OOG Shipping from China

OOG Shipping from China: The Complete FAQ Guide

International goods market is extremely huge with its wide range of various products.

On the other hand, the standards for shipping equipment and tools are quite strict.

As a result, there were special rules introduced for the dimensions of cargo, containers, boxes and so on.

But, as you may assume, not all the goods on the market can bear with such rules.

That is why the definition of OOG shipping was introduced to the participants of the international trade market.

What is an OOG shipping?

Out of Gauge (OOG) refers to cargo loads.

These are loads which dimensions exceeding the measurements of the standard container.

Typically, OOG cargo is freight which is too large to fit inside of 20 ft, 40 ft or 40 ft high cube containers.

Instead, this cargo can be safely transported on a platform, flat rack or in an open top container.

This is why freight forwarders and shippers separate this type of cargo into the special category.

How OOG freight is shipped?

So, the OOG freight cannot be stored in standard containers.

Also, it is not always possible to transport out of gauge shipping using normal means of transport.

For this matter, special types of trucks or trailers, aircraft or flat rack containers must be utilized to move the freight.

Let’s look closely at some of these non-standard means:

# 1. Open top and flat rack containers

OOG shipping is impossible without two main types of special containers: open top and flat rack.

Such containers are open on the top or sides.

The items are lifted in and then covered to protect them from environmental influence.

# 2. HIAB, winch, flatbed and heavy haul trucks

It is logical that special cargo and containers require special transport means to carry them.

Some of such trucks are equipped with a hook mechanism to lift OOG shipments.

# 3. Charter flights and cargo planes

If you want to deliver irregularly shaped equipment by air, you need some kind of large cargo planes, such as 747s or Antonovs.

We can find the right charter flight that fits the requirements for your cargo and your schedule.

What types of containers can be used for the OOG shipping?

Now let’s speak of the special containers which are used to store and transport OOG cargo.

There are four types of containers which can be used to store and transport out of gauge cargo.

# 1. 20′ Open Top Container (20’OT)

As you may assume from the name, open top containers are open at the top and covered by a tarpaulin instead of a solid roof.

This enables oversized cargo such as timber and scrap metal to be loaded from the top.

Open top containers normally have end doors to give flexibility to loading and discharging operations.

# 2. 40′ Open Top Container (40’OT)

Like in the previous case, this one is mainly used for cargo that cannot be easily loaded through the door and needs to be loaded from the top.

This type of container is also used for loading cargoes that are over high.

This sort of containers can effectively carry machinery and other heavy cargo.

# 3. 20′ Flat Rack Container (20′ FR)

Flat rack containers are used more oftenly for the cargo that is extremely wide and/or high.

Big machinery, vehicles on tracks, big reels can be loaded on this type of container.

Basically, the flat rack container can store cargo which is heavy and requires a forklift to load it.

In certain types of flat racks, the ends can also be folded.

Such containers are known as collapsible flat rack containers.

# 4. 40′ Flat Rack Container (40′ FR)

40 feet flat rack container has the same construction and can perform the same functions as the 20 feet one.

You can also meet the 40 feet collapsible flat rack containers.

How to secure OOG cargo?

Securing cargo in all of the above-mentioned containers always involves a mixture of lashing and chocking.

Chocking protects the cargo against slipping.

To secure lengthwise, wooden beams have to be laid in the space between the cargo and corner posts of the container.

Chocking crosswise should be done as far below as possible against the side walls.

The forces must be distributed over an area as large as possible by horizontal timbers.

Side and front walls are not designed for selective stresses.

Lashings prevent cargo tipping and increase the friction on the floor.

All open-top containers have small lashing eyes on the corner posts, as well as on the floor and on the roof rails.

As for open-top containers, securing cargo on a flat rack must involve a combination of lashing and chocking.

The cargo also has to be protected against environmental influences.

The flat racks have lashing eyes on both sides and the front ends.

The lashing secures the cargo against tipping and holds it down to increase friction.

It is not sufficient just to lash over the cargo.

The preferred lashing method is cross lashing.

However, lashing eyes on the cargo are required for this.

Otherwise, it is necessary to lash around the cargo, also referred to as loop lashing.

The strap or wire is passed from one side over the cargo, and then under the cargo back to the starting point.

The same procedure must always be repeated beginning on the other side.

It is possible to chock very effectively lengthwise against the corner posts.

Wooden wedges, nailed on the wooden floor of the flat-racks, must not be used, as these are mostly not adequate and damage the floor.

Most flat racks have notches for stanchions along the side.

Ordinary steel beams, inserted vertically into these holes, can be used as chocking against slipping sideways, for example, for lengthy items such as pipes.

When the case will be stacked on top of each other and for increasing friction serrated steel plates can be applied.

These look like serrated washers and are placed between the crate and the wooden floor.

They are fixed in position with nails or by the weight of the cargo.

These serrated steel plates increase friction.

It is vital to display a marking on the crate to inform persons inspecting the cargo of the securing material used.

In addition to being secured by serrated steel plates, the cargo must also, of course, be lashed.

It is vital to use edge protection to prevent straps chafing and tearing on sharp edges.

This also protects soft wooden cases against being broken or cut into by the lashing materials and prevents the resulting loosening of securing equipment.

Cargo is normally loaded on flat racks below deck for protection against water.

Containerships have guide rails in their holds to keep containers in position.

These guide rails reduce the maximum loading length for shipments with excessive width (more than 244 cm) even if the cargo would fit on the flat rack.

The maximum permitted length for cargo with excess width is 1160 cm on 40‘ flat racks and 550 cm on 20‘ flat racks.

In other words, the cargo must be stowed at least 30 cm from the outer ends of the flat racks.

OOG shipping with JMS

When it comes to personalized service for OOG shipping from China, JMS’s goal is to provide the most effective handling of your shipment.

Our expert teams personally assure the proper handling and the safety of your cargo from the country of origin to the final destination.

Our managers, onboard staff, and land transportation experts respond promptly to all your inquiries.

JMS’s flexible and personal service, assures our customers the best possible logistical solutions and allows us to keep up the longstanding business relationships that make our company special.

When it comes to global services, JMS’s local offices and agencies allow customers to ship their cargo to any destination worldwide with optimum transit times.

JMS’s container fleet is maintained to the highest standards in the business, ensuring continuous access to a large and diverse pool of proprietary equipment.

The proper storage, securing and handling of out of gauge shipment can present many challenges and issues.

For professional service needs, JMS has decades of practical experience servicing B2B clientele.

JMS’s specialists have the expert know-how to meet your custom shipping needs.

We transport oversized cargo shipment regularly, ranging from very heavy machinery and industrial facilities to aircraft and even oil refinery heavy-equipment.

When shipping oversized out of gauge cargo with JMS, our customers benefit from a wide range of service features, including:

1. Load, lash and secure the cargo at your origin port or nearby depot.
2. Inland collection and deliveries using a variety of equipment.
3. Arrangement of inland transport notifications if required.
4. Stevedoring, port lashing, and port storage facilities.
5. Competitive rates.
6. Customs clearance and documentation.
7. Specialized equipment.

Our trade service teams are extensively trained and offer destination-specific knowledge and support for oversized cargoes requiring specialist equipment such as platforms, open top containers or flat racks.

Our extensive inventory of specialist equipment gives us the capability to transport large, heavy and irregular sized cargo.

Whether you’re shipping yachts, oil-well equipment, heavy machinery or anything in between, we can work with you to ensure that your requirements are met.

Get in contact with our expert team visiting this page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is break bulk cargo? Is it the same with OOG cargo?

Break bulk cargo is freight which is too large to be transported on a single flat rack or platform.

Typically, break bulk cargo is loaded across multiple flat racks on the deck of a vessel and then secured for shipment.

Why do you have to choose JMS services for the OOG shipping?

# 1. Effective tracking and timing

We provide our clients with 24/7 access to the tracking of their complex shipments through our online portal so you always know where your equipment is.

# 2. Assistance with the documentation for importing or exporting

If your complicated shipment is entering or exiting the country, we can assist you with all the proper documentation to get the job done.

# 3. Load and unload services

We load and unload heavy items to and from trucks, planes, and ships, making shipment and delivery of the OOG cargo an easy procedure for your company.

We utilize cranes, HIAB trucks, and SPMT vehicles to get the job done in the best way possible.

# 4. Experience

JMS’s service speaks for itself.

We know how to ship things that others can’t or won’t, and we do it on time and within your budget.

We pride ourselves in providing exceptional customer service and our team is always within your reach when you are working with us.

What is the conventional load on the case of the OOG shipping?

Cargo that exceeds the limits for pre-lashed consignments has to be loaded conventionally.

These limits depend on a wide variety of factors and can be checked individually by JMS specialists.

Every conventional consignment requires special treatment, so a special procedure is used for every booking at JMS.

Many people are involved in preparing and carrying out conventional shipments.

Experts check whether or not the cargo can be loaded and if so how formulating stow-age proposals and lashing plans.

JMS agents in the ports where cargo is loaded and unloaded calculate the probable costs and clarify all details of cargo handling with the local companies.

JMS can offer reliable transport for most large and heavy items of cargo.

How can I calculate the rates for my OOG shipping?

Each shipping company has its own rates for the OOG shipping services.

The final price depends on various factors, like cargo dimensions, lost slots on the ship, cargo packaging, etc.

Please, contact our customer’s service to require the latest rates for the OOG shipping from China.

What are the lost slots when I ship OOG cargo?

When a shipping company determines that your cargo is out of gauge, they will need to charge you for all of the lost containers that cannot be carried because of the extra space yours is taking up.

Such extra space is called lost slots.

The following factors determine the cost can depend on several factors including:

1. Is there an efficient place to put your cargo to minimize the lost containers.
2. What is the total number of slots which can’t be used.
3. How much cargo the ship is carrying.
4. Port rotations.

Due to all of those factors, your quote for shipping may be delayed longer than normal.

What is the maximum overheight allowed when loading 40′ open top or flat rack container?

There is no real set limit for height when loading out of gauge cargo in the special containers.

The capacity of the container is dependent on the weight and not really on the height or width.

When there is an OOG cargo for shipment, the client is required to send

• the full details of the cargo;
• the complete dimensions of the cargo;
• the weight of the cargo;
• pictures or drawings of the cargo.

The reason for this requirement is so that the ships planning department and/or ships chief officer can check the suitability of the cargo to be loaded on the certain ship.

So if you think that the shipping line is taking too long to confirm the acceptance of the cargo, please remember the steps they have to go through.

Such information becomes all the more important if you are planning to load some extreme OOG cargo.

Therefore, as long as the cargo

• does not obstruct visibility when loaded on the ship (in case of loading on deck);
• does not affect the safety of the ship/crew;
• is within the limitations of the port, country of export/import.

there is no set limit for OOG.