II. S.O.C. - "Shipper Owned Containers"

Here is a brief list of what you need to consider if you are purchasing a container (this reference taken at http://www.cargolaw.com/2003nightmare_pinata.html#oneway_rules):

Want To Buy A "One Way" Container? Here Are Some Suggestions:

Here is a brief list of what you need to consider if you are purchasing a container & shipping it to another location, either overseas or domestically:

1. Does the carrier or shipping line that will move the container for you take shippers owned containers (SOC) & will the freight rate be effected? Each carrier has a policy for shippers owned containers. The booking or customer service departments will have the information you need.

2. Is a container condition survey required for the container prior to acceptance by the carrier? If so, this must be done before the container is loaded. You want this survey.

3. Who will provide the chassis or flatbed to move the container? Either the trucker or the ocean carrier provides the 'wheels' (chassis) under a container.

4. What is the volume of the cargo & the weight that you will be shipping? Often, over the road weight limitations are much less than the design capacity for a container. Also freight rates are typically less for smaller size shipping containers. Under U.S. law -- YOU will be held responsible for all fines & damages if an overweight container results in a road accident -- or other damage or fines.

5. How will the box be delivered at the destination? Most container delivery trailers are designed to slide containers off to the ground & cannot handle the weight of a loaded container. This usually means you will have to hire a crane (expensive) or unload the contents of the container prior to it being landed on the ground.

6. What about U.S. Customs? Customs rules regarding the import of containers vary widely. Your freight forwarder will have the ability to confirm import requirements and duties for international shipments.

7. Why do you need a shipper's owned container? If it is to be used as storage at the final destination, often it is cheaper to purchase a container at the destination & save the extra handling costs of a shipper's owned container. But beware. YOU are responsible for all container requirements.

8. DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE OF THE TYPE THAT WILL COVER YOU -- IN THE EVENT THAT CONTAINER FAILURE DAMAGES THE CARGO OF OTHERS -- OR THE VESSEL. After 25 years in this industry -- THE CARGO LETTER concludes that YOU likely do not have such insurance. This is a very major question which management must review.

PLEASE-- before buying that container -- check YOUR insurance. That insurance will cover YOUR cargo -- but not the damage you do to others.

9. "Shipper Owned Containers" may send a negative message to U.S. Customs.

U.S. Customs knows that "Shipper Owned Containers" may mean a one way trip.

U.S. Customs knows that "Shipper Owned Containers" can often mean junk or even hazardous cargo.

U.S. Customs knows that "Shipper Owned Containers" are often purchased at the end of their service life 

III. Importing Goods to the USA in Respect Dealing with U.S. Customs Broker 

1. General Provision
2. Entry Of Merchandise
3. Invoices And Rates Of Exchange
4. CF 7501 - Entry Summary. Instructions For Preparation
5. Bonds
6. Examination Of Merchandise
7. Transportation In Bond. Immediate Transportation Entries
8. Classification And Appraisement
9. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (Part 1)
10. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (Part 2)
11. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (Part 3)
12. Articles Conditionally Free. Chapter 98 Of U.S. HTS
13. Carnets
14. Customhouse Brokers
15. Prohibited And Restricted Merchandise
16. Intellectual Property Rights
17. Country Of Origin Marking
18. Import Quotas
19. Warehouse Entries, Bonded Warehouses
20. Fines, Penalties And Protests
21. Foreign Trade Zones. "Free Zones"
22. Drawback Entries