What is Ocean freight?
Ocean freight shipping is the method of transporting containerised cargo loaded onto vessels by sea. Over 90% of all the world’s trade is carried by sea. If you want to ship your freight around the world, ocean freight is the most convenient option.
As a general rule, shipments weighing more than 100kg – or consisting of multiple cartons – will be sent by sea freight. The containers are designed and built for intermodal freight transport. That means the containers can be used across various transportation modes – from ship to rail to truck – without unloading and reloading the cargo.
There are four major types of shipping terms that you should know about, also known as incoterms (International Commerce Terms), which set out clear definitions for where the goods are dispatched from, and to.
Ocean freight offers several unique advantages over air, truck, or rail service. Ocean freight is great for clients shipping large, bulky cargo shipments, and shipments of raw materials, though the options are virtually limitless. Liquid bulk items, dry bulk, container cargo, and machinery are often shipped by sea. Sea freight might be right for your business if you want to ship long distances cheaply. After all, sea freight is often several times cheaper than air. Even for small shipments, ocean freight might be the best option. A transportation expert at Santos International can help you determine which of our comprehensive range of shipping methods you need.
We provide fully integrated transportation services for part cargo (LCL) and full container loads – whether you require a logistics partner for a specific part of your supply chain or complete supply chain solutions. We have the experience and skills necessary to tackle just about every type of job that comes our way. With Transocean Logistics, our clients know exactly what to expect - professionalism, efficiency and exceptional results. Based on your requirement we offer optimised logistics concepts including global insurance and complex customs services.
The company is a leader in this sector of the Irish market. Our FCL services include excellent scheduled competitive services to Asia, the Middle East, US & Canada, Australia & New Zealand, South America, Mediterranean and Africa.
We offer very competitive rates and excellent service.
Short/long-term storage options
Secure, monitored facilities
Immediate access and availability
Electronic inventory management
Pick and pack distribution
Dock transfers or cross docking
Delivery anywhere in the globe.
We have vast experience in the area of Documentation for exports. Our Documentation Department is extremely proficient in the preparation of all types of Bills of Lading and can advise customers on the how best to protect their interests. Agricultural Bills of Lading can be another regular customer requirements especially where there are various types of refunds involved.
The company has specialist knowledge and extensive experience in shipping all kinds of recyclable commodities such as waste paper, bone meal and scrap metals. These commodities require experienced handling because of the potentially problematic nature of the products involved. Familiarisation with EU Regulations, Hazardous Regulations, TFS and CICC is essential. Ability to deal with and solve problems through negotiation with authorities both in Ireland and in continental transhipment ports is an important factor in shipping these commodities.
We offer comprehensive Cargo Insurance for all types of cargo and movements. In addition we are insured by ITIC, London for Freight Forwarders Liability and Errors and Omissions.
We also insure all significant receivables with Atradius to protect our own financial position and thereby give further security to our own customers.
There are numerous benefits and disadvantages when shipping ocean freight. We want to be transparent about both, so you know whether this is the best option for you.
The benefits of ocean freight shipping include:
The disadvantages of ocean freight shipping include:
Like any other type of freight, there are specific regulations in place on international and international ocean freight.
First, there are some restrictions on the types of hazardous materials that can be sent by sea freight, including some flammable and dangerous goods. There are also regulations on the import and export of goods via ocean freight. You can avoid penalties and ensure that your shipments are compliant by working with a U.S. customs broker at Transocean Logistics company. We can be your trusted partner in international shipments.
Transocean Logistics provides the following services:
Containers and goods are delivered to a Container Freight Station or Container Yard for consolidation and loading onto a ship.
There are numerous tariffs and costs to consider when having goods shipped or importing goods from overseas. It depends on the agreement with your supplier – will they just be delivering to their port, your terminal, your warehouse? Be sure to know which incoterm relates to your shipping contract, so that the responsibility between yourself and the supplier is clear.
Fees include, but aren’t limited to:
LCL or FCL feesShipping goods also requires a Bill of Lading (BL), for sea freight, these are called Seaway or Ocean Bills of Lading. A Bill of Lading lists the cargo that will be loaded or carried on a ship, given to the consignee of the goods. A Bill of Lading can act as a receipt that goods are loaded, a form of contract to demonstrate that goods are being shipped, and a document to the title of goods.
Read our guide on Bills of Lading and what you need to do here.