Vessel	Schedule Predictability	Allocation	Routing	Transit	ETD	20'	40'	40'HC
Independent HUBERT SCHULTE NH606R	Normal	closed	Direct	16 days	Feb 23, 2026	$1,244.19	$1,577.19	$1,577.19 Freight: $1,127 + Origin THC: $108 + Dest THC: $342.19
Ocean Alliance APL CALIFORNIA 0VBLQE1MA	Low (1)	closed	Direct	22 days	Feb 23, 2026	$687.18	$812.18	$812.18 Freight: $491 + Dest THC: $321.18
Independent HENRIKA SCHULTE NH607R	Normal	25%	Direct	23 days	Feb 25, 2026	$1,244.19	$1,577.19	$1,577.19 Freight: $1,127 + Origin THC: $108 + Dest THC: $342.19
Gemini Cooperation MAERSK GARONNE 609E	Normal	75%	Direct	22 days	Feb 28, 2026	$1,084.48	$1,553.48	$1,553.48 Freight: $1,152 + Dest THC: $401.48
Ocean Alliance APL MINNESOTA 0VBLUE1MA	Normal	75%	Direct	23 days	Mar 1, 2026	$687.18	$812.18	$812.18 Freight: $491 + Dest THC: $321.18
Independent MSC SYDNEY VI NH609R	High	85%	Direct	23 days	Mar 4, 2026	$1,244.19	$1,577.19	$1,577.19 Freight: $1,127 + Origin THC: $108 + Dest THC: $342.19
Ocean Alliance OOCL BREMERHAVEN 014E	High	85%	Direct	26 days	Mar 5, 2026	$687.18	$812.18	$812.18 Freight: $491 + Dest THC: $321.18
Ocean Alliance Vessel Unknown	-	10%	Direct	N/A	N/A	$873.18	$1,000.18	$1,000.18 Freight: $679 + Dest THC: $321.18
Gemini Cooperation MAERSK MONTANA 610E	High	85%	Direct	22 days	Mar 7, 2026	$1,084.48	$1,553.48	$1,553.48 Freight: $1,152 + Dest THC: $401.48
Independent MSC DOUALA VIII NH610R	High	85%	Direct	24 days	Mar 10, 2026	$1,244.19	$1,577.19	$1,577.19 Freight: $1,127 + Origin THC: $108 + Dest THC: $342.19
Ocean Alliance CMA CGM LAMARTINE 0VBLYE1MA	High	95%	Direct	23 days	Mar 15, 2026	$687.18	$812.18	$812.18 Freight: $491 + Dest THC: $321.18
Gemini Cooperation MAERSK TENNESSEE 612E	High	95%	Direct	22 days	Mar 21, 2026	$1,084.48	$1,553.48	$1,553.48 Freight: $1,152 + Dest THC: $401.48
Ocean Alliance OOCL VERACRUZ 016E	High	95%	Direct	23 days	Mar 22, 2026	$687.18	$812.18	$812.18 Freight: $491 + Dest THC: $321.18
Gemini Cooperation MAERSK IOWA 613E	High	95%	Direct	22 days	Mar 28, 2026	$1,084.48	$1,553.48	$1,553.48 Freight: $1,152 + Dest THC: $401.48
Gemini Cooperation MAERSK KANSAS 614E	High	95%	Direct	22 days	Apr 4, 2026	$1,084.48	$1,553.48	$1,553.48 Freight: $1,152 + Dest THC: $401.48

How long does shipping from Houston to Rotterdam take?

Transit time typically ranges from 16-26 days depending on the carrier and routing. Direct services from Ocean Alliance (CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen) and Gemini (Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd) offer the fastest transit. We monitor 4 major carrier groups in real-time to find optimal price/transit combinations.

What is the average cost for a 40'HC on this route?

Current range: $491 - $3,476 for a 40'HC (ocean freight only). Prices are updated weekly based on data from 50+ carrier contracts. The price chart above shows 8-week history by alliance group. "Other" includes MSC (independent) and ZIM.

Is the displayed price all-inclusive?

We provide a transparent cost breakdown including: BAF (fuel surcharge), THC (terminal handling), documentation fees. Terminal fees on this route range from $321.18-$450.19 per container for origin and destination combined. Per-shipment fees (B/L, AMS, ISF): approximately $75-150. No hidden surprises.

When is the best time to book for lower rates?

Low season (March-May, November-December): Rates are typically lower than peak season. Peak season (August-October): Pre-holiday inventory rush. Book 3-4 weeks ahead to secure space and lock rates. Check our price history chart - the lowest rates in the past 8 weeks were from Jan 31.

Which carriers serve this route?

Ocean Alliance: CMA CGM, COSCO, OOCL, Evergreen - ~28% market share. Gemini: Maersk + Hapag-Lloyd (formed Feb 2025) - hub-and-spoke model for reliability. Premier Alliance: ONE, HMM, Yang Ming (formed Feb 2025). Independent: MSC (world's largest carrier), ZIM - often competitive on price. Active carriers on this specific route: MSC, OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line), ONE (Ocean Network Express), Hapag-Lloyd, Evergreen Line, OOCL.

Which transit port offers the best value?

Houston (Cheapest) (Fastest): 40HC $491-$3,476, Transit 16-26 days, Carriers: MSC, OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line)

How fast is my Export Booking confirmed?

Freight rates are bookable online. Skypace is integrated with 10 top carriers for accelerated booking placement between the Client and Carrier. This process is fully and continuously orchestrated by the customer service and logistics department of Maxton Shipping Inc. The Efficiency Difference: Traditional: Booking Request → [QUEUE: Customer Service Rep] → Human Validation → [TIME LOSS] → Request to Carrier. Skypace: Booking Request → [AUTO DETAILS VALIDATION] → Accelerated Request to Carrier. Real-world Example: Bill from Divine Enterprises books a shipment from Port Houston to Port Rotterdam. When he enters shipment data sufficient to place a booking on a specific vessel, the system verifies the necessary information and places the request with the ocean line. Skypace AI and the booking operator track the booking status and coordinate its fate with the Client through all phases. Upon successful confirmation, the Client can issue the Bill of Lading, track the cargo, and manage post-shipment documentation directly from their account dashboard.

How does the Import Port-to-Port booking process work?

Unlike Exports where the client initiates the cargo movement, Imports require validation at origin. Your booking placement does not trigger instantly. First, our operator in the country of origin verifies schedule accuracy and contacts the Exporter to confirm Cargo Readiness. Only then do we proceed with the booking. If the Exporter proposes an alternative date, our export operator returns to you with options for earlier or later sailings, ensuring you have full visibility and control over your import timeline before any commitment is made.

How are Door-to-Door shipments managed?

When a customer books a Door-to-Port or Door-to-Door shipment (Import or Export), we execute a semi-automated validation process. We validate that all address and cargo data is sufficient to place a firm order with the ocean line for a valid sailing date, ensuring no details are missed before execution.

Is full automation available for high-volume shippers?

Yes. Full automation modes are available for clients with accounts on app.skypace.com. This allows local account teams to implement SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) that automate booking allocation across carriers. The platform can notify and integrate suppliers (e.g., OEMs, assembly lines, customs brokers, local truckers) into the workflow, creating a semi-automated process for moving POs/SKUs. This supports both Automated Carrier Selection based on price/transit preferences and Automated Stakeholder Notifications at each shipment milestone.

How do I make a booking with Skypace?

We offer three paths depending on your urgency and preference: Guest Booking (No Account yet): Go to the Quote, select a rate, and click "Book as Guest". Our customer service team will validate your request within 24 hours to create your profile and identify credit terms. Recommended if you are short on time today and your shipment is not departing for at least 7 days. Express Account (For Urgent Cargo): Go to Sign Up first. Our Account Management team will welcome you within 1 business day (often faster) to assign credit terms. Once active, bookings are processed instantly. Recommended if you have an urgent shipment departing soon. Guided Booking (Concierge): Not sure where to start? Go to skypace.com/contact to call, leave a message, or start a Live Chat. Our Logistics Management team will guide you and your colleagues on how to get started, onboard your team, and set up your workflows.

Authorized Retailer Guarantee

Rates are sourced from Skypace's carrier contracts and updated weekly. Prices shown are indicative ocean freight rates and do not constitute a binding offer. Final pricing confirmed upon booking.

Cargo Exclusions

Rates apply to standard dry cargo only. Hazardous goods (IMO classes 1-9), refrigerated cargo, out-of-gauge shipments, and commodities requiring special permits may incur additional charges or require separate quotation.

TBA Charges

The following charges are typically invoiced separately: Documentation fees ($35-75), AMS/ISF filing ($25-50 per B/L), Chassis usage at destination, Demurrage & Detention (after free time), Customs clearance, and Inland transportation.

Booking Verification Process

Maxton Shipping Inc. d/b/a Skypace operates as a licensed NVOCC (FMC #030653) and freight forwarder. All shipments are subject to our Terms of Service and the applicable bill of lading terms. Rates are subject to change without notice and subject to space availability.

Skypace Retail Pricing Policy

All freight rates displayed on Skypace are proprietary Retail Offers provided by Maxton Shipping Inc. These rates are inclusive of base freight, applicable surcharges, and Skypace operational fees. While based on direct carrier contracts, these rates constitute independent commercial offers from Skypace and may differ from direct carrier spot rates. Bookings are subject to verification of cargo readiness and vessel space availability.

Rate Scope & Final Calculation

The rates displayed represent the Ocean Freight cost structure (Base Freight + Carrier Surcharges). They exclude variable shipment-level fees, specifically:

• Handling Charges: Per shipment / Bill of Lading fees.
• Government & Compliance: Export/Import Customs Clearance, Duties, and Taxes.
• Accessorials: Charges applicable to Door-to-Door scenarios (e.g., Chassis split, Waiting time, Residential delivery).

Ready to Ship? Book online to accelerate your supply chain — use the "Quote Shipment" feature on this page, visit www.skypace.com, or log in to the official platform at app.skypace.com.