, groupage
- Options
- restuffing, marking, photo report
Terms
- Timing
- 1–3 days, depends on terminal workload
- Documents
- orders and approvals included
- Currency
- USD / RUB
Logistics
- Before
- cargo status, orders, customs
- In port
- shifting, segregation, consolidation
- After
- handover for removal, report
Price
- Base
- terminal operations at tariff + forwarding fee
- Extras
- storage beyond free time, inspection — at cost
Service flow
- 01
Brief and cargo status
We take the brief: which containers or lots, from where to where, how to split or combine them and for which mode of removal. We check customs status and free time.
same day - 02
Approvals
We file terminal orders, notify customs or obtain permission where needed, and agree equipment and work times.
1–2 days - 03
Shifting and segregation
We move containers and cargo, sort lots by B/L and consignee, follow the IMDG segregation table for dangerous goods and mark every lot.
1–3 days - 04
Consolidation
We combine small shipments into full units for a truck, wagon or container, check packages against the register and record condition.
1–2 days - 05
Handover for removal
We hand ready lots over for removal or loading on board and provide the warehouse register and a movement report.
1 day
Problems
A container is shifted several times — to inspection, back to the stack, to loading — and each move is billed separately.
We plan moves as one package for the cargo's whole path through the port and agree them with the terminal in advance.
Lots of different consignees get mixed in the warehouse — the mix-up is found only when the client unloads.
We segregate by B/L and consignee, mark every lot and check packages against the register before loading out.
Unreleased cargo was moved without customs consent — a violation leading to a fine and delayed release.
We check customs status before any move and arrange notification, permission or transit depending on the route inside the port.
Documents
Documents for shifting and consolidation in port. If the cargo has not been released by customs, any movement inside the port must be agreed with the customs post in advance.
Incoterms
- FCA
- the seller hands over at the terminal — consolidation is on the buyer
- CFR / CIF
- costs at the port of discharge on the buyer
- FOB
- on export the seller is responsible until the cargo is on board
Documents
- Terminal order
- for shifting, restowing or positioning a container
- B/L / D/O
- the basis for instructing the terminal on the cargo
- Customs consent
- for cargo under customs control — notification, permission or transit
- Package register
- per consignee and B/L
- DG documents
- for dangerous goods: DG declaration, MSDS, class and UN number
FAQ
Segregation separates cargo by B/L, consignee and compatibility requirements and prevents mix-ups. For dangerous goods we follow the IMDG segregation table so incompatible classes are not placed together. It also simplifies delivery: each consignee collects exactly their own lot.
Consolidation in port lets you combine several small lots into one properly loaded truck, wagon or container. It cuts removal costs and reduces the number of trips and transport documents. It pays off especially for groupage from China arriving under different B/Ls.
Yes. We arrange moves between berths and terminals using terminal or contracted equipment, taking weight and dimension limits into account. We handle passes and warehouse movement records; if the cargo is under customs control, we agree the move with customs.
Yes, but only with customs' knowledge. Shifting within one operator's customs control zone usually requires notification, while moving to another operator's temporary storage warehouse (SVKh) or another terminal may need permission or customs transit. We confirm the procedure with the customs post before starting.
The cost is the terminal tariff for each operation (shift, lift, positioning for inspection) plus our forwarding fee. We give an exact figure once the terminal, number of moves and customs status are known. The main saving is avoiding unnecessary moves and staying within free time.