When does Ocean Freight become a cost-effective solution?
First of all, it is worth remembering that sea freight is the most widely used method of transport in the world, simply because it is the most economical. Indeed, if this is not true for small volumes (generally less than 2 cubic meters), large volumes will always be cheaper to ship by boat. Note that you have the option of doing maritime groupage (LCL) or shipping in a full container (FCL).
Sea groupage (LCL) or full container (FCL), which is the best option?
When you choose to transport by sea, you can share a container with other importers if your volume is not large enough to fill a full container, this is called maritime groupage (or LCL - Less than Container Load). If your volume is large enough, generally greater than 15 cubic meters, you can opt for full container shipping (or FCL - Full Container Load). Note that a 20-foot container (the smallest) has a capacity of 33 cubic meters. Yes, your full container becomes profitable even if it is half-full!
Why choose sea freight rather than another method?
If nowadays sea freight is the most widely used method of transport in the world, it is for one thing: its price! Indeed, when you charter large volumes, this method of transport is the most profitable, by far. It is also a method of sending all kinds of goods that may for example be prohibited by air freight (this is the case for example of batteries and other dangerous products). A method which also has an important coverage since the boats generally serve the majority of the international ports of the world.
How to choose the port of departure?
The port of departure will mainly be chosen based on 2 very specific factors (and the same goes for the port of destination). The first, and probably the most important, is to define the closest port to the starting (or ending) point. The calculation is quite simple, we determine what is the mileage between these 2 points. In addition to the distance, we also analyze the prices offered by the “Shipping Line” (boat for containers). Indeed, their prices can vary enormously from one port to another, from one company to another.
When does air freight become profitable?
Air freight is not beneficial just for the sake of transit time. Yes, yes, it can also be financially more attractive than other transport methods under certain conditions. This is the case, for example, if you have a small volume. Indeed, fixed sea freight charges are so high that for a volume of fewer than 2 cubic meters (or 200 Kgs), air freight will probably be more interesting - and also much faster! -.
What are the restrictions when shipping by air freight?
The organization that regulates all air traffic is IATA (International Air Transport Association). It regulates both airlines with regard to commercial flights and the transport of goods by air. Air transport is a very controlled field, especially since the events of September 11, 2001. Since then, many products classified as dangerous cannot be shipped by plane, for example liquids, batteries, certain products. flammable products ...
How much and how is air freight billed?
It is very difficult to give you an exact formula since it simply does not exist! Indeed, air transport depends on a multitude of factors. Of course, you will find the starting and ending points as well as the volume, weight and nature of the goods. On the other hand, you must also consider whether your goods require additional services such as storage, packaging, collection from your supplier and delivery to your warehouse. The more complex the operation, the more time (and therefore money) it will take. The airline company will base itself on the most important weight between the gross weight (on a scale) and the volumetric weight based on the dimensions and the following ratio: 1 cubic meter = 167 Kgs.
Why choose air freight shipping?
Do you have a time problem? An emergency? This solution is made for you! As we were able to mention above, this method is by far the fastest method for long distances. In addition to the deadlines, it is also a very secure method since it benefits from much less handling than can be found in a shipment by sea (it is moreover this mainly same point that justifies the difference between fixed charges by plane and by boat). Indeed, who says reduced handling, also says a reduction in the risk of loss, breakage or theft.
Rail freight
Rail freight is sometimes the most suitable solution to set up. It allows to reduce cost and transport oversized items very quickly.
Trucking services
Road freight is a the most common option to pick up from port or airport. They can load 20 or 40 feet container & reach the most isolated location..
Express transport
Send small parcels quickly worldwide! Follow the progress through a live tracking system. If you have less than 150kg, this solution is ideal.
Sourcing Services
Packing Services
Warehousing Services
Quality Control
Customs Clearance
Export and Import licenses
Door To Door services
Moving
Services
Transport Insurance
Cross border services
Multimodal Transport
Do you have a question ?
Discover our latest posts
