Container Load Planner
Calculate container configurations for your Uganda coffee shipment. Get freight estimates from Mombasa to major global ports, plus port handling costs and SOLAS VGM weight compliance, all in one place.
📦 Your Shipment
🚢 Container Recommendation
Enter your shipment volume and destination above to see container recommendations, freight estimates, and port handling costs.
⚖️ SOLAS VGM, Verified Gross Mass Requirements
All coffee containers exported from Uganda require a verified weight certificate under the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) convention. The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) must be declared to the shipping line before vessel loading. This applies to every FCL shipment via Mombasa.
Per-Container Gross Weight Calculations
- Each container must have a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) declaration before vessel loading
- UCDA-registered exporters receive weight verification at the Mombasa port weighbridge
- Standard tare weight: 20ft container ~2,300 kg; 40ft container ~3,750 kg
- Both container types operate well within international maximum gross weight limits
- Coffee bag weight tolerance: ±0.5 kg per bag under UCDA export standards
🏗️ Mombasa Port Handling, Estimated Costs
Port handling charges at the Port of Mombasa for coffee export containers. These are per-container estimates and may vary by season, shipping line, and freight forwarder agreement. Always obtain a formal quotation from your logistics provider before booking.
| Cost Item | 20ft (USD) | 40ft (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal Handling Charge (THC) | $180 – $220 | $260 – $330 |
| Port Service Charge | $60 – $85 | $90 – $130 |
| Documentation / Bill of Lading | $55 – $75 | $55 – $75 |
| Weighbridge / VGM Certificate | $25 – $40 | $25 – $40 |
| Container Seal Fee | $20 – $30 | $20 – $30 |
| UCDA Inspection Levy | $55 | $55 |
| Total Estimated Port Handling | $395 – $505 | $505 – $660 |
Estimates based on standard coffee container handling at Mombasa. Actual charges depend on your freight forwarder agreement, container availability, and seasonal surcharges (peak season typically August–December). Exporters with annual contracts often secure more favorable rates.
🌍 Indicative Freight Rates, Mombasa to Destination
FCL ocean freight rates from Port of Mombasa to major destination ports. Rates are indicative and subject to Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF), Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF), peak season surcharges, and vessel availability. Book 3–4 weeks ahead for best rates.
| Destination Port | Region | 20ft FCL | 40ft FCL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam, Netherlands | Europe | $1,800 – $2,400 | $2,800 – $3,800 |
| Hamburg, Germany | Europe | $1,850 – $2,450 | $2,850 – $3,850 |
| Antwerp, Belgium | Europe | $1,800 – $2,400 | $2,800 – $3,800 |
| Trieste, Italy | Europe | $2,100 – $2,750 | $3,100 – $4,200 |
| Houston, TX, USA | Americas | $2,500 – $3,500 | $3,800 – $5,200 |
| Jebel Ali, UAE | Middle East | $1,400 – $2,000 | $2,100 – $3,000 |
| Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | SE Asia | $1,600 – $2,300 | $2,400 – $3,400 |
Freight rates last updated: June 2026. Ocean freight market is dynamic, rates can shift ±15% month-on-month depending on fuel costs, vessel space, and seasonal demand. Contact your freight forwarder for live quotations.