Ocean freight

Plan the entire journey

Ocean freight is worth considering for many shipments with substantial weight or volume and delivery schedules that allow longer transit times. The final choice depends on the route, cargo characteristics and your business deadlines.

SEALLOGS discusses options from collection through the ports of departure and arrival to the handover point. Schedules, space and cargo acceptance are checked for each request; an estimated schedule should not be treated as a fixed commitment before confirmation.

Full container loads and consolidated cargo

FCL uses a full container for a shipment under the booking conditions. LCL consolidates smaller shipments and requires additional receiving, consolidation and deconsolidation processes at a warehouse.

• Choose FCL or LCL according to shipment size, characteristics and plans.
• Coordinate inland transport at origin and destination as agreed.
• Connect customs declarations, port handling and CFS services where required.

Milestones to track

The plan should show cargo readiness, port or warehouse delivery cutoffs, documentation deadlines, and estimated vessel departure and arrival dates. Transshipment cargo also requires consideration of the connecting leg.

Assign someone to review shipping documents and confirm shipper, consignee and cargo descriptions. Discrepancies should be resolved before the deadlines communicated by the carrier.

Information for a quotation

To compare proposals fairly, define which legs are included and who is responsible at each end.

• Collection point, departure and arrival ports, or intended delivery address.
• Cargo description, package count, weight, volume and packaging details.
• Expected container type or LCL requirement, including temperature requirements if applicable.
• Cargo-ready date, delivery deadline and relevant trade terms.

Clarify costs beyond the main freight charge

In addition to ocean freight, the journey may involve port, warehouse, inland handling, container detention or demurrage charges. Applicable items and any free time should be confirmed in the quotation or service agreement. Cargo insurance should also be discussed separately if required.