I wasn't saying they aren't shipped in containers- just about everything is. I meant they're placed on pallets FOR shipping in containers- I can't think of a reason they would be loose and able to move. When I worked at a stereo store, we used to receive large orders by semi and when the quantity of some models was large enough, the boxes were on pallets, strapped down- this was before cling wrap. I don't know if they actually count the quantity once it lands, but if the seal isn't broken, they may just count it the same as when it left the point of origination. The main ports were Long Beach, Chicago and New Jersey for most electronics.