Services
Ocean Freight
The most economical way to move large, heavy or non-urgent cargo internationally. Full container and shared container services on the major trade lanes, with customs clearance and inland delivery arranged end to end.
Overview
Container shipping, planned properly
Ocean freight rewards planning. Give us your cargo details and required delivery date and we will recommend FCL (a container to yourself) or LCL (space in a shared container), the sailing that fits, and the paperwork needed at both ends. You get one price covering origin handling, ocean freight, destination handling and, if you choose, delivery to your door.
- 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high-cube containers, plus LCL by the cubic metre
- Port-to-port, port-to-door or full door-to-door
- Export and import customs brokerage
- Marine cargo insurance available on all shipments
What is included
Two ways to ship by sea
LCL, shared container
Pay only for the space you use. Ideal for a few pallets, with weekly consolidations on the main lanes.
FCL, full container
Your cargo travels sealed in its own container from origin to destination. Best value above roughly 12 pallets.
Port and inland handling
Terminal fees, drayage and rail or truck delivery inland are quoted upfront so there are no surprises at destination.
Good to know
When to choose ocean
Ocean is the right choice for machinery, furniture, raw materials, retail stock and any shipment where a few extra weeks of transit are acceptable in exchange for a much lower rate per kilogram. Book two to three weeks before the cargo is ready to secure space, especially ahead of peak season.
Typical transit
| Lane | Port to port (days) |
|---|---|
| US East Coast to Northern Europe | 12 to 18 |
| US West Coast to East Asia | 15 to 25 |
| US Gulf to Latin America | 10 to 20 |
| US East Coast to West Africa | 25 to 35 |
Transit times are business days from pickup and exclude customs holds. Confirmed at booking.
Questions
Frequently asked
What is the difference between FCL and LCL?
FCL means you book a whole container; LCL means your cargo shares a container with other shippers and is charged by volume. LCL costs less for small loads but takes a few days longer at each end for consolidation.
What are demurrage and detention?
Charges from the port or shipping line when a container is not collected or returned within the free time. We flag free-time limits on every booking and arrange delivery so they are avoided.
Do I need cargo insurance?
Carrier liability for ocean freight is limited and rarely covers the value of the goods. We recommend all-risk marine insurance, quoted as a small percentage of the cargo value.
How should cargo be packed for sea?
On export-grade pallets, shrink-wrapped and strapped, with moisture protection for sensitive goods. Wood packaging must be ISPM 15 treated and stamped for international movement.
Ready to move your shipment?
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