Top 10 Questions About Sea Freight Shipping

Sea freight shipping involves transporting goods via cargo ships. It’s ideal for large, heavy, or non-urgent shipments that don’t require fast delivery.

• Cost: Sea freight is cheaper than air freight.
• Transit Time: Sea freight is slower, often taking weeks or months.
• Cargo Capacity: Sea freight can handle larger and heavier shipments.

Sea freight is best for:
• Bulky or Heavy Items: Like machinery, vehicles, and raw materials.
• Non-Urgent Shipments: Goods that don’t require fast delivery.
• Large Volumes: Full container loads (FCL) or less than container loads (LCL).

Sea freight costs depend on factors like:
• Container Type: FCL or LCL.
• Distance: Longer routes cost more.
• Cargo Weight and Volume: Heavier or bulkier shipments cost more. On average, shipping a 20 ft container can cost 1,000−1,000−3,000.

Key advantages include:
• Cost-Effective: Cheaper than air freight for large shipments.
• High Capacity: Can handle heavy and bulky items.
• Eco-Friendly: Lower carbon emissions compared to air freight.

Disadvantages include:
• Slow Transit Times: Can take weeks or months.
• Weather Delays: Storms or rough seas can cause delays.
• Limited Flexibility: Less suitable for urgent shipments. Environmental Impact: Higher carbon emissions compared to other modes.

• FCL (Full Container Load): You book an entire container for your goods.
• LCL (Less than Container Load): Your goods share a container with other shipments.

Transit times vary depending on the route and destination. For example:
• Asia to USA: 15-30 days.
• Europe to Asia: 20-40 days.
• Intra-Asia: 7-14 days.

Common documents include:
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Certificate of Origin

To reduce costs:
• Consolidate Shipments: Use LCL for smaller shipments.
• Optimize Packaging: Reduce weight and volume.
• Book in Advance: Secure better rates with early booking.
• Work with a Freight Forwarder: Like OLC Shipping Line for competitive pricing.