Sea Freight Demystified: How to Ship Globally
Table of Contents
- What are the basics of international sea freight?
- What types of freight are available?
- How to make ocean shipping easier
What are the basics of international sea freight?
Shipping by sea is still the backbone of global trade. Over 80% of the world’s goods are moved by cargo ships—think of everything from cars to coffee beans. But how does it actually work?
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- You pack your goods and book space with a freight forwarder.
- Your cargo is transported to the port and loaded into a container.
- The container is loaded onto a cargo ship.
- The ship travels to the destination port, where the cargo is unloaded.
- Goods clear import customs and are delivered inland.
Sea freight is cost-effective for large volumes or non-urgent items, but it comes with challenges: paperwork, customs, port delays, and coordination between multiple parties.
What are the 4 types of freight?
Understanding freight types helps you pick the right solution for your business. The main types of sea freight include:
- FCL (Full Container Load): You book an entire container—ideal for large shipments.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): You share space in a container with other shippers—great for smaller loads.
- Bulk Freight: Used for raw materials like grain, coal, or oil, without containers.
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): Vehicles that roll on and off the ship, like trucks or machinery.
Choosing the right type depends on your cargo size, budget, and timeline.
How to make sea freight simple
Managing sea freight can feel overwhelming—especially with international regulations and documentation. But you don’t have to go it alone.
FAQ: Sea Freight Questions Answered
What are the basics of sea freight?
It’s the process of shipping goods via ocean cargo, typically using containers, through a coordinated supply chain involving ports and customs.
What are the 4 types of freight?
FCL, LCL, Bulk Freight, and RoRo—each suited to different cargo needs and volumes.
What is the procedure for sea shipment?
It involves booking space, packing, loading at the port, ocean transit, customs clearance, and final delivery.
Make sea freight simple with ONE Srl: custom support for smooth global shipping!