First Container Checklist

First-time importers, exporters, traders, and operations teams · Before booking and loading a first container.

What this checks: VGM, reefer settings, shelf-life, demurrage/free-time, and packing-list alignment.
When to use: Before booking and loading a first container.
Decision it protects: Committing to a first container before commercial, freight, customs, payment, insurance, and arrival plans agree with each other.

Red flags

A first container should not move until the commercial file, freight file, customs file, payment controls, insurance, and arrival plan agree with each other.

Minimum conditions before this step should move forward.

Commercial scope is frozen and reconciled across supplier quote, proforma, PO, and internal approval.
Payment release controls and callback verification are in place.
Container plan, loading method, and VGM responsibility are confirmed.
Quality release evidence exists before loading.
Customs document pack has been pre-checked with the broker.
Insurance responsibility, insured value, and claim contact are stated.
Destination readiness is confirmed: importer of record, duty / tax funding, delivery plan.