There are two ways to ship overseas via ocean freight. One option is to use a consolidation service in which more than one shipment of HHG (household goods) occupies a single container. The other option is securing an exclusive container, meaning the shipment is transported in its own, private container.
This article explores and explains the intricacies of Exclusive Container Service.
Not sure if your shipment requires an Exclusive Container Service?
Consider these factors:
A.    Size
The smallest container allows 1,000 cu ft. of space for your HHG.Shipments that are smaller then 500 cu ft will usually be shipped as consolidation and shipments that are over 800 cu ft will usually be shipped in an exclusive container. If the size of your shipment falls between 500 and 800 cu ft., the cost of shipping in an exclusive container might be comparable or perhaps even less than using a consolidation container. However, costs can vary and are determined by logistics, meaning whether the locations of origin and destination are in proximity to ports. When it is cost-effective, most clients opt for an exclusive container.
B.    Timing
Will the availability of your new home coincide with the arrival of the shipment? Be aware of the Container’s holding time constraints in both the origin and destination countries.
C.    Accessibility
Is the location of your home easily accessible for a tractor-trailer rig? Some streets are just to narrow to fit such a large vehicle and that fact can change the pricing of using an exclusive container.
There are various container sizes– 20 ft. long, 40 ft. long, 40 ft. high and 45 ft. high (which is uncommon). The chart below indicates the volume that can be loaded in the containers. The full capacity signifies the maximum air volume in a container. There will always be some “wasted” space due to the non-uniform shapes and sizes of the items.

The “industry standard” can change a bit between different companies.

When loading a container, timing is imperative, as daily charges will accrue. Below are the definitions of the key

container shipping “buzz words,” which you will find useful:
Early Return Date – the earliest date before the vessel sets sail that the pier will accept a container
Documents Cut-Off – the steam ship company must receive all shipping documents by this date
Cargo Cut-Off – the last day that the port accepts a container for a specific vessel

ETD – estimate date of departure or in different words – the day that the ship sails
ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival at the destination
LFD – Last free day at destination. At the destination, steam ship companies will hold the container only few days at the pier and few days out or the pier. The number of free days varies from country to country, but exceeding the number of free days is expensive across the board.
A professional international mover will guide you through the entire process, while helping you choose and coordinate the best loading times. Synchronizing with the above-mentioned dates circumvents the possibility of unnecessary and avoidable charges.
The container is loaded either at your residence or at the mover’s warehouse. At BestGuy Moving, we prefer loading the container at your residence (live load) whenever possible. This way, the shipment is handled only once. In contrast, when your shipment is loaded at the warehouse, several steps are involved. First, the movers load your shipment onto their truck. Next, it is taken to the warehouse, unloaded, and then loaded again into the container. We believe that the less times the shipment is handled the better it is.
Another benefit of loading the container at the residence is that the client witnesses the loading process, as well as the final sealing of the container— with a unique identification number. Unless the customs officials at the destination are required to open the container for whatever reason, it will arrive at the destination with the seal intact.
At BestGuy Moving, we always try to perform a “live load,” unless dates or circumstances prevent such.