What Is Sea Freight? 

Sea freight is just what it sounds like a way to ship goods across oceans by boat. It's also known as ocean freight or maritime transport, and it usually involves loading cargo onto a container ship, which then transports the goods from port to port. 

This method of transportation can take anywhere from one week to several months depending on the destination, but it can be a great option if you need to send items overseas quickly and cost-effectively. 

Types Of Sea Freight

Let’s take a look at the various types of sea freight available and how they can benefit you. 

Full Containers 

Full container shipping is one of the most popular forms of sea freight shipping. This method allows you to fill a container with whatever goods you need to be transported and have it shipped directly to its destination. This option is ideal if you have large amounts of goods that need to be shipped overseas in one go. The cost savings associated with this type of shipping make it an attractive option for any business looking to save money while still ensuring their goods arrive quickly and safely. 

Less Than Container Load (LCL) Shipping 

If you don’t have enough goods to fill an entire container, then Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping could be the right choice for you. With LCL shipping, your items are placed into a shared container with other customers’ shipments, meaning that you only pay for the space and weight of your own shipment. 

This makes this type of sea freight extremely cost-effective as well as secure and reliable. It’s perfect for small businesses or those who don’t want or need to pay for a full container on their own.

Bulk Cargo Shipping 

For larger shipments such as raw materials or commodities, bulk cargo shipping may be the best choice. This type of sea freight involves loading large amounts of cargo onto specialized ships designed specifically for these types of loads. Bulk cargo ships are able to carry huge volumes in one journey, making them both cost-effective and efficient for businesses with large shipments that require transport overseas quickly and securely. 

Why Use Sea Freight? 

One of the main benefits of sea freight is cost savings. Since large amounts of cargo can be loaded onto each container, businesses don't have to worry about paying extra fees for larger shipments. Additionally, sea freight offers more flexibility when it comes to delivery times. 

For instance, if you need your shipment delivered within two weeks, that could be possible with some carriers; however, if you're willing to wait a few months for delivery, then you could save money by going with a slower but cheaper option. 

Lastly, another benefit is that there are fewer regulations when it comes to shipping via sea compared to air or land transport (such as customs clearance). This makes the process less stressful and time-consuming for businesses. 

Other Advantages Of Using Sea Freight

Other benefits of using sea freight include:

• Lower cost - Sea freight is much cheaper than air or land transport. This makes it ideal for businesses that need to ship large quantities of goods over long distances.

• Greener option - Sea freight is considered a more environmentally-friendly option when compared to other transportation methods. It produces fewer carbon emissions, which can help reduce your business's environmental impact.

• Greater flexibility - With sea freight, there are usually fewer restrictions when it comes to delivery times and ports of arrival. This gives businesses greater flexibility in terms of their delivery plans and can save them money in the long run. 

How Does Sea Freight Work:

Sea freight typically starts with the booking of a container or containers. The customer supplies details about what needs to be shipped and the destination, and then payment is made for the service. Once that's done, the goods are loaded onto the container at an origin port and shipped on their way. 

Depending on the carrier, they may provide tracking services so customers can monitor their cargo every step of the way. When it reaches its destination port, it is unloaded and customs clearance procedures must be completed before final delivery takes place. 

How To Choose A Shipping Company:

When it comes to choosing a shipping company for sea freight, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you'll want to make sure that they have experience in the type of cargo you're shipping, as well as a good track record of on-time delivery. 

Additionally, you'll want to compare quotes from multiple carriers to ensure that you're getting the best price possible. Finally, check out customer reviews online for any potential companies so that you can get a better idea of their service quality before making a decision. 

Tips For Shipping Cargo By Sea

• Make sure to properly package and label your cargo so that it arrives in the same condition as when it was shipped.

• Don't forget to factor in transit times when planning for delivery dates. 

• Research potential carriers before bookings so that you can get the best value for your money. 

• Use tracking services if available, so that you can keep an eye on your shipment's progress throughout its journey. 

Conclusion

Sea freight is a great option for businesses looking to transport goods affordably and with flexibility. If you're considering using sea freight for your next shipment, be sure to research which ports and shipping companies serve your route best. And if you need any help getting started, our team at GTS Shipping is always happy to assist. 

So whether you have questions about port locations or want help finding the right sea freight company, we're here to help. Get in touch with us today and let's get started on planning your next shipment.