Ocean Freight

Ocean Freight is a method of transporting large quantities of goods using cargo ships. Goods are packed into containers and then loaded onto a vessel for transportation. It is the most common mode of freight transportation for goods that are being shipped overseas.

Full Container Load (FCL) refers to when a shipper rents the entire container to transport their goods. It's typically used when the volume of goods is large enough to fill an entire container. Less than Container Load (LCL), on the other hand, is a shipping term for cargo that occupies less than the full capacity of a container. Multiple LCL shipments are often consolidated into a single container by freight forwarders.

Several factors determine the cost of ocean freight, including the nature of the goods, the chosen Incoterm, the weight and dimensions of the cargo, the route taken, and the time of year.

The time taken for ocean freight can vary widely depending on the point of origin and the destination. Other factors, such as weather conditions, port congestion, or customs procedures, can also impact the transit time.

Yes, most freight forwarders provide detailed shipment tracking services. This allows you to know the real-time status and location of your goods, providing greater peace of mind.

The ocean freight process typically involves booking space with a freight forwarder or shipping line, preparing the appropriate documentation, arranging for cargo pick-up and delivery to the port, loading the cargo onto the ship, and finally, unloading at the destination port and arranging for inland delivery.

A wide variety of goods can be shipped using ocean freight, ranging from personal effects and household goods to machinery, vehicles, and bulk commodities. Certain restrictions and regulations apply to hazardous or restricted items.

While not mandatory, it is highly recommended to have cargo insurance for ocean freight. This protects you from financial loss in case of unforeseen circumstances such as damage or loss of cargo during transit.

While ocean freight is a more eco-friendly choice compared to air freight due to lower CO2 emissions per ton of cargo, it does contribute to pollution through the release of exhaust emissions, oil spills, and noise.

Incoterms, short for International Commercial Terms, are a set of rules which define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers for the delivery of goods under sales contracts. They are used to determine who is responsible for the cost and risk at each stage of the transportation process.