Container Shipping Companies: The Way Cargo Gets Moved Across The Oceans

By Author: John J. Anderson
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Whether you’re moving a household, a business or tons of products or equipment, shipping companies provide the vessels necessary to get your cargo from point A across the ocean to point B. These moves are often referred to as container shipping, because in most cases, all cargo is hauled in various sized containers designed to carry specific types of items.

Cargo transport agencies can be found at ports the three United States coasts – Pacific, Atlantic and the Mexican gulf. Those that ship to multiple destinations are normally located at any point on the side of the country on which the continents they ship to are located. For example, a shipper that transports to Europe will have its fleet parked on the Atlantic coast, and a company that sends cargo to Asia will be headquartered in a state bordered by the Pacific Ocean.

Transport companies with more targeted destinations will be located in a costal area most proximal to where their ships go. Shippers who send cargo to the Caribbean, for example, are typically located in coastal cities in Florida.

There ...
... are three primary types of activities shipping firms are engaged in: general cargo shipping, vehicle shipping and vessel charters.

General Cargo Shipping

This is the biggest part of the business for most shipping fleets. They are hired by companies, government agencies and private individuals to get necessary cargo across the water. Most shippers have convenient pick-up and drop-off points and use advanced tracking technology to monitor each vessel while it’s underway.

While this high-tech world has afforded us many advantages in our business and private lives, no one has yet to find a way to transport a 12-ton turbine engine from America to England without using a ship. Transport companies have a variety of ship sizes and container styles that can carry virtually anything – including another ship.

Vehicle Shipping

This is how auto manufacturers get their cars across the ocean. Fleet transport companies have special protocols for safety any time their ships are carrying vehicles. This includes when transporting vehicles of private individuals who are relocating overseas.

Vessel Charters

People who need shipping services and have experienced crews who can handle the operation have the option of renting a transport vessel and seeing to the process themselves. This is an economical move for a company that ships regularly but doesn’t want to go to the huge expense of purchasing its own ship.

In summary, shipping companies provide the method for getting cargo of all kinds across the oceans. They’re located along all three U.S. coasts, based on their target destinations. Transport fleets serve export companies, government agencies and private individuals.

John J. Anderson is a freelance writer interested in Trailer Bridge, a Jacksonville, Fla., agency that is a recognized leader among container shipping companies serving islands within the Caribbean. Learn more about international auto shipping service at TrailerBridge.com.