What is Sea Freight?
Sea freight is a mode of transportation that uses ships to transport goods over long distances. It is the most common mode of transportation for international trade, and it accounts for about 90% of all goods traded globally. Sea freight is a cost-effective way to transport large quantities of goods and it is also a reliable mode of transportation.
The Benefits of Sea Freight
There are many benefits to using sea freight for shipping goods. Some of the benefits include:
Enhanced shipping capacity
- Opting for sea freight is the optimal choice when it comes to transporting bulky shipments. Unlike other shipping methods, sea freight can accommodate larger and bulkier packages. By utilizing our efficient freight forwarding service, we can ensure a seamless transportation process while minimizing costs associated with such shipments.
Cost-effective solution: Sea freight is a cost-effective way to transport goods because of several factors
- The large cargo capacity of ships enables economies of scale, reducing the per-unit cost of transportation.
- Lower fuel costs compared to air freight contribute to overall savings.
- Established port infrastructure and shipping routes streamline the logistics process, minimizing handling costs.
- The use of standardized containers allows for efficient loading and unloading, reducing labor expenses.
Fewer limitations: Here are some considerations regarding restrictions for sea freight compared to air freight:
- Hazardous Goods: Both sea and air freight have strict regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials. These regulations are designed to ensure safety during transit. However, air freight may have more stringent restrictions due to the higher risks associated with air transportation.
- Size and Weight Restrictions: Air freight is generally more restrictive in terms of size and weight limitations. Airplanes have limited cargo space and weight capacity, which can affect the types of goods that can be transported. Sea freight, on the other hand, can accommodate larger and heavier cargo due to the size and capacity of ships.
Reduced environmental impact:
- Sea freight contributes to a lower carbon footprint compared to air freight. Furthermore, the International Maritime Organization has introduced new regulations to further decrease emissions from ocean freight. By selecting sea freight, you actively participate in minimizing environmental impact and supporting sustainable shipping practices.
The Drawbacks
Slow speed:
- Sea freight is a slow mode of transportation. It can take several weeks or even months for goods to be transported by sea.
Limited availability:
- Not always available for all types of goods. Some goods, such as specially hazardous materials, are also not allowed to be transported by sea.
Security risks:
- Sea freight is a mode of transportation that is vulnerable to security risks. Ships can be hijacked or attacked by pirates and goods can be stolen or damaged during transport.
How to Choose the Right Sea Freight Company
When choosing a sea freight company, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some of the factors to consider include:
Price and quality:
- For the majority of companies, cost is a deciding factor when choosing a carrier. Most of the time, companies choose a cheap carrier in the hopes of saving money. However, as a shipper, you should be mindful of your top commercial requirements and make sure you select a carrier that can provide you good raté and good services. While picking the cheapest carrier initially may save you some money, the decision may end up costing you more money in the long run.
Reputation:
- It is important to choose a company that has a good reputation. This means that the company has a history of providing reliable and efficient services.
Experience:
- Choosing a reputable shipping company with expertise in delivering goods to the destination country is crucial. By doing so, you can ensure that your goods will be delivered punctually and in excellent conditions.
Good relationship with shipping lines:
- When choosing a sea freight company, it is vital to consider the company's relationships with shipping lines. Good relationships can lead to priority service and competitive rates.
TMC is well experienced in handling sea freight shipments with total volume of more than 9,000 TEUs per month. In addition, we have built a strong relationship with all major shipping lines such as CMA, MSC, Maersk, Sealand, OOCL, HPL, ONE, Hyundai, WHL, KMTC, Heung-A, Evergreen, COSCO, SITC...
We can simplify the logistics management for customers by providing door-to-door services that can help customers in saving their time and costs.
We are fully capable to handle all kinds of containers from Vietnam to all over the world and vice versa.
If you are looking for a reliable and cost-effective sea freight company, TMC (Thamico.com) is the perfect choice for you. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
