In global trade, sea freight companies move the world’s bulk cargo efficiently and affordably. With dense sailing schedules, container options, and end-to-end visibility, the right partner helps you hit deadlines, control costs, and reduce risk. This guide shows you service types, shipping times, costs, Incoterms, workflow, compliance, and a practical quote checklist.
📌Pro tip: If you ship from South China, Shenzhen Taijie International Logistics can coordinate FCL/LCL, customs, and last-mile within the Greater Bay Area without breaking your timeline.
1. Types of Sea Freight Company Services
- FCL (Full Container Load): Dedicated 20’/40’/40’HC for maximum control and faster handling.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Share space; pay only for the volume you use.
- Reefer Containers: Temperature-controlled for food, pharma, cosmetics.
- RoRo: Drive-on/drive-off for vehicles and rolling equipment.
- OOG/Breakbulk: Out-of-gauge machinery, steel, project cargo with special lashing.
- Buyer’s Consolidation: Multiple suppliers → one consolidated container to cut costs and customs entries.
2. How to Select the Right Sea Freight Company
- Network & Direct Calls: Fewer transshipments = less delay risk.
- Schedule Reliability: Historic on-time performance and rollover ratio.
- Transparent Rates: Clear ocean base + surcharges (BAF, THC, DOC, ISPS, PSS).
- Digital Tools: Online booking, tracking, e-docs, milestone alerts.
- Value-Added: Customs brokerage, insurance, warehousing, VAS (labeling, palletizing).
- Claims Handling: Fast damage/shortage resolution and low claim rate.
- Sustainability: Low-sulfur fuel, carbon reporting, optional offsets.
3. Shipping Times, Conditions & Trade Terms (Key Lanes)
| Lane (Example) | Transit Time* | Common Terms | Conditions / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| China → USA West Coast | 14–18 days | FOB / CIF | Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) May–Oct; port congestion risk |
| China → USA East Coast (via Canal) | 28–34 days | FOB / CFR | Canal draft limits may affect schedules |
| China → Northern Europe | 28–35 days | FOB / CFR | ENS filing; EU customs time varies |
| China → Mediterranean | 24–31 days | CIF / CFR | Transshipment via ME hubs common |
| China → Southeast Asia | 4–9 days | FOB / DAP | Short-sea with tight CY cut-offs |
| China → Australia/New Zealand | 12–18 days | CIF / DAP | Cyclone season can cause slips |
| China → Middle East | 16–22 days | CFR / DDP | Some goods require import permits |
| China → West Africa | 30–45 days | CIF / CFR | Limited directs; transshipment typical |
4. Cost Fundamentals (Know What You Pay For)
Components: Ocean base rate + BAF/CAF fuel/currency + THC (terminal) + DOC (documentation) + ISPS + PSS/GRI (seasonal) + truck/rail + customs/taxes + insurance.
Quick example (40’ GP, Shenzhen → Los Angeles):
- Ocean base: $1,650
- BAF/CAF: $180
- THC + DOC + ISPS: $220
- Truck at origin + VGM + export customs: $170
Indicative total: $2,220 (exclude destination charges/taxes). Actual quotes vary by season and service.
📌Note: Shenzhen Taijie International Logistics can pre-audit HS codes and packing to avoid surprise surcharges.
5. Incoterms—Choose What Fits Your Control Level
- FOB: Buyer controls main carriage; popular for experienced importers.
- CIF: Seller pays freight & insurance to destination port; buyer handles D/O & taxes.
- DAP: Seller delivers to named place; buyer clears & pays duties.
- DDP: Seller handles everything to buyer’s door; highest convenience, higher price.
6. Booking-to-Delivery Workflow (Step-by-Step)
1⃣️RFQ & Routing Plan → choose service (direct vs transshipment).
2⃣️Booking & SI → submit Shipping Instruction before SI cut-off.
3⃣️VGM & CY Cut-off → weigh, seal, and gate-in before closing time.
4⃣️Export Customs → file docs; resolve inspections fast.
5⃣️Sailing & Tracking → milestone alerts (ETD/ATD/ETA/ATA).
6⃣️Arrival Notice & D/O → pay D/O; arrange customs.
7⃣️Import Clearance → duties/taxes; security holds if any.
8⃣️Last-Mile Delivery → truck out before free time ends to avoid D&D.
7. Documentation & Compliance Checklist
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List (accurate HS codes, net/gross).
- BL (Bill of Lading) or SWB, plus shipper/consignee details.
- Certificates (CO, fumigation, MSDS/IMDG for hazmat, phyto if required).
- VGM submission on time.
- Destination Filings (e.g., AMS/ISF/ENS where applicable).
✅Cut-off Quick View:
- SI cut-off: T-2 to T-3 days before ETD
- VGM cut-off: T-1 to T-2
- CY closing: T-1 (varies by terminal)
8. Risk & Sustainability (Keep Cargo Moving, Cut Carbon)
- Mitigate Delays: Favor direct calls, buffer 3–5 days, avoid tight connections.
- Reduce Rollovers: Book early; align container pick-up with CY windows.
- Cargo Care: Use proper dunnage, humidity control (desiccants), verified sealing.
- Greener Options: Slow-steaming lanes, low-sulfur fuel, carbon reporting and offsets.
9. Conclusion
With the right sea freight company, you control cost, time, and risk across key lanes. Use the table, workflow, and checklist above to plan confidently—and request a structured quote to lock in the best routing for your cargo.
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FAQ:
Q1.What is VGM and who files it?
VGM is Verified Gross Mass; the shipper (or its agent) files it before the VGM cut-off.
Q2.Demurrage vs Detention—what’s the difference?
Demurrage: container stays inside the terminal past free time. Detention: container kept outside the terminal past free time.
Q3.Can I ship lithium batteries by sea?
Yes, under IMDG rules with correct UN classification, packing, labels, and documents.
Q4.How do sea freight companies handle Amazon FBA?
They book FBA appointments, meet pallet spec/labeling, and arrange DAP/DDP to FCs.
Q5.When does destination free time start?
Usually from ATA or gate-availability, depending on line/terminal policy.