Freight shipping seems like a scary, scary process to start if you haven’t done it before. There are so many different types of freight you can ship, and so many different ways to ship them – which do you choose? How much will it cost? What do you need to know about ocean freight to make sure your shipments arrive safely and on time? Keep reading to learn seven things you need to know about ocean freight and shipping!

7  Things You Need to Know About Ocean Freight.

1. Defining Ocean Freight

2. Why Do We Use Ocean Freight?

3.  How Much Does Ocean Freight Cost?

4. Ocean vs Airfreight

5.  What Are the Benefits of Ocean Shipping?

6. Why is ocean freight so high?

7. Why is freight so slow in 2021?

Defining Ocean Freight

The most common types of ocean freight are containers, breakbulk, and project cargo. A container is simply a box that holds one hundred twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Breakbulk refers to large, heavy items that are individually packaged or handled by hand. Project cargo is unique, individualized loads that are usually transported over long distances with special handling procedures. It can be an effective means of transportation for importing goods from abroad into your home country. However, it isn’t always reliable—there’s no such thing as guaranteed delivery. And once goods leave your control and enter those of a third party (the ocean carrier), they may very well be delayed indefinitely if there’s a problem.

Why Do We Use Ocean Freight?

The short answer is that it’s cheap. The cheapest option for shipping goods from one continent to another is by sea, thanks to economies of scale that are only possible on a vessel that moves hundreds of thousands of tons at a time. This can be an incredibly important consideration if you’re an entrepreneur trying to bring your product across seas and continents without breaking your budget. But don’t think you’ll find yourself in trouble if you rely on sea freight; trade between China and Africa accounts for 12% of global commerce, so it’s fair to say that ocean freight has staying power. There are still five things you need to know about using ocean freight. Read on!

How Much Does Ocean Freight Cost?

On average, It can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per container. This is dependent on a number of factors including size, weight, and location. The farther away your destination country is, for example, means higher shipping costs. Likewise, larger items are typically more expensive than smaller ones. For an accurate quote for ocean freight services for your specific shipment(s), you’ll need to give us as much information as possible about what you’re shipping and where it’s going. We’ll be able to provide you with an exact quote based on the total volume or weight of your items along with additional costs including port fees and insurance.

Ocean vs Airfreight

The biggest reason ocean freight is so popular is because it’s significantly cheaper than airfreight. Shipping by the ocean can cost up to 70% less than shipping by air, but don’t underestimate airfreight—its smaller ships can reach just about any port in a matter of days, whereas ocean freighters usually take a minimum of three weeks. In addition, airfreights are much more flexible in terms of delivery times and origin points. For example, if you need 5 pallets delivered from Shanghai to Mumbai within three days—but only have a vessel departing from Shanghai every six weeks—ocean freight won’t be an option for you.

What Are the Benefits of Ocean Shipping?

If you’re a global company looking to expand your business, consider shipping your goods internationally. Doing so opens up a new world of consumer markets and helps your bottom line. But, while shipping has many advantages over other modes of transport, it also comes with some potential disadvantages that businesses should be aware of. For example, ocean freight can add considerable costs for companies if their goods are lost or damaged during transit. However, there are steps you can take to avoid such problems and cut down on any added costs. For more information on how sea freight helps businesses big and small grow sales overseas or by boosting returns from exports back home in more profitable ways than airfreight services please contact an expert today!

Why is ocean freight so high?

To be clear, ocean freight rates aren’t really high. In fact, according to data from BLS , they decreased slightly between 2000 and 2014. What people mean when they say ocean freight is high is that it has been going up over time. It’s a common misconception because it’s easy to look at a recent or single year rate increase and then use that as a benchmark for future pricing. If you do that, you’ll be in for a very unpleasant surprise! The only real benchmark for marine cargo rates is what shippers were paying in years prior. That’s because when it comes down to it, ocean freight rates are determined by supply and demand—and these factors change from year-to-year.

Why is freight so slow in 2021?

The primary reason that ocean freight is so slow is that it uses sailing vessels to move cargo, which doesn’t always provide adequate speed. It can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks for a cargo ship to make it across an ocean depending on its port of origin and its destination, with 5 weeks being average. On top of that, ports are often congested, meaning ships will have to wait before they can begin moving goods. It’s estimated that it takes 4-8 days for a ship to dock at a port and another day or two before they can leave due to congestion. Even then, getting permission from customs officials often adds up days more travel time.

Why get a quote?

Getting quotes is always beneficial because it allows you to compare prices and services offered by different freight companies. Since there are many companies who offer ocean freight services, it’s important that you conduct your research well so you know what company to select. Many freight shipping companies even offer discounts so getting quotes could save you money in terms of freight shipping costs. It’s also important that you ask for recommendations from people whom you know have shipped before so they can provide useful tips on how they managed their shipments. Another thing that you need to consider is whether or not your shipment requires special handling since there are some companies that specialize in these kinds of shipping services. When shipping fragile items, for example, special care must be taken in packing them up and delivering them safely to their destination point.