20′ GP
20-foot General Purpose
Knowledge Center
Your reference guide to container types, vessels, Incoterms® and essential shipping documents.
01 / KNOWLEDGE CENTER
Types of Containers
Standard Containers
40′ GP
40-foot General Purpose
40′ HC / HQ
40-foot High Cube
45′ HC
45-foot High Cube
Special Containers
| Container Type | Main Purpose |
|---|---|
| Reefer Container | Temperature-controlled cargo such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, etc. |
| Open Top Container | Cargo that is too tall to load through standard container doors; suitable for heavy/oversized cargo |
| Flat Rack Container | Heavy, wide, or oversized cargo such as machinery, industrial equipment, pipes, etc. |
| Platform Container | Extremely heavy or oversized cargo that cannot be accommodated within a standard container |
| Tank Container | Transportation of liquid cargo, chemicals, gases, and certain hazardous materials |
| Ventilated Container | Cargo requiring continuous ventilation, such as certain agricultural products |
| Hard Top Container | Heavy or tall cargo requiring top loading while still providing a rigid roof |
| Bulk Container | Dry bulk cargo such as grains, powders, and certain granular materials |
| Insulated Container | Cargo requiring protection from external temperature variations but not active refrigeration |
02 / KNOWLEDGE CENTER
Types of Vessels
Container Vessel / Container Ship
Used to transport containerized cargo (FCL/LCL).
Bulk Carrier
Used for transporting dry bulk cargo such as coal, grain, iron ore, cement, and minerals.
Tanker Vessel
Used for transporting liquid cargo.
Ro-Ro Vessel (Roll-on/Roll-off)
Designed to carry vehicles and wheeled cargo that can be driven or rolled on and off the vessel.
Ro-Pax Vessel
Carries both passengers and vehicles/cargo. Commonly used for ferries.
Car Carrier / PCTC
Pure Car and Truck Carrier — specially designed for transporting cars, trucks, buses, and other wheeled vehicles.
Heavy Lift Vessel
Used for very heavy or oversized/project cargo, such as: Industrial machinery, Transformers, Generators, Construction equipment
Reefer Vessel
Designed specifically for temperature-sensitive cargo, such as: Fruits & vegetables, Frozen food, Meat, Pharmaceuticals
Feeder Vessel
A smaller container vessel that transports containers between smaller/regional ports and major hub ports, connecting them to larger mainline vessels.
03 / KNOWLEDGE CENTER
Incoterms®
Incoterms® (International Commercial Terms) are standardized rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that define the responsibilities of the buyer and seller in an international sale of goods.
They clarify:
- Who arranges transportation
- Who pays which costs
- Where the risk transfers
- Who handles export/import formalities
- Who arranges insurance, where applicable
| Incoterm | Full form | Basic Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| EXW | Ex Works | Buyer takes responsibility from the seller's premises |
| FCA | Free Carrier | Seller delivers goods to the agreed carrier/place |
| CPT | Carriage Paid To | Seller pays carriage to the named destination |
| CIP | Carriage and Insurance Paid To | Seller pays carriage and insurance to destination |
| DAP | Delivered at Place | Seller delivers to the agreed destination, ready for unloading |
| DPU | Delivered at Place Unloaded | Seller delivers and unloads at the agreed destination |
| DDP | Delivered Duty Paid | Seller handles delivery, import clearance, duties and taxes |
| FAS | Free Alongside Ship | Seller places goods alongside the vessel |
| FOB | Free On Board | Seller delivers goods on board the vessel |
| CFR | Cost and Freight | Seller pays freight to destination port |
| CIF | Cost, Insurance and Freight | Seller pays freight and insurance to destination port |
04 / KNOWLEDGE CENTER
Shipping Documents
1. Commercial & Trade Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Shows the value, seller, buyer, commodity, quantity, and terms of sale |
| Packing List | Provides detailed packing information such as packages, dimensions, weight, and contents |
| Proforma Invoice (PI) | Preliminary invoice used for quotations, approvals, and certain customs/banking purposes |
| Purchase Order (PO) | Buyer’s official order for the goods |
2. Transport Documents
Sea Freight
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Sea Waybill
- House Bill of Lading (HBL)
- Master Bill of Lading (MBL)
- Delivery Order (DO)
Air Freight
- Air Waybill (AWB)
- House Air Waybill (HAWB)
- Master Air Waybill (MAWB)
Road Freight
- Consignment Note
- Truck Waybill / Consignment Note
- Proof of Delivery (POD)
3. Customs Documents
- Customs Declaration / Bill of Entry
- Export Declaration
- Import Permit / License, where applicable
- HS Code details
- Certificate of Origin
- Duty & Tax documents
- Customs authorization / NOC, where required
4. Certificate & Compliance Documents
- Certificate of Origin (COO)
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Certificate of Conformity (COC)
- Inspection Certificate
- Fumigation Certificate
- Health Certificate
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Insurance Certificate.
5. Dangerous Goods Documents
For DG shipments, additional documents may be required:
- SDS / MSDS – Safety Data Sheet
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
- Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods
- DG Packing Certificate
- UN Number / Proper Shipping Name details
- Packing Group
- DG approval/certification, where applicable
6. Cargo Insurance Documents
- Insurance Policy
- Insurance Certificate
- Certificate of Insurance
7. Delivery & Destination Documents
- Delivery Order (DO)
- Arrival Notice
- Customs Clearance Documents
- Gate Pass
- Delivery Note
- Proof of Delivery (POD)
- EIR – Equipment Interchange Receipt
Need help with your shipment?
Speak with the ABH team about your shipping requirements.