Container shipping Rotterdam to Boston
Do you need to ship a container from Rotterdam to Boston (USBOS)? Sea freight is a convenient transport solution: you can ship heavy cargo for a good price, it is flexible and containers can also be used for further transportation by road or rail. Importing a container overseas with liquids or equipment is very easy with e.g. Antong Holdings (QASC). You can choose from a lot of container-types. An important distinction is (FCL) Full Container Load and a container with combined cargo (LCL). Via our transport specialists we share lots of practical information about international transport Boston (US BOS). You will find practical information about the different types of containers. Besides this we share a step-by-step import plan. Provide us with your transport details and get a quote with great prices and shipping conditions.
- Ocean shipping is a quick, staunch and cheap way to ship high volume products.
- Compared to air freight, it is far cheaper and you can easily transport large shipments.
- Sea freight is a solution for worldwide removals and shipping vegetables or vehicles.
- The Port of Boston is a frequently chosen port in United States.
- The most commonly used containers are: 20 foot, 40 foot and Dry Van, Flat Rack, Insulated, Tank, Ventilated, Refrigerated containers.
Main topics
Shipping to Boston (USBOS) from Rotterdam (NLRTM)
Ocean freight shipping is the process of transporting items or goods by ship. Your goods are wrapped up in shipping containers. The freight forwarder (the middleman) will book a container. The cargo will be trucked to the shipping vessel at the departing port Boston (US BOS), and will be shipped over the sea to the customs at the port of destination. They can get you services like door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, door-to-port. In the schedule below we provide you with details about the port of discharge.
| Port of departure | Port of Rotterdam (NLRTM) |
| Country of departure | Netherlands |
| Port of destination | Port of Boston |
| Country of destination | United States |
| Port Code | USBOS |
| Transit Time | +/- 28 days |
| Shipping prices | $$$$ |
| Office address | 10 Causeway Street – Room 603 Boston, MA 02222 |
| united-states@containershippingservice.com | |
| Website | www.massport.com/ports |
| Phone | 617-946-4422 |
Freight Forwarder Rotterdam – port of Boston
- Cargo details
Enter the departure port and the POD (port of destination). Choose if you want to ship full containers (FCL) or Less Container Load (LCL). You also choose the size of the container (twenty foot, forty foot or a high cube).
- Pack you load
To begin, you need to make sure your load is packed correctly. To avoid nasty accidents, ensure that your cargo is always placed on pallets. Tip: make sure you have recognizable labels on the freight.
- Documents Required for Exporting
If you ship goods to Boston (USBOS), you need to share required export documents (for the national customs): commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, certificates of origin, export/import customs declaration. A Bill of Lading is a legal document provided by a carrier to a shipper to confirm that the goods match the description listed on the paperwork and that the load is prepared for shipping.
- Incoterms for your freight
Incoterms are relevant for traders to define the seller’s and buyer’s responsibilities. The Incoterm shows who assumes the risk of, for example, shipment, insurance, documentation and customs clearance. Frequently used incoterms are Free On Board (FOB), Delivery Duty Paid (DDP), Ex Works (EXW).
- Track shipment
Use Cargo Track & Trace to see where your shipment is right now. You can check the status when the ship is loaded at the POL (port of origin), arrived at Port of delivery (POD) and the moment the consignee has confirmed that the cargo has reached its final destination.
Sea freight from Boston (USBOS) to Rotterdam (NLRTM): select your container type
You want to ship a container from port of Boston – (US BOS) to port of Rotterdam – (NL RTM)? It is crucial to book the right container for your cargo. They come in different sizes (20ft & 40ft) and methods (LCL shipment or FCL shipment). There are several international shipping lines that transport your cargo. There is a good connection to important cities in the area. In the text box below you will find extensive information and advice about the most popular types in the maritime industry. You can also click directly to information about International Movings.
Details of a 20 FT container
20. ft. containers (some people call it dry van) is the most common and available size. They are very efficient, that means they are quite cheap. Particularly suitable for the transport of personal items or international removals. Keep in mind: TEU abbreviation stands for Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit.
- One of the most rented boxes for transporting cargo via the ocean.
- A 20-foot container know the following size description: 6058mm x 2438mm x 2891mm.
- It can contain 11 Euro-pallets on a single level.
- In terms of weight load, the following applies: +/- 27.100 kg.
Details of a 40 ft container
The 40 foot container is the big brother of the 20 foot model. They are very suitable for e.g. industrial goods and retail products. All this makes it a very effective means for transporting large loads by sea. Moreover, there exist a bigger and higher ‘high cube’ edition. This is one foot taller than a regular 40 ft. This ensures that your cargo/goods can be loaded higher.
- The ideal means of transport for large loads.
- In terms of format, this type comes out to: 12 x 2,3 x 2,4 m.
- The Forty Foot Equivalent Unit (FEU) can hold 20-24 pallets.
- In terms of goods, there is a weight limit of +/- 28.200 kilogram.
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(FCL) Full Container
When you need a lot of container space, then it is usually better to book a full container. Within the logistics sector this is called FCL (Full Container Load). You don’t need to share it with other merchandise. There are many pluses: optimal transit time, a smaller chance of damage to the freight and the rates are more favorable. You have to pay attention to a few things: it is expensive for small loads and the financial risk is much greater. Do you want to send items from another port? Check also Antwerp to Boston (USBOS) or Hamburg to Boston (USBOS).
- FCL means that the container only holds your cargo.
- Perfect for the transportation of large amounts.
- If you’re shipping more than 14 m3.
- Available at: e.g. ONE, MSC, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, COSCO.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of LCL containers?
If you do not need a full container, it is often a good idea to pick a shared container. Logistics experts treat that as a LCL (Less Than Container Load) agreement. LCL Means that means that you just pay for the amount of space used in a single container. There are many positive aspects to mention like: you can send some good in a cheap way, less inventory costs & management and it offers consistent weekly sailing schedules for sea freight. Watch out: if you can fill more than half of a container, then it is often more interesting to go for an FCL shipping. LCL shipping charges are generally computed based on shipping dimensions, weight, and number of pieces.
- LCL means that you transport your cargo via a partial container.
- Cost effective for shipments between 4 m3 & 16,5 m3.
- Freight costs are typically based on cargo volume.
- There is always sufficient availability (every season).
- Available at: e.g. ZIM, Yang Ming, Wan Hai, HMM, Evergreen.
Special containers for special freight
There is a wide range of boxes for shipping your items. Each type of cargo needs a different solution. The Dry van is the variant that most people will recognize. Special boxes are also being used for oils or chemicals, vegetables and fruit or very exclusive stuff. You can read all about it in the section below. Also check other destinations such as Vila do Conde (BRVDC), port of Paradip Garh (INPRT), Minneapolis (USMES) harbor and terminal Jebel Ali (AEJEA).
- Bulk Containers: used in for transporting bulk cargo like wheat and other grain crops.
- Flat Rack Containers: internationally used when the cargo cannot fit inside a standard box.
- Hard-Top Containers: a specialized version of general dry van (with special roof).
- High-Cube Containers: it is 1 foot taller than the standard height of shipping containers.
- Insulated Containers: ideal for bulk shipping and temporary storage of mixed products.
- Open-Top Containers: enables oversized cargo such as timber and scrap metal to be loaded from the top.
- Palletwide Containers: are non-standard, uncommon containers with varying dimensions.
- Refrigerated Containers: reefers are perfect for storing temperature-sensitive good.
- Tank Containers: for the transport of all types of bulk liquid by rail, road and sea.
- Ventilated Containers: ventilation is provided by openings in the top and bottom side rails.
Important types of ocean cargo: what kind of stuff are you going to ship?
Importing stuff by ocean from Rotterdam (NLRTM) to Boston (USBOS) have all kinds of advantages: low cost, particularly interesting for bulk cargo and the Duty and VAT are much less expensive than air freight. The most important ocean cargo imported via sea shipping includes: roll on/roll off, neo bulk, liquid bulk, break bulk, containerized. Below we explain some goods/cargo.
- Car shipping: it saves money and time to to have your vehicle shipped.
- House Moving: excellent logistic support in case of relocation.
- Removals (Household Goods): your household effects are shipped precisely and neatly.
- Liquid Bulk: e.g. gasoline, hydrogen, kerosene, petroleum, chemicals, diesel.
- Dry Bulk: grain, coal, iron ore but also sugar, plates, sand, salt.
- Roll on Roll off (RORO): vessels that are used to carry wheeled cargo.
- Breakbulk: refers to goods that are stowed on board ship in individually counted units.
- Retail & other: load like sports equipment, clothes, medical/pharmacy, toys, electronic goods or shoes, furniture, food, drinks, fashion.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about international transport
Shipping a container from Rotterdam (NL) to Boston takes approx 28 days. The total distance is about 6800 nautical miles (NM). This is equivalent to 12594 km. If you choose transport by sea, you get 2 types of important values: ETD and ETA. ETD provides information on the date and time the ship will leave the seaport. ETA means the Expected or Estimated Time of Arrival. The precise shipping time depends on vessel speed, wind force and wind direction and type and weight of cargo.
Shipping rates from Rotterdam (Netherlands) to Boston (United States) are relatively expensive. The total cost is determined by important aspects like cargo type, season and currency. Please contact us for additional information, transit time and current rates.
When you send goods to Boston, then you must have the administration in order for customs clearance. The following documents need to be in place for effective and easy customs clearance. Insurance Certificate, Import/export Licenses, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Letter of Credit. For more information about these duties then we advise you to contact the customs of United States or surf to the official website where you can read a lot of info (www.massport.com/ports).
The incoterms define the role between seller and buyer at an international transaction. Popular terms for waterway transportation are FOB and CIF. CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) means the exporter arranges all the costs up to and including the ocean freight to the named port of destination. Free on Board (FOB) means the seller is responsible for all expenses the freight until all cargo is on the ship. In addition, there are other Incoterms 2000 like e.g. Carriage Paid To (CPT), Ex Works (EXW), Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), Free Carrier (FCA) + Carriage and Insurance Paid To (CIP), Cost and Freight (CFR), Delivered At Place (DAP).