Container shipping Rotterdam to Chicago
Do you need to ship a container from Rotterdam to Chicago (USCHI)? Sea freight offers many opportunities: you can ship large volumes at low costs, it is flexible and it is safe. Ship a container overseas with dry bulk or machinery can be facilitated by shippinglines like Evergreen Marine Corporation. When you are exporting, you can choose from many different types of shipping containers. Shipping lines offer the choice between a complete full container (FCL) and a shared container (LCL). Via our freight forwarders you will receive actual information with a view to international transport Chicago (US CHI). You will find extensive information about the different types and ways of sea freight. Further on you can read a 5 step export plan. Send you shipping details and we get you a quote with great prices and shipping conditions.
- Ocean shipping is a professional, secure and affordable way to transport bulk containers.
- When you compare it with air shipments, it has a better carbon footprint and it is cheaper.
- Sea freight is ideal for worldwide movings and transporting fruit or personal goods.
- The Port of Chicago is one of the most important ports in United States.
- Frequently used containers types are: 20 foot, 40 foot and Hard-Top, Flat Rack, Insulated, Ventilated, Open-Top, Refrigerated containers.
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Shipping to Chicago (USCHI) from Rotterdam (NLRTM)
Ocean freight shipping is a cost-effective option to ship goods internationally. Your cargo is put on a container with pellets. The intermediary (freight forwarder) will reserve a container for you. The cargo is transported by truck to the shipping vessel at the port of origin (POO) Chicago (US CHI), and will be shipped over the sea to the agent at the port of destination. You need to make a choose out of: door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, door-to-port. In the table below you can read different kind of info about the port of discharge.
| Port of departure | Port of Rotterdam (NLRTM) |
| Country of departure | Netherlands |
| Port of destination | Port of Chicago |
| Country of destination | United States |
| Port Code | USCHI |
| Transport Time | +/- 28 days |
| Shipping costs | $$$$ |
| Office address | 3600 East 95th Street Chicago, IL 60617 United States |
| E-mail address | info@theportofchicago.com |
| Website | www.iipd.com |
| Phone number | 773-646-4400 |
Freight Forwarder Rotterdam – port of Chicago
- Details of your shipment
Enter the origin of shipment and the port of destination. Decide how you want to export: full containers (FCL) or (LCL) and partial shipments. Also select container size (20ft, 40ft of 40ft HC).
- Packing the container
Obviously, make sure the freight is packed securely. To avoid damage, ensure that your cargo is always placed on pallets. Your cargo must also be easily recognizable with labels.
- Export documents
When you import cargo from Chicago (USCHI), you should think about various export documents (for the national customs): commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, export/import customs declaration, packing declaration. A Bill of Lading is a document that is completed by a carrier confirming goods were received in an acceptable condition and noticing that the cargo is well packed for transport.
- Find your incoterms
Incoterms are relevant terms for worldwide shipping to define the responsibilities and costs between two parties correctly. The agreed Incoterm determines who bears responsibility for e.g. transport, insurance and the relevant documents for transport. Popular incoterms are Cost, Insurance Freight (CIF), Free On Board (FOB), Ex Works (EXW).
- Track shipment
Use Cargo Track & Trace to see where your container is right now. You can see in realtime when the vessel is departed from Port of Loading (POL), arrived at Port of Discharge (POD) and when the carrier arrived at the final location.
Sea freight from Chicago (USCHI) to Rotterdam (NLRTM): select the container that suits the freight
You want to export goods and ship a container from port of Chicago – (US CHI) to port of Rotterdam – (NL RTM)? It is highly recommended to find the right container type. They are available in different sizes (twenty foot, forty foot) and different container agreements (LCL shipping or FCL shipping). Several major international shipping lines operate here. The port has a good connection with surrounding cities. In the paragraph below you will find extensive information and advice about the most popular container types. Check also more information about Shipping rates.
Explanation about a 20 FT container
20. ft. containers (which is a standard dry van) is the most versatile container type. They are easy to stack, so the transport costs are quite low. Ideal for the transportation of bulk goods and personal stuff and removals. Nice to know: A TEU stands for Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit.
- One of the most rented boxes for sending goods overseas.
- A 20-foot container is described in terms of size as: 6058mm x 2438mm x 2891mm.
- A 20 foot holds 11 pallets in one tier.
- In terms of weight load, the following applies: +/- 27.300 kilogram.
Advantages of a 40 foot container
The 40 foot container is the largest of the standard shipping containers. They can carry between 23 and 24 Europallets in one tier. This makes it very economical for shipping large cargo by sea. Finally, there are also special 40 foot containers such as the ‘high cube’ version. They are 9’6 tall. Very suitable for high products.
- Perfect for larger shipments.
- It has the following dimensions: L – 12.05M · W – 2.35M · H – 2.23M.
- It allows the transport of up to 28 pallets.
- The max. weight is limited to +/- 28.700 kg.
Compare Ocean Freight Rates: 40 / 20 Ft Sea Container Shipping Cost
Compare costs from popular international transport companies
What is a Full Container (FCL)?
If you have enough goods to fill an entire container, then renting a full container is the most interesting. Within the logistics sector this is called FCL (Full Container Load). You don’t need to share your container with anyone else. This has multiple advantages: ideal transit time, a smaller chance of damage to the freight and and it costs less at the bottom of the line. There are also disadvantages: it is not efficient for small cargo types and unloading can be a hassle. There are also other departure ports. See for example Antwerp to Chicago (USCHI) or Hamburg to Chicago (USCHI).
- FCL means that one single container is booked exclusively for the transportation of cargo.
- Perfect for the transportation of large amounts.
- Recommended for shipments from 15 m3.
- Available at: e.g. COSCO, CMA CGM, ONE, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC.
LCL: Less than container
If you don’t prefer a full container, a shared container can be used. This is known as LCL (Less Than Container Load). LCL Means that means that you share space with others. There are many benefits like: freight costs are typically based on cargo volume, storage and insurance is advantageous and lower sourcing risk. Important: once you have more than half a container worth of goods, then you better go for FCL. LCL cost is calculated by number of pieces, weight, volume, packaging.
- LCL means that your cargo is transported in a partial container.
- Cost effective for shipments between 2,5 m3 & 13,5 m3.
- Cost-effective for freight forwarders with smaller shipment volumes.
- Easier to find space during peak season.
- Available at: e.g. Yang Ming, ZIM, Wan Hai, HMM, POL.
Alternative container types
There are many different types of boxes available for freight forwarding. Each type of cargo has its own characteristics and methods. The most popular version is of course the Dry van. But there are also specific options for oils, vegetables and fruit or very expensive items. Our specialist has placed a summary below. Also check other destinations such as Tallinn (EETLL), port of Baltimore (IEBTM), Shanghai (CNSGH) harbor and terminal Easter Island (CLIPC).
- Bulk Containers: used in for transporting bulk cargo like grain and coal.
- Flat Rack Containers: internationally used when the cargo cannot fit inside a standard box.
- Hard-Top Containers: the walls are generally made of corrugated steel.
- High-Cube Containers: perfect when some extra height is required.
- Insulated Containers: ideal for bulk shipping and temporary storage of mixed products.
- Open-Top Containers: ideal for logs, machinery, and odd-sized items.
- Palletwide Containers: ideal for transporting euro pallets.
- Refrigerated Containers: reefers are ideal for moving temperature-sensitive cargo.
- Tank Containers: are barrel-shaped vessels serving multi-purposes.
- Ventilated Containers: for cargoes that require ventilation in transit.
Kind of cargo: what kind of stuff are you going to ship?
Shipping load by sea from Rotterdam (NLRTM) to Chicago (USCHI) has a lot of pluses: attractive costs, it is great for transporting bulky goods and eco-friendly. Frequently chosen ocean cargo transported by sea include: containerized, roll on/roll off, neo bulk, break bulk, dry bulk. Below we explain some goods/cargo.
- Car shipping: your vehicle (car/motorcycle) will be shipped safely and relatively cheaply.
- House Moving: your international relocation will be less time-consuming and more efficient.
- Removals (Household Goods): your household effects are shipped precisely and neatly.
- Liquid Bulk: e.g. petroleum, biofuels, diesel, kerosene, hydrogen, chemicals.
- Dry Bulk: iron ore, coal, grain and things like plates, sand, rods, coils.
- Roll on Roll off (RORO): a combination of road and sea transport for wheeled cargo.
- Breakbulk: are frequently packaged in smaller boxes: bags, boxes, cartons, crates, drums, or barrels/vats.
- Retail & other: load like art and antiques, toys, sports equipment, electronic goods, clothes & drinks, shoes, furniture, machines, fashion.
FAQ: questions and answers about international transport
Shipping a container from Rotterdam (NL) to Chicago takes around 28 days. The distance between the two ports is about 6800 nautical miles (M). 1 NM is about 1.85 km. The total distance is 12594 kilometers. If you choose transport by sea, you have to pay close attention to ETD and ETA. ETD provides information on the date and time the ship will leave the seaport. ETA is the date and time at which the vessel is expected to arrive at the dock. The precise shipping time depends on the boat speed, wind force and wind direction and port inspection.
Shipping rates from Rotterdam (Netherlands) to Chicago (United States) are relatively expensive. The final invoice amount is determined by a number of factors like cargo weight, the total distance to the delivery destination and incoterms. Fill out our form for a price proposal and transit times.
When you send goods to Chicago, there are documents you need for customs clearance. The following documents should be provided: Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Letter of Credit, Packing List, Import/export Licenses. For more detailed information please contact the customs of United States or check the official website for more info (www.iipd.com).
The Incoterms decide which party will cover insurance fees for the shipment. The two most important Incoterms in sea transport are FOB and CIF. Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) means the exporter covers the cost and freight of bringing the goods to the port of destination specified by the buyer. Content of a Free on Board (FOB) contract: the seller is responsible for the freight until all cargo is on the ship. In addition, there are other Incoterms 2000 like e.g. Free Alongside Ship (FAS), Ex Works (EXW), Free Carrier (FCA), Carriage Paid To (CPT) & Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU), Carriage and Insurance Paid To (CIP), Cost and Freight (CFR).