Hi Trish B,
You need to post any questions you have about the game in Help and SUpport. I only happened to see this as i was checking new registrations. We do not get notification when you post on your profile. Here's the link to Help and Support >>
http://r1.slashkey.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=1
You have a maximum of 24 hours to prepare as many containers as you can and then Dispatch the Ship. If 24 hours have passed after you started the preparation of the Ship and you don't Dispatch the Ship in that time frame, you will have to start the Preparation phase all over again.
PLease read the Game Guide Chapter 32 Ships. That may answer any further questions you have on Ships. Here's the link to that ..
http://r1.slashkey.com/forum/showthread.php?t=626622