Everything you need to know about shipping natural stone internationally. From container selection and loading methods to documentation and insurance.
20+
Years Experience
40+
Countries Served
500K+
m2 Delivered
100%
Fully Insured
Container Types
The container type depends on your stone format (slabs, tiles, or blocks), total weight, and destination port requirements.
| Container Type | Internal Dimensions | Max Payload | Slab Capacity | Tile Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 5.9m x 2.35m x 2.39m | ~21,700 kg | 8-10 bundles (~350 m2) | ~800 m2 |
| 40ft Standard | 12.03m x 2.35m x 2.39m | ~26,500 kg | 8-10 bundles (~350 m2) | ~800 m2 |
| 40ft High Cube | 12.03m x 2.35m x 2.69m | ~26,200 kg | 8-10 bundles (~350 m2) | ~800 m2 |
Loading Methods
Different stone formats require different loading and securing methods to prevent damage during transit.
Metal A-frame racks are placed inside the container and slabs are loaded vertically on each side, leaning against the frame. The slabs are separated by foam or rubber strips and secured with ratchet straps. This is the standard method for slab shipments.
Best for: Marble slabs, travertine slabs, large format tiles
Tiles are stacked in strong wooden crates lined with foam padding. Each crate is strapped and sealed, then secured to the container floor with blocking and bracing. ISPM-15 treated wood is required for international shipping to meet fumigation standards.
Best for: Cut-to-size tiles, small formats, mosaic pieces
Slabs are bundled in groups of 6-10, wrapped in protective plastic and foam, then strapped to wooden pallets or cradles. Bundles are loaded horizontally or vertically depending on size and container configuration.
Best for: Mixed-size orders, block + slab combinations
Weight Calculations
Accurate weight calculations are critical for avoiding overloading and optimizing container usage. Here are standard density values for common natural stones.
| Material | Density (ton/m3) | Slab 2cm (kg/m2) | Tile 1cm (kg/m2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marble | 2.6-2.8 | ~54 kg | ~27 kg |
| Travertine | 2.3-2.5 | ~48 kg | ~24 kg |
| Granite | 2.6-2.8 | ~56 kg | ~28 kg |
| Limestone | 2.2-2.6 | ~48 kg | ~24 kg |
Weights are approximate. Actual weight varies by specific stone variety and moisture content. Go2Stone provides exact weights with every shipment.
We handle logistics from quarry to your door
Required Documents
International stone shipments require specific documentation. For a complete walkthrough, see our import and shipping guide.
Detailed inventory of all items: stone type, finish, dimensions, quantity, and weight per package. Essential for customs clearance and inventory verification at destination.
The master shipping document issued by the carrier. Includes shipper, consignee, port of loading/discharge, container number, seal number, and cargo description. Required for cargo release at destination.
Certifies that the stone was quarried and manufactured in Turkey. Required for customs duties calculation and may qualify for preferential tariff rates under trade agreements (e.g., EU-Turkey Customs Union).
Details the sale terms: buyer, seller, description of goods, unit prices, total value, payment terms, and Incoterms (FOB, CIF, etc.). Used for customs valuation and duty calculation.
Certifies that all wood packaging materials (crates, pallets, dunnage) have been heat-treated or fumigated per ISPM-15 standards. Required by most countries to prevent pest introduction.
Avoid These Errors
These costly errors are easily avoided with proper planning and experienced loaders.
Exceeding the maximum payload weight causes container rejection at ports, shipping delays, and potential fines. Always calculate total weight including packaging materials and dunnage.
Loose strapping, missing blocking, or insufficient bracing allows stone to shift during ocean transit. A single 2cm slab can weigh 50+ kg and become a dangerous projectile in rough seas.
Foam separators, rubber pads, and edge protectors are not optional. Stone-on-stone contact causes chipping, cracking, and edge damage that cannot be repaired after the fact.
Missing or incorrect shipping documents cause customs holds that can last weeks, incur storage fees, and even result in cargo being returned. Verify all documents before loading.
Our Process
With 20+ years of export experience and a dedicated logistics team, Go2Stone handles every detail of the shipping process.
Every piece is inspected for color consistency, dimensions, surface quality, and finish accuracy before packaging. Defective pieces are replaced before loading begins.
Stone is packed using industry-best methods: foam separators between slabs, corner protectors on all edges, ISPM-15 certified wooden crates for tiles, and heavy-duty strapping throughout.
Our trained loading crew supervises every container. A-frame racks are inspected, weight distribution is verified, and all cargo is photographed before the container is sealed.
All shipping documents are prepared by our logistics team: packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, and fumigation certificate. Documents are sent digitally before the vessel departs.
Every shipment includes full marine insurance and real-time container tracking. You receive updates from departure to arrival, including ETA notifications and customs clearance assistance.
We handle everything from selection to delivery
Our Collection
Browse our collection of marble and travertine, ready for container shipment worldwide.
Shipping Questions
Common questions about shipping marble and travertine in containers.
From quarry to container to your door. Go2Stone handles complete logistics for your stone import.
CIF quotes within 48 hours. Full insurance included.
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