With advances in technology, people as well as goods are moving across the globe at faster speeds than ever before.
Oceans, rivers, and other waterways have allowed shipping by sea to become a viable option for many businesses and individuals across various countries. In addition, many of the world’s major cities have docks and ports, making shipping by sea an economic alternative to land and air shipping.
Many people are now choosing sea shipping as a way to reduce their carbon footprint. Sea shipping emits much less CO2 emissions than air freight.
Shipping by sea is the best option for those who are looking to transport goods along well-travelled routes, as these are often the cheapest, and who are not on a tight deadline. Do not hesitate to shop around as various companies are available and many offer free quotes as well.
Shipping by sea is now more energy efficient and cheaper than ever. In addition, many companies also offer warehousing, consolidation, and distribution, customs brokerage services, as well as air freight and ground freight services.
Standard Shipping Container Sizes
Two types of standard intermodal shipping containers are available worldwide.
20ft Container–These are typically19′ 10.5″ x 8′ 0″ x 8′ 6″,with a volume of 1,169 ft³, and a load weight of 61,289 lb or 28,200 kg.
40ft Container – These are typically40′ 0″ x 8′ 0″ x 8′ 6″, with a volume of 2,385 ft³, and a load weight of 57,759 lb or 26,600 kg. Although twice as large, they hold less weight because the container itself weighs more.
Other Containers – Some companies offer slightly bigger 40ft and 45ft cube containers. Oversize 53ft containers are available as well, but are not as common.
In addition, many offer climate controlled, refrigerated, and hazardous shipping containers.
Types of Sea Shipping Loads
- Less Container Load (LCL) – This is the most economical way to transport smaller cargoes, especially those less than a 20 or 40ft container. Many companies are often partnered with others to save you money. Your goods will be transported in a common container, with other people’s items. Companies charge per ft³, but it may be cheaper to just pay for a full container.
- Full Container Load (FCL) –These are sea shipments in which the whole container is just for you, and will not be mixed with others.1m3
- Non-Container Load (NCL) – This is for cargo that is in bulk and too large/heavy for a container.
Sea Shipping Options
Port of Origin to Destination Port is the most complex shipping option. You are responsible for getting your goods to the port and picking them up at their destination as well.
Another option is having the container delivered to your house and loading and uploading it yourself.
The easiest option is hiring a company to take care of logistics and arrange every part of the process from delivering the container to your home or business, and then to port. They will also pick up the delivered goods from the destination port and transport to your final destination.
Costs of Sea Shipping
Shipping by sea is cheapest for larger and heavier loads, than by air.
The costs of shipping sea containers depends on speed, location, and size. For example, most sea shipping companies charge per container rate, usually 20ft and 40ft.
Very rarely will a customer be charged by weight. Only LCL shipping is determined by cubic metre.
The costs often depend on the operating costs of the carrier, and include ship operation, and container costs as well.
Most companies require that shipping costs be paid in full before shipping.
Insurance must be purchased to make sure that all your items are safe and insured. Many companies offer insurance as part of their fee.
In addition, taxes, duties, and customs charges must be considered on the value of your goods that are entering the new country or territory. Warehousing and storage at ports must be taken into consideration as well.
Benefits of Sea Shipping
Shipping by sea freight is the best or those who have time. Depending on route taken, ocean, river, etc. it can take a few days or even weeks. Distances are vast. For example, it takes approximately 35 days to cross from New York City to China. Often times, by the time the goods get to your door, 2 months may have elapsed.
However, the cost is very low. Great distances can be covered, especially between continents.
Whatever your reasons for shipping by sea, rest assured that there are companies available to meet your varied needs. Shipping companies offer competitive rates, and many offer free quotes as well.
Video – Logistics