Have you ever worried about receiving your freight late? Or worse still, receiving it damaged or losing it altogether?
For every business owner who deals with freight, this is probably one of your worst nightmares.
While there are a lot of reasons why goods get delayed or lost while in transit, avoiding such mishaps is possible, but often very expensive.
This is where ocean freight comes in. Ocean transport is one of the most cost-effective and reliable options for shipping goods.
In this post, we will cover what ocean freight is, how it works, and why it’s so effective – and at the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to incorporate it into your business.
Let’s start by discussing what ocean freight is.
What Is Ocean Freight?
In simple terms, ocean freight (ocean transport or sea freight) is the process of shipping goods across borders by sea via ocean vessels which are typically container ships.
Ocean freight is the most popular method of shipping goods globally, with over 90% of cargo being transported by sea and it is most commonly used for large shipments that are too big to be sent by air.
Sea freight is often seen as a more cost-effective option compared to air freight, which is far more expensive and can only take smaller quantities of goods at a time.
To give you a better understanding of how sea freight works, let’s take a look at the process in more detail.
How Ocean Freight Works
Ocean freight works by loading your goods onto a container ship which will then transport them to the destination port.
Freight forwarders typically handle all the documentation and logistics involved in shipping goods by sea freight.
They will also be responsible for finding the most cost-effective route for your goods and ensuring that they arrive on time and in good condition.
The length of time it takes for the goods to reach their destination will depend on the distance between the two ports.
Another important aspect of sea freight shipping is the shipping contract and cargo insurance.
The shipping contract is a legally binding agreement between the shipper and the carrier which outlines all the details of the shipment including the price, route, and delivery date.
It is important to have a shipping contract in place to protect both parties in case of any damages or losses during the shipping process.
Cargo insurance is another important aspect of ocean freight and is typically taken out by the shipper to cover the cost of any damages or losses that may occur during the shipping process.
Why Ocean Freight Is So Cost-Effective
There are a number of reasons why sea freight is such a cost-effective option for shipping goods.
1) It Can Handle Large Quantities
Sea freight is a very efficient way to ship large quantities of goods at once which can also help to reduce costs.
Container ships can carry a large amount of cargo which is often more cost-effective than shipping smaller quantities by air.
Ocean freight is also a good option if you need to ship heavy or oversized goods as these are often difficult to transport by air.
2) Ocean Freight Is Reliable
Ocean freight is a well-established shipping method that has been used for many years and thus, it is a very reliable shipping method with a high success rate, which is an important part of cost-effectiveness as well.
Your goods are also less likely to be damaged or lost during shipping as ocean vessels are well-equipped to handle cargo.
Sea freight is also a very safe and secure way to ship goods as they are typically packed and loaded onto the vessel by professionals.
This also helps to reduce the risk of damages or losses during the shipping process.
3) There are Several Suppliers
Ocean freight is the most popular method of shipping globally which means that there is a lot of competition among carriers which drives prices down.
There are also a number of different services and routes that you can choose from which gives you the flexibility to find the most cost-effective option for your business.
However, choosing the best carrier will depend on what you expect. Be sure to choose a carrier that has a good track record and is able to meet your specific shipping needs.
4) Ocean Freight Is Less Expensive Than Air Freight
As we mentioned earlier, ocean freight is less expensive than air freight.
This is because ocean vessels can carry a lot more goods at a time compared to aeroplanes.
Sea freight is also a slower shipping method which means that you won’t have to pay the premium for faster shipping times.
5) Prices Are Negotiable
Another reason why ocean freight is so cost-effective is that prices are usually negotiable.
This is because carriers are often willing to offer discounts for large shipments or if you are a regular customer.
It is also worth noting that sea freight rates are typically lower during slow periods such as the off-peak season.
This is when there is less demand for shipping services and carriers are often willing to offer lower rates to attract business.
Types of Ocean Freight Shipping
There are two main types of ocean freight shipping – FCL (full container load) and LCL (less than a container load).
FCL shipping is when you ship a full 20ft or 40ft container of goods, whereas LCL shipping is when your goods are consolidated with other shipments to fill up a container.
FCL shipping is often the most cost-effective option as you will have the entire container to yourself and can fill it up with as much cargo as you like.
LCL shipping is often used by small businesses or when you are only shipping a small number of goods.
It is also a good option if you need your goods to be shipped urgently as LCL shipments are often processed faster than FCL shipments.
What Can You Ship With Ocean Freight?
Almost anything can be shipped with ocean freight, but there are some items that are not suitable for this shipping method.
Some of the most common items that are shipped via sea freight include:
– Vehicles
– Machinery
– Electronics
– Furniture
– Clothing
– Foods
Sea freight is a great option for businesses that need to ship large quantities of goods as it is very cost-effective.
It is also a very reliable and safe shipping method with a high success rate. There are a number of suppliers to choose from which gives you the
How to Calculate Ocean Freight Rates
Ocean freight rates are typically calculated based on the volume or weight of your goods, whichever is greater.
The volume is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of your shipment.
Sea freight rates will also vary depending on the type of goods you are shipping as well as the origin and destination of your shipment.
Rates can be affected by a host of factors such as:
– Market conditions
– The type of freight (FCL or LCL)
– The size and weight of your shipment
– The port of origin and destination
– The shipping date
– The type of container
When shipping via ocean freight, it is important to choose a reputable supplier who can offer you the most cost-effective solution for your business.
Is Ocean Freight Shipping Ideal For You?
While ocean freight is both popular and effective, isn’t necessarily ideal for all business needs.
If you’re trying to figure out if sea freight is good for you, here are some things to consider:
- Shipment size: Sea freight is best for large shipments.
- Speed: Sea freight is a slow shipping method, so if you need your goods delivered quickly, this is not the best option.
- Cost: It is very cost-effective, but rates can vary depending on a number of factors.
- Reliability: It is a very reliable shipping method with a high success rate.
- Reputation: While there may be several carriers, it is important to choose a reputable supplier when shipping via sea freight.
Overall, sea freight is a great option for businesses that need to ship large quantities of goods.
How To Get Started With Ocean Freight Transportation?
If you’re interested in using ocean freight to ship your goods, there are a few steps involved. Here are some steps to get you started:
1) Find a Reputable Supplier
The first step is to find a reputable supplier who can offer you the most cost-effective solution for your business.
There are a number of things to consider when choosing a supplier, such as their reputation, experience, and rates.
2) Determine Your Shipping Needs
The next step is to determine your shipping needs. This includes the type of goods you need to ship, the quantity, and the destination.
You will also need to decide whether you want to ship via FCL or LCL as earlier explained.
Ocean freight is a great option for businesses that need to ship goods in bulk.
3) Get a Quote
Once you have determined your shipping needs, you can then get a quote from your chosen supplier.
Your rates will depend on the factors earlier mentioned such as the type of goods, the quantity, and the destination.
By choosing a supplier with a proven track record, you can be sure that your goods will be delivered safe and sound.
MF Freight is a leading provider of freight services. We have a team of experienced professionals who can offer you the most cost-effective solution for your business.
If you live in Australia, you can contact us today and we’ll provide you with a free quote. We offer a wide range of services, including ocean freight – and we’ll be glad to help you with all your transportation needs.
Conclusion
Ocean freight is a great option for businesses that need to save costs while shipping large quantities of goods internationally.
It is effective, reliable, and cost-effective when done with a reputable supplier.
If you need help getting started with ocean freight, get in touch with us today and let us help you take your business to the next level.
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