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Sea freight, also known as ocean freight forwarders, is the transportation of goods via a sea vessel from one seaport to another. Cargo is often consolidated by freight forwarders into shipping containers or placed directly onto the vessel.
Sea freight takes this one. Despite its quick and speedy nature, air freights leave behind a larger carbon footprint due to the excessive carbon dioxide output from aircrafts. Despite companies’ concerns about profits, it is also important to spare a thought for the world we leave in when time permits.
Sea Freight trumps in this aspect due to shipping vessels towering over the largest cargo planes that currently exist.
Sea Freight is often the more affordable of the two as the price of air freight can come up to 5-6X the cost of sea freight due to factors like a more costly fuel. However, this is only one aspect of the overall cost consideration as there may be additional costs incurred via added trucking from seaports if the destination is located inland.
Air freight wins hands down as it often takes 3-5 days to ship via air as compared to around 30 days to ship via sea. This is crucial when you need to get your products out in the market quickly.
Air freight wins this round as airlines usually respond very quickly to any flight delays and will often set you back about 1-2 days. However, for sea freight, any delays in shipping schedule often sets you back 1-2 weeks due to the relatively relaxed control over shipping lines.
Customers that often choose sea freight as the mode of transport often ship goods which are not needed urgently, bulky in nature and/or large in quantity.
This may include stocks of bulky furniture or large motor vehicles that are transported via RoRo ships.
Sea freight is a suitable option for various individuals and businesses shipping to and from countries around the world, such as:
Sea freight forwarders are commonly known as non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCC). They will arrange the shipping and warehousing distribution services to ensure your goods arrive from their overseas source at your intended location. This includes aiding you in preparing the relevant documentation to obtain customs clearance from both the exporting and importing countries.
Not only that, they will also have specialised knowledge about international shipping and will be able to advise you on the laws and fees that both ports abide by to ensure a smooth shipment.
Imagine you are a business owner in Singapore who has ordered 500 pairs of sport shoes from a factory in China. You have contracted an NVOCC freight forwarder to help you transport the shoes to your store in Singapore. Now we will delve into what happens behind-the-scene.
To start off, trucking services will be enlisted to bring a container to the intended Chinese factory. Then, the 500 pairs of shoes will be packed into the 40 ft. container, along with other goods ordered by other customers, which will be closed, bolted shut and sealed with a high-security seal. The container will not be opened until it reaches the storage facility in Singapore unless ordered by custom officials for inspection.
The freight forwarder has deemed that shipping from the Guangzhou port would be the most economical choice and made a contract with a cargo freight services there, which must submit the relevant documents to both the exporting and importing countries’ custom officials. These documents must contain information such as the identity of the exporter, importer and the quantity and type of good being transported.
While goods are in transit, the ship’s captain will submit a report to the Singapore government on the type of vessel, crew and cargo it is carrying.
Once clearance has been given, the container will be loaded onto a truck and trucked to commercial warehousing centre where they will assist with warehousing and distribution management. The container will then be opened and the cargo will be separated and transported to their respective shops around the island.
When it comes to speed, sea freight services may not be as suitable as it takes weeks or months for cargo to be transported. Delays may also occur due to bad weather, for example.
Because it is a relatively slower mode of shipment, cheap sea freight is more suitable for shippers who have a budget.
As compared to air freight, sea freight transportation releases less carbon dioxide and is hence less harmful to the environment.
Ship vessels have a larger capacity, which makes sea freight suitable for transporting larger cargoes. But fear not, there is also the option of LCL shipping for those unable to fill up the whole container.
Ships, unlike airlines, tend to be off-schedule and typically only operate according to weekly schedules. Therefore, cargoes shipped via international sea freight may risk not being able to arrive on the designated arrival date
Due to the highly competitive nature of the industry, sea freight forwarders maintain clear and transparent operating procedures while offering a high degree of versatility.
They provide a wide range of shipping options and are well-equipped to respond swiftly to unexpected situations during transit. This significantly reduces the risk of cargo being lost and offers customers greater peace of mind.
Engaging an ocean freight forwarder allows you to leverage the established relationships that they have with carriers. This streamlines the shipping process and saves valuable time for traders involved in international sea freight.
A sea freight forwarder ensures timely handling of cargo tracking, paperwork, and documentation. They also provide immediate logistical solutions, allowing you to focus on your business with greater peace of mind.
To address customers’ shipping needs effectively, sea freight forwarders maintain open communication throughout the entire shipping process. They provide regular updates on freight status, ensuring timelines are met and deliveries proceed smoothly.
Freight forwarders can consolidate their customers’ cargo to negotiate bulk shipping discounts. These savings are then passed on to customers in the form of lower shipping rates. Forwarders working with more reputable brokers are often able to offer even more competitive pricing.
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