Ocean shipping is the process of transporting goods through the sea. It is widely used by businesses to ship their products overseas. Most of the goods we buy come through ocean transportation. About 7 billion tons of goods are transported along international trade routes each year. Ocean freight is a popular option for transporting goods with a low base cost and high capacity.
What is Ocean Freight?
Ocean Freight is a transportation method used to transport large quantities of goods. These goods are then loaded onto ships and transported to their destination.
What is the Main Sea Shipping Line?
The Maersk Line is the world’s largest ocean shipping company. Other major players include the Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag Lloyd, Evergreen Marine, and China Shipping COSCO.
• Regular Cargo Shipped Via Ocean
The agent can determine if the ocean freight suits the weight of the shipment. Generally, bigger packages are more suitable for sea freight.
Most of the time, goods are allowed to be transported through sea freight. These include certain commodities such as sugar and frozen food. However, some restrictions apply to the goods.
How Does International Ocean Freight Operate?
The goods are packed in containers and transported to the port in ocean freight shipping. The shipment goes through customs before it reaches its destination.
After reaching the destination, the goods are inspected and cleared for shipment. The shipment is then delivered to its intended recipient.
Types of Ocean Cargo Transported by Sea
There are two types of ocean freight shipments commonly used to transport goods. These are the Less Than Container Load and LCL.
Less Than Container Load refers to the goods transported in a shared container. Full Container Load or FCL is good for the goods loaded into a full container.
Time it Takes for Ocean Freight to Transport its Cargo
Various factors such as the distance traveled, the complexity of the cargo, and the time it takes for the vessel to arrive are also taken into account to determine the exact time it takes for a shipment to reach the port.
The location of the goods and the time it takes to reach the port can affect the amount of time it takes to ship. Other factors that can affect the time frame of the process include delays at the customs and lack of documentation.
Services International Ocean Freight Companies Offer
Many companies offer ocean freight services for international shipping. They handle all types of freight, such as those for less than container loads.
These companies can help clients arrange freight transportation, pick up the cargo, and deliver the goods regardless of the destination. They can also handle all of the logistics involved in international freight forwarding.
When to Choose Ocean Shipment Option
Ocean shipment is a cost-effective option for transporting bulk goods from overseas. However, it can take a long time to ship and is usually chosen when you have enough time.
Here are Some of the Ocean Freights Cargo Services
Ocean Freight Services are intended to help merchants get their goods transported overseas safely and efficiently.
Freight forwarding companies help customers save money and time by handling their international ocean freight. They provide various services such as door-to-door freight transport and port-to-port services.
Factors Affecting Ocean Freight Rate
Sea cargo shipping can be the most economical option for a shipment that exceeds 200 kilograms. However, it can be complicated to determine the exact cost due to the various factors that affect the rates of ocean freight.
• Fuel is a vital factor that affects the freight charges of any type of ship. The price of oil changes and its effect on the cost of bunker fuel affect the freight rates.
• The exchange rate of different currencies affects the movement of goods across international borders.
• The seasonal changes in the demand and supply of goods can also affect the freight rates.
• Ocean freight is considered a commodity if its value increases as compared to the supply.
Types of Ocean Containers
Without containers, shipping by sea would not work properly. It’s estimated that around 20 million containers are on the move at any given time.
The decision to buy a container for an ocean freight shipment is what most people make. Aside from choosing the right container, it’s also important to consider the type of freight that you want to transport.
• Dry Van Shipping Containers
Dry Van containers are commonly used for transporting goods. They are strong and can be stacked up to 8 high.
These containers are very watertight and have doors on one side. Due to their size, they are commonly used for transporting goods up to 40 feet.
• Reefer Tank Shipping Containers
A refrigerated container or reefer tank is used for transporting goods that require the proper cooling and freezing conditions. These containers can also be used to store fruits and vegetables.
• FCL Shipping Containers
Full container load is a type of freight that refers to using a single container for a single shipment. It allows the goods to be loaded and secured safely and securely.
This type of container can be used in the event of a large quantity of goods being shipped. Its advantages include better profitability due to its ability to store and transport goods at a certain size.
• LCL Shipping Containers
Less than container load is a more suitable and cost-effective option for minimizing cargo volumes. This alternative method of transportation is typically used for shipments of goods that are not heavy.
Final Words
There are shipping options depending on the type of business. The best shipping methods for small business depend on the type of business and what products you offer.
If you’re a business owner who ships temperature-sensitive items in large quantities regularly, Astro Asia can provide custom solutions for your shipping requirement. Need a thermal box, cold box or an insulated shipping blanket? Get in touch today for a custom quote.
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