GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 23, 2026
Container Shipping Contract
When a shipper needs to lock in terms for moving containerized cargo on a regular basis, the result is a container shipping contract — the commercial foundation of ocean freight services.
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Source: https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-glossary/container-shipping-contract/
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Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?
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When a shipper needs to lock in terms for moving containerized cargo on a regular basis, the result is a container shipping contract — the commercial foundation of ocean freight services. It typically covers sailing schedules, rate structures including bunker adjustment factor (BAF), terminal handling charges (THC), and documentation fees, alongside liability caps and force majeure provisions. Ocean transport commonly uses a two-tier model: a service contract or liner agreement sets the general framework, while individual booking confirmations apply those terms to specific shipments. This contract is distinct from the bill of lading, which is not a negotiated commercial agreement but a transport document serving as a receipt and — in its negotiable form — a title instrument.
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