OOG is the shipping terminology for out of gauge cargo service. Items are shipped on cellular ocean vessels, but instead of using the conventional six-sided container, this cargo will be loaded into a three-sided container, such as a 20’ or 40’ flat rack shipping container.

This is the service provided on Lo/Lo vessels, which are cargo ships that have their own built-in cranes used for the loading and unloading of the cargo. This allows any cargo to be lifted off the ground and onto the vessel and lifted off the vessel and onto the ground; therefore, this service is called LO/LO (Lift on/Lift off)

For high, heavy, or oversized pieces, steamship carriers might even construct a platform on top of all other containers. How do they do this? By accommodating 20’ or 40’ flat racks next to each other and by using as many as required. The port stevedoring will secure the oversize pieces onto this base. This allows these pieces to be transported properly and safely. There is still a risk involved; therefore, good cargo insurance must be requested, as well as the services of certified marine surveyors to guarantee the securing of the cargo.

Shipping costs for Out of Gauge (OOG) services to Guatemala depend on various factors, much like the Lo/Lo services. The size and dimensions of the cargo, along with the distribution of its weight, are critical to determine handling requirements. Unlike Lo/Lo services where cargo is lifted on and off the vessel, OOG cargo is secured on specialized equipment such as 20’, 40’, or 45’ Flat Rack containers, or 60’ to 90’ Mafi trailers. It is further stabilized and secured using blocks, braces, straps, and chains to ensure safe transportation. To receive a detailed quote for your specific shipping needs, please provide all relevant details about your cargo.

To accurately provide a quote for our Lo/Lo services, we require the following details sent via email:

• A photo and of the unit,
• Dimensions (length x width x height),
• Unit’s weight (including packing and unit)  
• It is also crucial to include diagrams showing the lifting and pulling points for rolling cargo.
• Preferred port of destination.”

These details are essential for ensuring safe and efficient handling of your cargo. Please provide all necessary information to help us give you the best possible service.

Out of gauge cargo is any type of package that surpasses the dimensions of a standard six-sided container. These units are shipped on flat rack containers, which exceed the width, height, and, in some cases, even the length of the equipment.

The cellular ocean vessel is a type of ocean vessel that’s fully specialized for container transportation. There are approximately 5,220 ocean cellular vessels worldwide in the service container transportation industry.

No, only certain ocean carriers will take on the task of going through the extensive work of securing, monitoring, and balancing this very difficult cargo.

Customs Autority in Guatemala: Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Guatemala (minex.gob.gt)