International Logistics FAQ

Yes! We use the ASC X12 Standard and can accept or transmit information via FTP or VAN. We are also capable of sending and receiving updates in CSV or XLS format via email. For more information on the specific EDI events and transactions that we accept and provide, please contact us.

Yes! gwiTrack® was developed exclusively for our customers, enabling registered users to track both intermodal shipments and warehouse inventory in a secure environment. gwiTrack uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption technology, ensuring that your data is kept safe! Read more about our Container Management services.

Our facilities are fully fenced and monitored 24/7 by a top-rated Security Company. We have equipped all of our facilities with motion detectors, beams, door contacts, and digital quality security cameras.

  • ANRM - Alianca
  • APLU - American President Lines
  • ACLU - Atlantic Container Line
  • ANLC - Australian New Zealand Lines
  • CSAL - Canada State Africa Line
  • CMDU - CMA-CGM
  • COSU - Cosco
  • HDMU - Hyundai
  • HJSC - Hanjin
  • HLCU - Hapag Lloyd
  • IDMC - Intermarine
  • KKLU - K-Line
  • MAEU - Maersk Sealand
  • NODA - Nordana
  • OOCL - OOCL (Effective July 1, 2013)
  • SAFM - Saf Marine
  • SLXU - Horizon
  • SUDU - Hamburg Sud
  • UASC - United Arab Shipping (Effective June 1st, 2013)
  • UALC - Universal Africa Lines
  • USLB - US Lines
  • YMLU - Yang Ming (Effective October 1, 2013)
  • UZIMU - Zim Lines (Effective August 1st, 2013)
  • CCNI - Compañía Chilena de Navegación Interoceánica

No. Chassis charges apply from the day the chassis is outgated until the day it is returned. This includes weekends and holidays.

Yes! Gulf Winds has over 100 20′ & 40′ tri-axle and slider chassis to accommodate your chassis needs.

Yes! All of our trucks are permitted and bonded by the State of Texas to haul overweight containers. If you have a weight issue, contact us and we will provide a customized solution to meet your needs.

Gulf Winds has interchange agreements with all of the Steamship lines calling on the Port of Houston as well as with the UP and BNSF railroads. In addition, we are members of the UIIA (Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement).

Click here for a copy of our Insurance Certificate. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.

A transload is simply picking up a container at the port, delivering it to our warehouse, unloading the cargo, and loading it out on an over the road truck or railcar to deliver to the final consignee. The same process applies to export cargo as well.

  • Transloading is almost always cheaper than running round trip once you reach 250 miles from origin. You can save as much as 1/3 on your inland transportation costs.
  • Transloading gives you the ability to maximize cargo weight and deliver legally since over the road trucks distribute weight much more efficiently than 20′ & 40′ containers.
  • Your goods travel in an air ride trailer instead of bouncing around in a steamship container. Therefore, you minimize damage that often occurs during over the road travel.
  • Transloading gives your warehouse vendor the opportunity to inspect your cargo for damage or irregularities prior to delivery to your customer.

Yes! Check out our professional references here. If you would like additional references or information, please feel free to call us.

Gulf Winds is experienced in the handling of all types of cargo. Our primary focus is on full container loads. Our facilities are equipped with forklifts, slip sheet attachments, clamps (cotton & roll), overhead cranes, and labor to handle your Houston business. We do not warehouse any hazardous cargo since all of our buildings are food grade certified. However, we do have the ability to haul your hazardous loads from the Port of Houston to your facility of choice.

Your primary contact should always be your dedicated CSR and their respective supervisor. In the event of an after hours problem or emergency, please click here for a list of numbers to call.

"The Container Store has benefited tremendously by increasing our weight per container from 40,000 lbs to the maximum of 56,000 lbs for product shipping from our plant in Sweden. By taking advantage of the dramatic weight increase per container, we have reduced the number of annual containers from 600 per year to 428. All containers shipping from Sweden arrive at the port in Houston. We have established a great partnership with Gulf Winds who moves the containers from the port directly across the street to their facility and then transloads the 56,000 lb containers to 40,000 lb truckloads to ship to our facility. Our freight costs are dramatically reduced which has had a significant impact on helping to offset the rising fuel and overall freight costs."

Mike Coronado | Director of Distribution
The Container Store