Step-by-Step Guide: What to Expect in Your International Shipping via LCL

LCL (Less than Container Load) is the affordable sea freight solution offered by our international shipping company for delivering goods in boxes and crates from the USA to overseas destinations.

This guide explains the full process if you’re preparing to ship cargo abroad via LCL.

Whether you're an experienced exporter or a first-time shipper moving personal items from the USA, this step-by-step outline helps ensure a smooth experience. You'll also learn how to estimate your global transportation cost and use our platform for affordable international shipping.

Shipping goods from USA overseas. Seven steps shipping guide.

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STEP 1 – Book Your Shipment Online

Request a freight quote using our online freight cost calculator to begin with your shipment.

❗ IMPORTANT: To avoid confusion and ensure consistency, we do not calculate quotes on behalf of customers and do not provide price information over the phone. Please first calculate an international shipping cost using our online calculator.

Select your destination country
Follow a few simple steps
Enter estimated cargo details (roughly estimate the number of pieces, dimensions, and weight)
Get the cost of the delivery from the U.S. overseas instantly.
Proceed to booking or email the price quote to yourself for further reference.

✔ Not ready to provide exact cargo details? Don’t worry if they aren’t precise. Just provide your best estimate. Once your cargo is delivered to the ocean carrier terminal (CFS), the terminal will verify the actual weight and volume. We'll send you official confirmation (see Step 4).

This tool quickly analyzes the shipment price and helps you plan for low-cost international shipping.
Tip: Watch this 3-minute video on YouTube to learn how to obtain a freight quote with the online calculator.
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STEP 2 – Pay a 75% Deposit Toward Your Estimated Cost

After booking, you’ll receive an email with a unique Customer Reference Number and a web link to pay your deposit. This deposit is 75% of the estimated international shipping cost received with our online freight calculator.

This email serves as your invoice and contains all payment instructions. The deposit is applied to your final bill, which reflects the actual international shipping price based on measurements of your load confirmed at the sea carrier terminal.

Review our Payment Options and Return Policy before making a payment.
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STEP 3 – Submit Documents, Then Deliver or Meet a Pickup Driver

After your deposit is processed, you’ll receive a payment receipt and a follow-up email (typically, within one business day) with complete instructions based on your selected service.

You will either:

Deliver cargo to the assigned terminal, or
Meet a pickup driver (if a pickup service was requested)

Ensure all cargo is packed in boxes, crates, or on pallets.

❗ IMPORTANT: Before cargo is delivered or picked up, all required transport documents must be submitted and approved for export from the USA.
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STEP 4 – Your Cargo Is Processed and Prepared for Export

Once your cargo arrives at the sea freight carrier terminal (CFS), we’ll send you a confirmation of the verified weight and measurement. This may differ from your original estimate. If needed, smaller items will be palletized (we’ll send you proof).

Once all paperwork is in order, we will:

Confirm your freight release
Email you a link to your Shipper’s Letter of Instructions (SLI)
Make revisions if requested

✔ You’ll receive your final invoice shortly after the Estimated Time of Departure (ETD). It reflects the actual international shipping cost based on your rated bill of lading. If you purchased insurance, your certificate will be attached.

We’ll update you if any departure delays occur in your shipment.
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STEP 5 – Receive Your Express Release Bill of Lading

After your cargo is loaded on the vessel (around the estimated time of departure - ETD), we’ll issue your express release bill for lading. This official document is the title for your exporting goods and includes a full breakdown of the carrier’s freight charges.

Your final cost is based on actual cargo measurements:

If you overestimated the measurements of your cargo, you’ll pay less than initially quoted.
If you underestimated, you’ll pay more based on the actual measurements of the cargo you have shipped.

This billing approach ensures payment transparency while working with an international shipping company.

✔ Carefully review your bill of lading, especially the consignee and notify party information. Errors can cause delays or extra costs at the destination. If any changes are required, inform us. We’ll take care of it.

Once confirmed, provide the bill of lading to your consignee. They’ll need it to claim the shipment at the destination.
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STEP 6 – Track Your Shipment and Wait for Arrival Notice

Once your shipment departs, you can track it through the sea carrier’s website.

The carrier’s destination agent will send the consignee an arrival notice a few days before the estimated time of arrival.

❗ IMPORTANT: If the consignee doesn’t receive an arrival notice by the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), refer to the bill of lading. Contact the destination agent, send them a copy of your express release Bill of Lading, and reconfirm the consignee’s contact information.

✔ Avoid contacting too early. The destination agent typically receives updates only a few days before arrival (ETA).
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STEP 7 – Receive Your Goods. Import Recovery and Destination Charges

Regardless of the mode of transportation and logistics company you deal with, all imports are subject to destination charges. Destination charges (sometimes called local charges) occur at the destinations. Therefore, they are not considered freight charges. Neither a U.S. freight forwarder nor a sea carrier is affiliated with local charges.

Typical destination charges include:

Customs fees and import taxes
Terminal handling (THC) and document turnover
Final delivery to the consignee, if “to door” service is needed

✔ To estimate local charges in advance, provide your freight quote reference number and request the destination agent's contact details. You may also consult your country’s customs broker or embassy for import regulations.

✔ In most cases, the consignee does not need to be physically present. Follow the destination agent’s instructions, submit the required documents, pay the applicable local costs, and either pick up your import or arrange “door delivery”.
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Summary

This guide simplifies the conveyance of goods overseas and supports you through each step. By choosing a reliable international shipping company and understanding your freight costs, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience.