Choosing ocean freight for your shipment can be a smart decision for several reasons. Ocean freight, or shipping by sea, offers a cost-effective and reliable way to transport goods internationally. In this blog, we'll explore the advantages of opting for ocean freight, including its affordability, capacity for large cargo, and environmental friendliness. Whether you're a business looking to move products globally or an individual shipping personal belongings, understanding the benefits of ocean freight can help you make an informed choice for your shipping needs. Now, let's look at why using ocean freight could be the best choice for you.
Ocean freight forwarding is a service that facilitates the transportation of goods across the sea, connecting exporters and importers through various logistics solutions. One of the primary advantages of ocean freight is its cost-effectiveness for large and bulky shipments, making it an ideal choice for international trade. Ocean shipment allows for the efficient and secure movement of goods over long distances, leveraging the vast network of shipping routes and ports worldwide.
Types of Ocean Freight
Different ways of shipping goods across oceans give you various choices. Let's simplify and explain them:
Full Container Load (FCL):
When you go for FCL , you pay for a whole container just for your stuff. It's faster, cheaper, and safer because you're not sharing with others. This makes sure your things are secure, lowering the chances of damage, theft, or tampering.
Less than Container Load (LCL):
LCL is for smaller loads that aren't big enough to fill a whole 20ft or 40ft container. When your cargo is not large, shipping companies combine it with other smaller loads from different shippers into one shipment. This way, you only pay for the space your goods take up. LCL is especially helpful for businesses or individuals with smaller amounts of cargo, allowing them to benefit from competitive freight rates without needing an entire container for their shipment.
Roll on Roll off (RORO):
With RORO, vehicles like cars and trucks are driven onto and off of cargo ships instead of being put in containers.
Dry Bulk:
Goods like coal or grain, which don't fit well into containers, are put straight into a ship's cargo hold during transport.
Break Bulk:
For big, heavy things like steel girders that don't fit into containers, bulk shipping is used. These items stay in the ship's hold for protection during long trips.
Why Choose Sea Freight for Your Business? / Advantages of Ocean Freight Shipment
Now that you know how sea freight works, let's see why it's a great choice for your business.
1. Cost-Effective: Ocean freight is often more cost-effective than other modes of transportation, especially for large and heavy shipments. The cost per unit is generally lower compared to air freight or other express shipping options.
2. High Capacity: Ocean vessels have a large capacity for cargo, allowing businesses to transport a significant amount of goods in a single shipment. This can be especially advantageous for companies dealing with bulk goods.
3. Global Reach: Ocean freight provides a global network of shipping routes, allowing goods to be transported to virtually any destination with a port. This makes it a reliable and versatile option for international trade.
4. Environmentally Friendly: In terms of carbon footprint per ton-mile, ocean freight is generally considered more environmentally friendly than air freight. Larger cargo volumes can be transported with lower emissions per unit of cargo.
5. Low Insurance Costs: Insurance costs for ocean freight are often lower compared to air freight. This can contribute to overall cost savings for businesses, especially for shipments with lower risk profiles.
6. Infrastructure Availability: Ports and maritime infrastructure are widely available around the world, making it easier to access various regions. This infrastructure includes container terminals, cranes, and other facilities required for the efficient loading and unloading of cargo.
7. Reduced Risk of Theft or Damage: Compared to road or air transportation, the risk of theft or damage to goods during transit is often lower with ocean freight. This is because access to the cargo is more restricted during sea transport, and goods are typically packed securely in containers.
8. Flexibility in Container Options: Ocean freight offers flexibility in terms of container sizes and types. Standard containers, refrigerated containers , and specialized containers for specific cargo types are available, allowing businesses to choose the most suitable option for their products.
9. Stable and Predictable Schedules: While transit times can be longer compared to air freight, ocean carriers often operate on fixed schedules. This predictability can be advantageous for planning and managing supply chains.
Conclusion
In summary, picking up ocean freight has many perks, like being cost-effective and reaching global destinations. It's reliable and eco-friendly.
For a hassle-free export experience, choose Citrus Freight , your reliable shipping partner. Easily access ocean freight rates from multiple shipping lines and secure reefer container options for perishable goods .