An export container from China moves through seven steps: space booking, container release, document preparation, loading at the factory, export declaration, terminal cut-off, and departure. Most delays happen at two of them — the document check and the terminal cut-off — which is why both are handled before the container is loaded rather than after.
The seven steps
1. Space booking
Cargo details and the ready date are confirmed with the carrier, and the sailing is reserved. Until this is done, everything after it is provisional.
2. Container release
The carrier releases an empty container against the booking. The release time decides when the factory can be loaded, so it is watched rather than assumed.
3. Document preparation
Invoice, packing list, HS code and bill of lading instructions are prepared and checked against each other before anything is filed.
4. Loading at the factory
The container is loaded, counted and sealed at the factory. Sealing at origin is what keeps the cargo under your control for the rest of the route.
5. Export declaration
The customs declaration is filed with the licensed broker. A query at this step is the single most common cause of a missed cut-off.
6. Terminal cut-off
The container must gate into the terminal before the carrier's cut-off, which is usually a fixed number of hours before the vessel starts loading.
7. Departure and documents
The vessel sails, the bill of lading is issued against the shipper's instructions, and the arrival notice goes to the consignee.
Timeline, documents and cut-offs
| Step | Document or input needed | Typical duration | What a delay costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space booking | Cargo details, ready date, equipment type | Same day to one day | Choice of sailing narrows; peak-season space is lost |
| Container release | Booking confirmation | One to two days | Pickup slot moves; late gate-in |
| Document preparation | Invoice, packing list, HS code, consignee details | One to two days | Declaration cannot be filed, so the container cannot gate in |
| Loading at the factory | Container, loading equipment, sealed cargo | A few hours | Truck misses its terminal slot |
| Export declaration | Invoice, packing list, classification | Same day to one day, if no query | Container held at gate; possible roll to the next vessel |
| Terminal cut-off | Correct documents and a gate-in slot | Fixed by the carrier | Vessel missed; demurrage risk starts |
| Departure and bill of lading | Confirmed shipper instructions | One to three days after sailing | Cargo released late; consignee charge dispute |
Want this run for your shipment?
Send the origin, destination, cargo and ready date and we will confirm the steps and the dates that apply.