Shipping Line

Customer-managed shipping line refers to the carrier designated and managed by the customer in foreign trade, i.e., the shipping company that actually provides maritime cargo transportation services. This term emphasizes the customer's right to choose and responsibility to manage the shipping line, commonly found under trade terms such as FOB and EXW where the buyer is responsible for transportation. Usage scenarios include: after the customer designates the shipping line, the seller must deliver the goods to the designated shipping line or its agent as required by the customer, and cooperate in completing booking, loading, and other operations. Precautions: the seller should confirm whether the shipping line designated by the customer is reliable, whether it accepts dangerous goods or special cargo, and clarify the freight payment method (usually borne by the customer); also distinguish 'customer-managed shipping line' from 'forwarder-designated shipping line'—the former means the customer directly manages the shipping line, while the latter means indirect management through a freight forwarder. Compared with 'carrier,' a shipping line is the enterprise that specifically performs transportation, while carrier has a broader scope. Unlike a 'shipowner,' a shipping line may operate chartered vessels. Understanding this term helps avoid delivery delays or extra costs caused by improper selection of the shipping line.