we comprehensive guide empowers you with all the essential knowledge to ship your goods with confidence.
What is Sea Freight?
Sea freight, also known as ocean freight, is a method of transporting goods over vast distances via large cargo ships. These ships, often referred to as container vessels, are designed to carry massive quantities of cargo in standardized containers, each measuring approximately 20 feet in length.
The containers are loaded and unloaded at designated ports, facilitating efficient movement of goods across continents.
Types of Sea Transport
Don't underestimate the importance of container choice for your sea freight journey! HITCO ONE Group understands this, offering a diverse selection of container options to its clients
FCL
- Ideal for large shipments: Suitable for businesses with substantial cargo volumes.
- Cost-effective for bulk shipments: Offers economies of scale, reducing per-unit costs for large quantities.
- Secure and protected: Entire container dedicated to your goods, minimizing handling and maximizing security.
- Simplified customs clearance: Streamlined customs procedures due to a single shipment.
LCL
- Cost-effective for smaller shipments: Share container space with other shippers, reducing costs for smaller volumes.
- Suitable for diverse shipments: Ideal for businesses with irregular or varied shipment sizes.
- Reduced warehousing costs: Avoids the need for extensive warehousing space.
Visit our services page to see the categories of products we specialize in.
How to Work with us
- Submit Inquiry: Provide detailed product specifications.
- Receive Quotation: Get a list of suppliers with prices, and details.
- Confirm Sample: Review and approve a product sample (if possible).
- Confirm Order: Place your final order.
- Production Monitoring: Track production progress.
- Quality Inspection: Ensure product quality through inspection.
- Shipping Arrangement: Secure optimal shipping method.
- Delivery: Receive goods at destination.
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Expert China Sourcing Solutions.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Cost-effective
Sea freight is typically the most cost-effective mode of transportation for large shipments over long distances.
High capacity
Cargo ships can carry large volumes of goods, making them ideal for transporting large quantities of non perishable items.
Slow speed
Sea freight is the slowest mode of transportation, with transit times that can range
from several days to several weeks.
Susceptibility to weather
Sea freight can be delayed by adverse weather conditions, such as storms and high winds
Feature |
Air Freight |
Sea Freight |
---|---|---|
Speed |
Fastest |
Slowest |
Cost |
Most expensive |
Least expensive |
Capacity |
imited |
High |
Reliability |
More reliable |
Less reliable |
Security |
More Secure |
Less secure |
High |
Low |
Content |
Environmental impact |
High |
Low |
Regulations |
Complex |
Less complex |
How long does sea freight take?
We provide estimated transit times for your sea freight orders, but like any international shipping method, unexpected delays can occur. Here's a heads-up on some common culprits:
- Unpredictable Weather: Rough seas and storms can disrupt ship schedules.
- Port Congestion: Busy ports can lead to delays in loading and unloading.
- Holiday Impact: Chinese holidays can affect import schedules.
- Customs Clearance Hurdles: Delays can occur during customs inspections.
- Limited Availability: Space on your chosen vessel might not always be guaranteed.
Seaborne Transportation of Dangerous Goods from China
Didn't know your phone or that fancy perfume could be considered hazardous cargo?
- Unpredictable Weather: Rough seas and storms can disrupt ship schedules.
- Port Congestion: Busy ports can lead to delays in loading and unloading.
- Holiday Impact: Chinese holidays can affect import schedules.
- Customs Clearance Hurdles: Delays can occur during customs inspections.
- Limited Availability: Space on your chosen vessel might not always be guaranteed.