Ocean Freight is calculated based on the quantity of goods being shipped and their origin and destination. Rates can fluctuate due to market demand and the availability of containers and equipment in specific regions. Free time agreements offered by carriers may also influence the total cost and should be considered when selecting a service.

For full container loads (FCL), the freight rate is calculated per container. Rates vary depending on the size and type of container (e.g., 40’DV vs. 40’HC), so it’s important to request a quote tailored to the equipment you need.

For less-than-container loads (LCL), the freight is calculated using the FCL rate paid by the co-loader, along with additional charges for loading, unloading, administration, and based on the volume or weight of your shipment.

AD Cargo provides cost-effective ocean freight solutions tailored to your shipment requirements. Contact us for more information.

Ocean freight involves the transportation of goods via sea, either in containers or as bulk/break bulk cargo, depending on the shipment’s nature. The process is similar whether you are importing or exporting goods, but your role will differ as a buyer or seller.

The process begins with making a booking with the carrier for a specific vessel and equipment. The haulier collects the equipment from the depot, provides the equipment number to the ocean freight forwarder, and loads the goods accordingly.

The carrier updates the export manifest with the equipment number, and customs clearance is arranged before the vessel is loaded. For bulk or break bulk shipments, goods are loaded directly onto the vessel at the port, while LCL (less-than-container load) shipments are taken to a warehouse for consolidation with other consignments before the carrier receives the manifest for vessel loading.

Once the shipment reaches the Port of Arrival (POA), it undergoes carrier release, customs clearance, and inland haulage to the final destination. If it’s an LCL shipment, the goods go to an Electronic Remote Transit Shed (ERTS) for devanning and collection by the importer.

AD Cargo specializes in coordinating smooth ocean freight operations. Get in touch for more details.

The duration of ocean freight varies based on the destination, potential waiting times for the vessel to depart, and the specific ports involved. Other factors, such as customs processing, consolidation, documentation, and port congestion, can also influence delivery time.

For example, shipments from China to the UK typically take about 30 days to reach the Port of Felixstowe, or 36 days to reach the Port of Liverpool. This is because most vessels from China dock in Felixstowe, while Liverpool-bound containers often require transshipping in Europe.

Once the goods arrive, delivery is usually arranged within 5 days, depending on container free time, though longer free periods may be offered by certain carriers. To collect the container, customs clearance must be completed, and the Bill of Lading must be presented.

For LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments, goods are typically available for collection within a week after the container is devanned. However, if there is a delay in one of the consignments within the groupage container, such as a Port Health hold-up, the entire container may remain at the port.

AD Cargo can provide accurate shipping forecasts for your ocean freight needs. Contact us today for more information.

Ocean freight is significantly cheaper than air freight when considering transport costs by weight or per piece. However, if there is value in having goods delivered faster or there are infrequent orders that attract high storage costs, air freight may be a more cost-effective option overall.

Sea freight is the preferred choice when there is no urgent need to transport a larger volume of goods. On the other hand, air freight is typically chosen when goods are needed urgently, or for critical documents where the speed of delivery justifies the additional cost.

At AD Cargo, we provide cost-effective solutions for both ocean and air freight services, helping you choose the best option based on your needs. Get in touch today for more information.