Shekou-Laem Chabang 11x40HQ Empty SOCs Sea Export
Exporting empty, second-hand Shipper Owned Containers (SOC) as cargo is notoriously difficult. Carriers often reject them due to low revenue and documentation risks, while customs procedures are ambiguous.
This case details how GWT Shipping managed the export of 11 x 40HQ used empty containers from Shekou to Laem Chabang, Thailand.
By overcoming booking rejections, establishing a specialized customs protocol, and navigating a COVID-19 labor crisis, we successfully delivered a shipment many others would have refused.
Situation & Client Context
Client | An overseas trading partner. |
Contract | Port-to-Port Sea Freight Export. |
Shipment | 11 x 40HQ Second-Hand Empty SOCs (Shipped as cargo). |
Route | Shekou Port (Shenzhen) to Laem Chabang, Thailand. |
Objective | Secure vessel space and customs clearance for used empty containers—a non-standard cargo type that carriers frequently reject. |
The Challenges
GWT accepted this commission in late November 2022, facing a “triple threat” of operational hurdles:
Carrier Rejection (Booking): Shipping used, empty containers is difficult. They are not standard cargo. Most carriers rejected the booking immediately due to the age of the units and the lack of freight revenue compared to loaded containers.
Customs Liability Block: Even after finding a carrier, a new hurdle emerged. The carrier refused to handle the export customs declaration. Due to past industry incidents where shippers hid contraband inside “empty” SOCs, carriers had banned this service, leaving the client without a way to clear customs.
The COVID-19 Labor & Schedule Crisis: Just as we solved the booking and customs issues, the initial vessel was missed due to the delays. After re-booking, a severe wave of COVID-19 infections knocked out a significant portion of the local truck driver workforce, threatening to make us miss the second vessel.
GWT Shipping's Solution & Actions
Our team implemented a resilient, multi-stage plan to force this shipment through the bottlenecks.
Step 1: Specialized Carrier Negotiation
Action: GWT didn’t rely on standard automated bookings. We leveraged our direct relationships with carrier trade managers.
Execution: After multiple rejections, we identified a specific carrier willing to accept second-hand SOCs. We meticulously prepared the required container condition reports and technical data for their audit.
Outcome: We successfully passed the carrier’s strict audit and secured the Shipping Order (SO).
Step 2: Independent Customs Solution
Action: Since the carrier refused to touch the customs declaration, GWT utilized its own AEO-certified resources.
Innovative Solution: We classified the containers not as transport equipment, but as exported merchandise. We implemented a strict inspection protocol to certify the containers were indeed empty, satisfying customs requirements without the carrier’s involvement.
Outcome: We successfully generated a compliant customs declaration path for the used SOCs.
Step 3: Crisis Resource Allocation (Trucking)
Action: When the COVID-19 wave caused a massive shortage of truck drivers for the re-booked schedule, standard dispatching failed.
Execution: GWT’s operations team worked overtime to coordinate a patchwork of available drivers, prioritizing these 11 units. We managed the pickup and return of all 11 containers to the terminal before the cutoff.
Outcome: All units were gated in, customs cleared immediately upon return, and loaded onto the vessel for a smooth 5-day transit to Thailand.
Results & Benefits
Our persistence and ability to manage non-standard cargo saved the client’s order.
Successful Export of “Rejected” Cargo: GWT managed to ship 11 used empty containers that other providers and carriers had initially blocked.
Independent Customs Success: We proved we can handle complex customs clearances (like SOC exports) even when the shipping line refuses to assist.
Resilience Under Pressure: Despite missing the first vessel and facing a driver shortage, we recovered the schedule and delivered the cargo to Laem Chabang safely.
Trust Solidified: The client recognized that this was not an ordinary shipment. Our ability to navigate booking audits, customs bans, and labor shortages proved our professional capability, securing future cooperation.
Schlussfolgerung
This case proves that GWT Shipping excels when the logistics are “non-standard.” Exporting empty, second-hand containers requires more than just booking a slot; it requires deep carrier relationships to get the booking approved and specialized customs knowledge to get it cleared. We turn logistical “exceptions” into successful deliveries.
Client Review
This was a difficult shipment. Empty used containers are hard to book and harder to clear customs. GWT solved the carrier issues, the customs issues, and even the driver shortage. A truly professional team.
— Our Trading Partner in Thailand
Founded in 2004, Shenzhen Guanwutong International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. (GWT) is a WCA- and AEO-certified global logistics provider offering end-to-end air, ocean, rail, express, and DDP solutions.
With bonded warehouses in Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Fuzhou, plus 24/7 customs brokerage and real-time tracking, we deliver reliable, compliant, and tailored freight services to 3000+ clients across 190+ countries.
Need to move Shipper Owned Containers (SOC) or non-standard cargo?
Don’t accept rejection from standard carriers. Partner with a forwarder who knows how to navigate complex bookings and customs.
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