Sea freight is the shipping of goods by ship, usually on large cargo ships. It is the most common form of shipping for international trade, and can be used for both importing and exporting goods. Due to the large capacity on a cargo ship, shipping goods is ideally suited for transporting large heavy goods and/or a large quantity of goods. Sea freight is an important means of transportation because it provides access to markets around the world. At A.C.T. Logistics, we understand this and try to ensure that the sea freight process runs as smoothly as possible for you, the customer.
The Sea Freight Process
Have you ever wondered how the process of shipping goods via ocean freight works? We are happy to explain this for you. It’s a fairly complex operation that involves a lot of different steps. At A.C.T. Logistics, we are skilled at helping you ship your goods. We make sure everything goes smoothly and you don’t get overwhelmed with a lot of hassle with documents.
The ocean freight process goes as follows: First, the goods to be shipped must be loaded onto the ship. This is usually done with a crane, the goods must be securely fastened to prevent them from shifting during transport. Once the goods are loaded, the ship sets sail for its final destination. The journey can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the distance to be covered by the ship. Upon arrival at the port of destination, the ship must go through customs. Once that is done, the goods can finally be unloaded and shipped to their final destination.
The benefits of sea freight through A.C.T. Logistics
The sea freight process has many advantages. We are happy to explain why it is best to choose sea freight from A.C.T. Logistics rather than any other means of transportation. Some of the advantages of sea freight are:
– Cost. Sea freight is cheaper than air freight or ground transport, making it a transport option that can save you a lot of money compared to other transport options for large shipments.
– Delivery time: Ocean freight takes longer than air freight, but shorter than ground freight. This can be an advantage if you want to ship goods that are not dependent on a quick delivery date such as food products with an expiration date.
– Capacity: Ocean freighters can carry large quantities of goods, making it a good option for shipments in which you want to ship a lot of goods at once.
– Flexibility: There are many different ocean freight options available so there is always an option that fits your needs. These may include different levels of service, length of delivery time, and amount of cost.
Shipping risks with ocean freight
Every mode of transportation has its own potential risks and challenges. Sea freight shipping is no different in this regard. It is important to take the risks into account for each transport so that you can anticipate them in advance. Consider, for example, insurance or the safe packing of the goods. Some of the potential risks and challenges of ocean freight transportation include:
Damage or loss of goods: There is always a risk of goods being damaged or lost in transit. The goods travel for a considerable time over a sea that is often rough. Also, the goods are loaded several times and the container is lifted onto the boat with a crane. This risk can be minimized by choosing a sturdy package. You can also minimize the risk for lost goods by labeling the packages with clear large labels.
Delays: Sea freight is susceptible to delays due to weather conditions. Storms can cause the sea to become too rough to sail. Tornadoes can also cause ships to have to take a different longer route to arrive at their destination which can cause delays in the shipping process. Port congestion or other factors can also cause delivery time delays.
Theft: As with any transportation, there is also a possibility of theft with ocean freight. This risk can be minimized by proper security measures, such as the use of shipping containers with security features.
What factors influence the cost of shipping goods by sea, and how can you save money on your shipping costs?
The cost of ocean freight shipping is affected by a number of factors, including the size and weight of the shipment, the distance over which the shipment is being transported, the type of goods being transported, and the shipping method chosen. You can save money on your shipping costs by choosing a less expensive shipping method, such as groupage or slow boat shipping, and you can bundle your shipments to reduce overall costs. You can also save money by working with a shipping company, such as A.C.T. Logistics. We can calculate the best price for you and also take care of all your worries.
Some tips to make sure your sea freight arrives safely and on time at the port of destination
There are a few things you can do to ensure that your sea freight arrives safely and on time at the port of destination. First of all, you should make sure that your shipment is properly packed and labeled. As a second tip, you should make sure to have the correct, detailed and accurate documents that the ocean freight company requires ready when the goods leave to avoid delays. As a third tip, you should choose a reputable and experienced shipping company such as A.C.T. Logistics so that you can be sure to choose the best price, fastest delivery and shortest delivery time. As a fourth tip, it is advisable to regularly check the progress of the shipment and the expected arrival time and as a final tip, it is important to have a contingency plan ready in case delays or other unforeseen problems occur.
If you need a reliable transportation company to deliver your shipment safely and quickly, A.C.T. Logistics is the right place to go. We have many years of transport experience including sea freight and can take care of the whole transport process from start to finish! For more information about our services or prices please contact us via our contact page.