How we run ocean freight
We book full container loads (FCL) and shared loads (LCL) on weekly sailings across the main trade lanes. One planner owns your shipment from the first booking to the moment the container is returned empty.
What is included
Space booking with our partner carriers, container pickup and drayage, export and import customs, port handling and delivery to your door. Every milestone is visible in your tracking dashboard.
Planning around peak season
Rates and space move fast in Q3 and Q4. We share allocation forecasts early, split volume across sailings when it lowers risk and confirm a fixed rate before the container is loaded.
When ocean is the right choice
Ocean freight is the lowest cost per kilo for most cargo. Choose it when your delivery date has a few weeks of room and the shipment fills at least a few pallets.
How a shipment moves, step by step
1. Quote and booking
Send us the origin, destination, cargo details and ready date. Your planner replies with a quote within two hours, compares sailings and carriers, and books space as soon as you confirm.
2. Pickup and export
We collect the container or pallets at your supplier, arrange export customs and deliver the cargo to the terminal before the cut off. You receive the bill of lading draft for approval.
3. On the water
We follow the vessel through every port call and transhipment and warn you early if a sailing is delayed or rolled, together with a backup plan.
4. Arrival and delivery
Import customs is prepared before the vessel arrives. Once the container is released, we truck or rail it to your door, book a delivery slot and return the empty container on time to avoid detention costs.
Options you can add
Cargo insurance for the full value of your goods, reefer containers for temperature controlled cargo, flat racks and open tops for oversized items, consolidation of several suppliers into one container at origin, and bonded storage at destination when you want to delay import duties.
What affects the price
The base ocean rate depends on the trade lane, the season and the container type. On top of that come terminal handling charges, fuel surcharges, customs fees and the inland legs at both ends. We show every cost line in the quote, so the invoice holds no surprises.
Documents we need from you
A commercial invoice, a packing list, the agreed Incoterm and, for some goods, certificates such as a certificate of origin or a safety data sheet. Not sure what applies to your cargo? Your planner checks it for you before the booking.
Common questions
FCL or LCL, which one do I need?
As a rule of thumb, LCL is cheaper up to about 13 to 15 cubic metres. Above that a full 20 foot container is usually better value, faster and safer, because the cargo is not handled together with other shipments.
Can you handle dangerous goods?
Yes. We book IMO classified cargo with carriers that accept it and prepare the dangerous goods declaration. Share the safety data sheet with your request so we can confirm the options.
