Part 3 · Running the move · Recipe 17 of 22

Run an export

An export runs backwards and has two dates that matter: the earliest return date and the cutoff.

Jonathan Sinton Jonathan Sinton · Checked November 14, 2026

You need

  • The booking number
  • Earliest return date and cutoff
  • Where to pick up the empty
  • The shipper's loading appointment

Steps

  1. Read the bookingSize and type of container, vessel, earliest return date, cutoff, empty pickup location.
  2. Pick up the emptyCheck it is clean, dry and undamaged. Refuse a bad box at the depot.
  3. Load at the shipperLive load or drop. Seal it and write the seal number on the paperwork.
  4. Make sure the weight is declaredThe shipper has to give the ocean carrier the verified gross mass before the terminal will take the box.
  5. Gate in inside the windowNot before the earliest return date, not after the cutoff.
  6. Keep the gate-in interchangeIt shows the box made the cutoff.

Watch out

Too early costs storage. Too late misses the vessel.
Vessel schedules move, and the dates move with them. Check again on the day.

Look it up

Earliest return date Cutoff Seal Container codes

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