Offshore Shipping FAQ

Global Reach, Local Expertise

Shipping offshore doesn’t have to be complicated. R+L Carriers simplifies the process with reliable solutions for Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean and beyond.

International Ocean Freight

• Whether you're new to offshore shipping or experienced in global logistics, challenges are inevitable. R+L Carriers provides the expertise to help you overcome them.

What is domestic offshore shipping?

• Domestic shipping rules apply to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean Islands, Guam, Alaska and Hawaii.

What transportation methods are used for domestic and offshore shipping?

Common transportation options include:

• Air freight – Fast, ideal for time-sensitive shipments
• Ocean steamship – Cost-effective for large shipments
• Barge – Efficient for certain island destinations
• Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping – Vehicles and equipment are driven or rolled onto a vessel for transport

What is Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipping?

• LCL shipping is for shipments that don’t fill a full container, 20 or 40 feet. Your cargo is combined with shipments from other shippers in a single container.

What is Full-Container Load (FCL) shipping?

• FCL shipping is for shipments large enough to fill an entire 20- or 40-foot container.

Offshore Shipping Restrictions and Compliance

Compliance with offshore shipping regulations is critical to avoiding delays. Some items are strictly prohibited, while others require special handling. Review the following guidelines to keep your shipments moving smoothly.

Prohibited Items

• Hazardous Class 1 (explosives) and Class 7 (radioactive materials)
• Ammunition
• Items requiring a license, including diamonds, alcohol and tobacco

Temperature-Controlled Shipments

• Not available for less-than-container-load (LCL) freight
• Full-container-load (FCL) shipments may be accommodated

Special Restrictions and Requirements

Complete paperwork and contact details are required before booking shipments. Failure to provide this information may result in delays or pickup cancellation.

• Over-dimensional or overweight shipments require a quote and booking before transferring to a partner.

Submitting Documentation for Offshore Shipments

Complete paperwork and contact details are required before booking shipments. Failure to provide this information may result in delays or pickup cancellation.

• For U.S. pickups DESTINED TO AN OFFSHORE LOCATION, shippers must provide all shipping documents to the driver at the time of pickup
• For offshore pickups coming into the U.S., all required paperwork, including the shipper’s phone number, must be sent to R+L Carriers at Offshore@rlcarriers.com