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.

Pakistan Cargo Services

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