Sea Freight – Basic Under Standing
Sea freight is the transportation of goods by sea through
seaborne vessels. It is an essential aspect of global trade as it enables the
transportation of large quantities of goods between countries. This mode of
transportation is cost-effective and reliable, making it a popular choice for
companies engaged in international trade. In this article, we will discuss the
process of sea freight transportation, from picking a shipping company to the
final delivery of goods.
Choosing a Shipping Company
To start the process of sea freight transportation, you need
to choose a reliable shipping company. There are many sea freight companies in
the market, but you need to choose the one that best suits your needs. You can
research the company's reputation, track record, and customer reviews to ensure
that they are a reputable company. Once you have identified a potential
shipping company, request a service quote for your shipment. If you agree to
their price, you can proceed to make the necessary contacts.
Pick-up of Goods
After you have selected a shipping company, they will
collect your goods from the supplier's hub. However, if you plan to drop off
the goods at their warehouse, you can discuss this option with them. The
shipping company will then arrange for the goods to be transported to the port.
Customs Clearance
Customs clearance is a critical aspect of sea freight
transportation. Before the ship sets sail, customs must be cleared at the port
of departure. This involves completing the necessary documentation, which can
be a lengthy and complex process. However, shipping agents are experienced in
handling these procedures and can ensure that the shipping process goes as
smoothly as possible.
Loading of Goods
Once customs have been cleared, the goods are loaded into
containers. There are two types of containers that sea freight forwarding
companies use - Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL).
FCL is the carrier's container, which is exclusively used to transport your
goods, while LCL is a shared container that is used to transport several goods
from different suppliers. The container is then boarded onto the ship.
Customs Clearance at the Destination Port
When the ship reaches the destination port, it must show
custom documentation and obtain clearance from customs before the goods can be
unloaded. The shipping agent takes care of this process, ensuring that the
necessary duties and taxes are cleared at the port of entry.
Delivery of Goods
After customs clearance, the goods are transported by
company trucks that complete the final leg of the journey. The goods are
delivered directly to the addresses specified by the recipient. It is important
to note that the time taken for the goods to reach their final destination
varies depending on various factors, including the distance, the quantity of
goods, and the shipping package.
Time Taken to Ship Freight by Sea
Sea freight transportation takes significantly longer than
air transportation. This is because it takes time to move goods from the
warehouse to the port, clear customs, and then move the goods from the
destination port to the final delivery destination. The time taken for sea
freight transportation can vary depending on the distance, the quantity of
goods, and the shipping package. It can take anywhere from a few days to
several weeks for the goods to reach their final destination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sea freight transportation is a reliable and
cost-effective way of transporting goods internationally. It involves several
steps, from selecting a shipping company to the final delivery of goods. It is
essential to choose a reputable shipping company and understand the customs
clearance procedures to ensure that the shipping process goes smoothly. Sea
freight transportation takes significantly longer than air transportation, but
it is a reliable option for transporting large quantities of goods.
Comments
Post a Comment