Sea Freight Services

What is International Sea Freight?

International sea freight refers to transporting goods between countries via ships. It is the most cost-effective method for transporting large volumes or heavy goods. Sea freight is slower than air freight but significantly reduces costs, making it ideal for bulk shipments, non-urgent deliveries, and oversized cargo.

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Types of Sea Freight

Depending on cargo size, shipment urgency, and service requirements, sea freight is usually categorized as:

Full Container Load (FCL)

A single shipper occupies an entire container.

Ideal for large-volume shipments.
Offers better security and reduced handling risks.
Faster loading and unloading compared to shared containers.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

Multiple shippers’ goods are consolidated into one container.

Cost-effective for small to medium-sized shipments.
Suitable when cargo volume is insufficient for a full container.
Transit time may be longer due to consolidation and deconsolidation processes.

Reefer (Refrigerated) Shipping

Specialized temperature-controlled containers for perishable or sensitive goods.

Maintains required temperature, humidity, and ventilation throughout the journey.
Used for fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals.
Ensures product freshness and quality on arrival.

Fast Vessel Service

Prioritizes shorter transit times.

Uses direct routes or fewer transshipment points.
Higher freight costs in exchange for faster delivery.
Ideal for time-sensitive or high-value cargo.

Standard or Slow Vessel Service

Optimized for cost efficiency.

Longer transit times with possible transshipment or indirect routes.
Lower freight rates compared to fast vessels.
Suitable for non-urgent and cost-sensitive shipments.

Transit Time for Sea Freight

FCL Shipping:

Typically 15-30 days, depending on route and port congestion.

LCL Shipping:

Usually 18-30 days, accounting for consolidation and handling.

Express/High-Speed Shipping:

Some premium services reduce transit time for urgent bulk shipments.

Required Documents for Sea Freight

Commercial Invoice – Shows cargo value and transaction details.

Packing List – Lists cargo quantity, dimensions, and weight.

Bill of Lading (B/L) – The carrier-issued transport document.

Export/Import Licenses (if applicable)

Insurance Certificate (optional but recommended)

Special Certificates (e.g., phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin)

Sea Freight Process

Cargo Inquiry & Quotation

Provide weight, volume, commodity, and destination for a tailored quote.

Booking & Container Allocation

Select shipping service (FCL/LCL, port-to-port or door-to-door) and reserve container space.

Cargo Preparation & Packaging

Ensure packaging is suitable for sea transport, particularly for fragile or hazardous goods.

Transport to Port & Export Customs Clearance

Deliver cargo to origin port and complete necessary export documentation.

Sea Transportation

Cargo is loaded onto the vessel and shipped to the destination port.

Import Customs Clearance & Delivery

Complete import procedures and arrange for delivery to the consignee.

Advantages of Sea Freight

Cost-Effective for Large Shipments: Ideal for bulky or heavy cargo.

Flexibility: Handles oversized or special cargo.

Global Coverage: Ships reach virtually every major port worldwide.

Environmentally Friendly: Lower carbon emissions per ton compared to air freight.

Costs and Billing Methods

Freight Charges	Calculated by container size (FCL) or weight/volume (LCL).
Additional Fees	Bunker adjustment factor (fuel surcharge), terminal handling charges, security fees, port fees, and documentation fees.
Trade Terms	Common terms: FOB, CIF, CFR, DAP, DDP – define responsibilities and costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does international sea freight take?

FCL usually takes 15-30 days, while LCL can take 18-30 days, depending on the route and port efficiency.

What documents are required for sea freight?

Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, export/import licenses, and insurance certificate.

Do I need an account to request a quote?

No account needed. Just use our online form or contact us via WhatsApp or email directly.

Why choose sea freight over air freight?

Sea freight is more cost-effective for large volumes or heavy cargo and can transport oversized goods that air freight cannot accommodate.

What is the difference between FCL and LCL?

FCL uses a full container exclusively for one customer, providing faster handling and security. LCL consolidates multiple customers’ shipments, reducing cost but increasing handling time.

Can temperature-sensitive goods be shipped by sea?

Yes, reefer containers maintain specific temperatures for perishables, pharmaceuticals, and other sensitive products.

What are the steps in the sea freight process?

Inquiry & quotation → Booking & container allocation → Cargo preparation & packaging → Transport to port & customs → Sea transportation → Import clearance & final delivery.

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