Sequence we follow

A working note on empty container return from our Shenzhen team

On a mixed-SKU shipment to Toronto, empty container return is handled as a sequence rather than a single form. This is the order our Canadian broker liaison works through it.

First: the FCL or LCL handover point

Empty container return is checked against the FCL or LCL handover point. On a mixed-SKU shipment to Toronto, our Canadian broker liaison records the outcome in the exception register at the origin cutoff, because a change after that point needs a carrier amendment. The destination broker receives that same version, not a later reconstruction.

We log this in the exception register so the destination side reads the same version we do.

Then: the free-time clock that starts at discharge

The second check is the free-time clock that starts at discharge. We compare it against the commercial invoice and the booking confirmation; when the two disagree we hold the file and ask the shipper for a corrected copy. That is a short pause at origin and a much longer one at destination.

Doing it here costs minutes; fixing it after departure costs days.

Finally: the booking confirmation and vessel nomination

Last comes the booking confirmation and vessel nomination. We confirm it at the origin cutoff and note the outcome in the exception register. If the shipment is queried later, the answer is already in the file instead of being assembled from an email thread.

If a value changes at this point we reissue the file instead of sending a correction by email.

The failure point we see most often: The free-time clock is counted from the wrong event, so a demurrage charge arrives that nobody budgeted for.

Have this ready before filing: Product data, carton dimensions and gross weight before the file is submitted.

Keep the steps in this order and the record stays consistent from origin to delivery.

Questions importers ask us

Who is responsible for getting this right on a China-origin shipment?

The shipper supplies accurate product, quantity and value data. Hovmar Logistics checks the file before submission and coordinates with the destination broker. We confirm the split in writing at booking.

Can you review our paperwork before the cargo leaves Shenzhen?

Yes. Send the commercial invoice, packing list and intended routing before cutoff and our desk will flag gaps while they are still easy to fix.

Can Hovmar review empty container return for our next shipment?

Send the commercial invoice, packing list and intended routing before cutoff. Our Shenzhen desk will check the file and flag gaps while they are still easy to fix.

Where this fits in your shipment

Planning a shipment from Shenzhen?

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Notes from the Hovmar Logistics team in Shenzhen. Confirm current requirements with your licensed broker before filing.