+1 (866) 315-4170
International: +1 (516) 355-5300International Ocean Freight Shipping Company
Efficient and Reliable International Transportation of Your Belongings
International Sea & Air Shipping Door-To-Door Services – Leave the Pickup Stress onto Us
When it comes to moving your belongings across international borders, finding a reliable and efficient shipping solution is paramount. This is because ocean freight shipping is one of the most challenging yet crucial aspects of international logistics. At International Sea & Air Shipping, a renowned international ocean freight shipping company, we understand the complexities involved and specialize in providing a trusted and seamless experience for transporting your goods.
We prioritize reliability by leveraging strong partnerships with reputable carriers and agents worldwide. This allows us to offer a global network of transportation options, ensuring efficient shipping solutions to any destination. Count on us to handle your goods throughout their journey with utmost care and expertise.
The motto of International Sea & Air Shipping Company is to make your relocation as seamless and as smooth as possible. That is why, we ensure that with our efficient logistics solutions, you can leave the pickup stress to us. Our dedicated team will come directly to your location to collect your items. Whether you’re moving internationally or shipping goods for commercial purposes, our team will handle the entire process from start to finish, ensuring a satisfied experience.
What’s more about our unique ocean freight shipping company is that we understand the value of your belongings and prioritize their safety and security. We ensure that from the moment we pick up your belongings from your current location to their safe delivery at your new destination, you are kept informed about every detail and progress of your shipment, providing you with peace of mind.
When it comes to ocean freight services, we are very keen about being precautions and prepared of protecting your goods from ocean conditions, weather calamities, and also offering a benefit of insurance coverage. Additionally, we take precautionary measures such as securing containers properly and utilizing weather-resistant packaging materials to provide an extra layer of protection during the international ocean freight shipping service.
What is International Ocean Freight?
International ocean freight involves the transportation of goods and cargo via ships across international waters. It is a cost-effective method for shipping large quantities of products. The process includes packaging, customs clearance, loading onto vessels, transit, and unloading at the destination port.
Ocean freight shipments are typically loaded into containers, with standard sizes of 20-foot or 40-foot units. Specialized containers like ISO tainers are used for specific goods such as bulk commodities. Additionally, dedicated cargo vessels are utilized for transporting items like petroleum and coal.
Ocean freight plays a significant role in global trade, offering the capacity to transport various types of goods. However, it’s important to ensure proper packaging, obtain insurance coverage, and comply with customs regulations. Although ocean freight generally has longer transit times compared to other shipping methods, it remains a crucial and efficient mode of transportation for international trade.
How Long Does Ocean Freight take?
The duration of ocean freight shipments can vary depending on various factors. Factors such as the distance between the origin and destination ports, the specific route taken, the shipping line chosen, port congestion, and customs clearance procedures can all impact the transit time. On average, ocean freight shipments can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
To obtain accurate estimates for your specific shipment through our ocean freight shipping company, it is recommended to get in touch with our experts and discuss your shipment requirements and the type of ocean container you prefer.
Types of Containers
Ocean freight container types (based on purpose)
Lift Vans
When shipping a relatively small amount of household goods such as one or two rooms of furniture, we pack the items into a wooden case or “Lift Van”.
Exclusive Containers
Exclusive Containers are durable steel boxes that come in various sizes, including 20 foot, 40 foot, 40 foot high-cube, and 45 high-cube. The most commonly used sizes are 20 foot and 40 foot. These containers offer enhanced safety by shipping goods in sturdy steel structures, minimizing handling and exposure during transportation to reduce the risk of damage. Whether you choose a 20 foot or 40 foot container, you can trust in the added security and protection provided by these exclusive containers for your valuable cargo.
Shared Containers (Groupage Containers or Partial Container Shipments)
An economical solution for shipping when you don’t have enough goods to fill a whole container. Goods are packed at your residence and consolidated with other cargo destined for the same area. This option combines the safety of containerization without the expense of a whole container.
Ocean freight container types (based on shipment)
- Dry Containers: Standard enclosed containers for general cargo.
- Reefer Containers: Refrigerated containers for perishable goods.
- Flat Rack Containers: Open-sided containers for oversized or bulky cargo.
- Open Top Containers: Containers with a removable roof for top-loading cargo.
- Tank Containers: Specialized containers for liquids or gasses.
- ISO Tank Containers: ISO-standard tank containers for bulk liquid transportation.
- Open Side Containers: Containers with full-length side doors for easy access.
- High Cube Containers: Containers with extra height for tall or voluminous cargo.
How does Shipping Container Consolidation work?
Before you get to know how shipping container consolidation works, let us first help you understand what shipping container consolidation is. Also known as Less than Container Load (LCL) consolidation, shipping container consolidation is a process in international moving where multiple shipments from different customers are consolidated into a single shipping container. This allows customers with smaller shipment volumes to share container space and benefit from cost savings.
Here’s a standard process an ocean freight shipping company follows while delivering the shipping container consolidation service:
- Collection of individual shipments from different customers
- Sorting and organizing shipments at a consolidation warehouse
- Grouping shipments with similar destinations or compatible goods
- Packing and loading consolidated shipments into a single container
- Preparing shipping documents and customs clearance
- Transporting containers to the port of departure
- Loading the container onto the vessel for ocean shipping
- Arrival at the destination port and unloading the container
- Sorting and distributing the consolidated shipments accordingly
How much does Ocean Freight Shipping cost?
The international ocean freight shipping rates can vary depending on factors like the size and weight of the shipment, the distance between the origin and destination ports, the specific route taken, the type of cargo being shipped, the type of container required, market demand fluctuations and any additional services or requirements.
On an average, ocean freight rates are comparatively more cost-effective compared than air transport rates, says The World Bank. In fact, it is reported that the cost of ocean freight shipping rates has experienced a notable drop since July 2022, although they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. As congestion and other challenges at ports have lessened, ocean carriers have reduced their pricing, especially their container ocean freight rates, resulting in more competitive rates for customers.
However, if you are looking for the exact current ocean freight quotes online, we recommend you to get in touch with us.
How are Ocean Freight Rates calculated?
Most international ocean freight shipping rates online are an estimate and not exact figures. In order to get accurate ocean freight quotes, you need to understand that international ocean freight companies will take these factors into consideration while calculating the ocean freight shipping rates for you:
- Shipment volume and weight: The size and weight of the cargo being shipped. For instance, the ocean freight rates 40′ container may differ vastly to that of ocean freight rates 20′ container.
- Distance and route: The distance between origin and destination ports and the specific route taken.
- Container type and equipment: The type and size of container required for the shipment.
- Freight class and cargo type: The classification of the cargo based on factors like fragility, value, and handling requirements.
- Market demand and seasonality: Fluctuations in demand and peak seasons can impact rates.
- Fuel costs and surcharges: Fuel prices and additional surcharges imposed by carriers.
- Currency exchange rates: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can influence international shipping costs.
- Service level and additional services: The level of service required and any additional services requested, such as packaging or customs clearance.
- Carrier contracts and negotiations: The terms negotiated between the shipper and the carrier.
- Market competition: Competitive pressures in the shipping industry can affect international ocean freight rates
Advantages of Sea Freight Over Air Freight
Cost-Effectiveness: Sea freight is more affordable than air freight, particularly for large or heavy shipments.
Capacity for Large or Bulk Cargo: Sea freight can accommodate sizable volumes of goods and oversized cargo that may not fit within air freight restrictions.
Lower Fuel Consumption and Environmental Impact: Sea freight consumes less fuel per unit of cargo, resulting in a lower carbon footprint and reduced environmental impact compared to air freight.
Versatility in Cargo Types: Sea freight is suitable for transporting various types of cargo, including dry goods, refrigerated goods, and vehicles.
Common Documents Needed for Ocean Freight Shipping
When shipping goods via ocean freight, several important documents are required to ensure a smooth and compliant shipping process. The most common documents include the Bill of Lading (B/L), which serves as a contract between the shipper and carrier; the Commercial Invoice, detailing the value of the goods; and the Packing List, providing a comprehensive inventory of the shipped items. Additionally, a Certificate of Origin may be necessary to confirm the country of origin, while an Insurance Certificate provides coverage for the cargo. Import/export licenses and permits may be required, and specific packing certificates may be needed for certain types of goods. Finally, customs documentation, including a customs declaration form and any country-specific forms, is essential for customs clearance.
Properly preparing and submitting these documents is crucial for a successful ocean freight shipment. Therefore, it is best suggested to speak to an expert and understand the list of documents required for international move.
Ocean Freight Container Shipping Process
Most companies, including us at International Sea & Air shipping, follow a standard process when it comes to ocean freight services. The steps usually involve:
- Booking: You reserve space on a vessel for cargo.
- Documentation: We prepare necessary shipping documents and collect details for ocean freight insurance.
- Cargo Packaging: Our expert team helps you in packing for ocean freight and prepares goods for transportation.
- Container Loading: The containers are loaded onto the vessel at the port, keeping a keen check on the ocean freight container sizes.
- Transit: The vessel then departs and travels to the destination port.
- Customs Clearance: During the process, we help in clearing customs by presenting required documents.
- Container Unloading: Upon arrival at the destination port, the containers are unloaded from the vessel.
- Cargo Delivery: The goods are then transported from the port to the final destination.
Ocean Freight Shipping Port Service Area
Ports for international moves on the North East cost region of the USA range from; Washington DC, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut and the surrounding areas of Philadelphia PA, New York City & up to Boston MA.
Call 1 (866) 315-4170 for more information about international ocean freight shipping!