What Are My Options for Self-Delivery and Pickup?

If you plan to use international cargo transportation services for goods packed in boxes, crates, or pallets, you have two main options: self-delivery to a terminal or pickup at your location. This applies to Less-than-Container Load (LCL) freight, a standard method for affordable international shipping from the U.S. to overseas destinations.

Option 1: Self-Delivery to a Terminal

You may deliver your cargo to the nearest terminal listed in our online international shipping cost calculator. Terminals in the U.S. are categorized into two types:

a) Terminals WITHOUT Asterisks (CFS - Container Freight Stations)

Terminals highlighted in green and shown without asterisks (such as PHILADELPHIA, PA) are direct sea freight carriers' terminals, professionally called Container Freight Stations (CFSs).

• International shipping companies calculate freight rates at these terminals based on chargeable volume (cubic meters or cubic feet), not weight.
• Weight does not affect pricing unless the cargo density exceeds 1000 kg/m³ (or 2206 lbs/m³). Regular cargo is unlikely to exceed the density limit. The weight of loads delivered to CFS is NOT a pricing factor, making this the most affordable international shipping method.
• No extra charges are applied to load your goods on board at a CFS.

✅ Tip: The cheapest method of reducing international shipping costs is to deliver directly to a CFS.

⚠ Important: You do not need to deliver in person. A trusted person, friend, or local moving company can deliver the shipment on your behalf.

🛑 Notice About Third-Party Deliveries to CFS:

As of October 3, 2022, certain CFSs no longer accept deliveries from FedEx Express or T-Force Freight due to updated detention and redelivery policies. Other FedEx divisions, such as FedEx Ground, are not affected. Always confirm with the CFS beforehand if you're planning a third-party delivery.
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b) Terminals WITH Asterisks (*) (LH - Line Haul Warehouses)

Terminals listed with asterisks (e.g., Allentown, PA) are domestic LTL Line Haul (LH) terminals. These are not direct ocean carrier facilities.

• Cargo delivered here is line-hauled to a CFS for the handling and transfer on board a cross-continental vessel.
• You will incur additional line haul charges on top of standard sea freight costs.
• The key document for delivery to an LH terminal is a domestic LTL Bill of Lading (BOL).

As with CFS terminals, you can designate someone to deliver your shipment.
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Option 2: Pickup at Your Location

If you can't deliver your shipment to a terminal, we can arrange to pick it up at your cargo location.

• Our international shipping cost calculator calculates Pickup costs using ZIP codes (U.S. Postal codes).
• Charges depend on: Type of goods: commercial or personal goods, and Type of pickup location: business or residential

⚠ Be Accurate:

The wrong classification for the goods or pickup location may affect your final quote.
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Reminder on Pickup and Line Haul Charges

Both Line Haul and Pickup services are priced based on dimensional weight and freight class. This ensures proper classification and billing by the international shipping company handling your cargo.
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If you’re seeking clarity, control, and cost-efficiency, using our online freight calculator to compare international shipping costs and cargo delivery options can help you make the most informed decision. Whether you drop off your goods or request a pickup, we aim to provide affordable international shipping solutions backed by clear instructions and reliable service.