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What is Sea Freight?

Sea freight is the transportation of goods by cargo ships across oceans and seas.

This method, accounting for over 80% of global trade by volume, is the backbone of international shipping. In the UK, sea freight handles the majority of imports and exports, with over 95% of the country’s trade by volume passing through UK ports like Felixstowe, Southampton, and Liverpool. 

Sea freight is particularly suited for large, heavy, or non-urgent shipments, making it the most economical option for businesses shipping goods worldwide.

Understanding Sea Freight

Sea freight relies on containerised shipping, where goods are loaded into standardised containers for transport.

The process includes:

  1. Booking and Planning: Shippers book a slot on a vessel through a freight forwarder or directly with a carrier.
  2. Loading at Origin Port: Containers are loaded onto the ship using specialised cranes.
  3. Transit: Cargo ships transport goods across oceans, often taking 20–45 days depending on the route.
  4. Unloading at Destination Port: Goods are offloaded and stored temporarily at the destination port.
  5. Customs Clearance: Shippers or freight forwarders handle import duties and regulatory compliance.
  6. Final Delivery: Containers are transported to the consignee via truck or train.

How Long Does Sea Freight Take from the USA to the UK?

The transit time for sea freight between the USA and the UK varies depending on factors such as the shipping route, weather conditions, and port congestion.

On average, shipping goods via sea freight from the USA to the UK takes 10–25 days.

For East Coast Ports (e.g., New York) transit times are usually shorter, ranging from 10–15 days.

For West Coast Ports (e.g., Los Angeles) transit times are longer, typically 20–25 days, as ships must navigate through the Panama Canal or take alternative routes.

Factors Influencing Transit Times:

  • Port Congestion: Busy ports can lead to delays in loading and unloading cargo.
  • Customs Processing: Clearance times at both origin and destination ports can extend overall transit time.
  • Shipping Line Schedules: The availability of direct routes versus those with intermediate stops impacts the total journey time.

Benefits of Sea Freight

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Sea freight is the most economical option for shipping bulk goods, costing significantly less per tonne compared to air freight. For example, shipping a 20-ft container from the UK to China costs around £1,000–£1,500, compared to several thousand pounds for air freight.
  • Capacity: With the ability to carry tens of thousands of containers on a single vessel, sea freight is ideal for businesses transporting large volumes.
  • Eco-Friendliness: Shipping by sea generates approximately 15 grams of CO₂ per tonne-kilometre, making it far more sustainable than air freight.
  • Versatility: Sea freight accommodates a wide range of goods, from raw materials like steel and coal to refrigerated items such as food and pharmaceuticals.

Challenges of Sea Freight

  • Longer Transit Times: Sea freight is slower, with transit times often measured in weeks rather than days.
  • Weather-Related Risks: Storms and rough seas can cause delays or disruptions.
  • Complex Customs Process: International shipping regulations and customs documentation can be daunting without the right expertise.
  • Port Congestion: Busy ports like Felixstowe or Rotterdam can experience delays, impacting delivery schedules.

How Is Sea Freight Calculated?

Sea freight costs are determined using several key factors, including the volume, weight, and nature of the cargo.

Volume-Based Calculation:

Sea freight charges are primarily based on the volume of the shipment, measured in cubic metres (CBM).

To calculate CBM, use the following formula:

Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) = CBM

For example, a package measuring 2 m × 1.5 m × 1 m would have a volume of:
2 × 1.5 × 1 = 3 CBM

Weight Considerations:

Though less common than volume-based pricing, some carriers consider the weight of the cargo if it exceeds a certain threshold.

Typically, 1 CBM is equivalent to 1,000 kg. If the cargo’s weight exceeds this ratio, additional charges may apply.

Other Cost Components:

  • Port Charges: Fees for loading and unloading cargo at origin and destination ports.
  • Fuel Surcharges: Costs that fluctuate based on fuel prices.
  • Customs Duties and Taxes: Costs associated with import/export regulations.
  • Insurance: Optional coverage for cargo protection during transit.

When to Use Sea Freight?

Sea freight is ideal for:

  • Bulk Shipments: For example, a standard 20-ft container holds around 25,000 kg of cargo, making it suitable for heavy goods.
  • Non-Urgent Goods: Items like textiles, furniture, or machinery that don’t require immediate delivery.
  • Oversized Cargo: Sea freight accommodates large or irregularly shaped items that other modes of transport cannot handle.

Sea Freight Options

When it comes to sea freight, selecting the right shipping option is crucial to balancing cost, efficiency, and convenience.

Two primary options are available, each tailored to specific cargo needs:

Full Container Load (FCL)

Full Container Load (FCL) provides exclusive use of an entire shipping container.

This option is ideal for businesses with large shipments or those that require added security and control over their cargo.

Key Features of FCL:

  • Capacity: A standard 20-foot container can hold up to 25,000 kg of cargo, while a 40-foot container offers even greater volume, accommodating bulky or high-volume goods.
  • Cost Efficiency for Large Shipments: While the cost of hiring an entire container is higher upfront, FCL becomes cost-effective when shipping in bulk as the price per unit decreases significantly.
  • Enhanced Security: With exclusive use of the container, your goods remain sealed and untouched throughout the journey, reducing the risk of contamination, theft, or damage.
  • Flexibility: Suitable for a variety of goods, including raw materials, industrial machinery, and perishable items in refrigerated containers (reefers).
    FCL is the best choice for businesses shipping full loads, ensuring that their goods are transported efficiently and securely without sharing space with other shippers.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

Less than Container Load (LCL) involves sharing space within a container with shipments from other businesses.

This option is perfect for smaller shipments that don’t require the capacity of a full container.

Key Features of LCL:

  • Cost Savings: LCL is more economical for smaller shipments since you only pay for the space your cargo occupies within the container.
  • Flexibility for Smaller Volumes: Ideal for businesses with lower shipment volumes, making it accessible for SMEs and e-commerce sellers.
  • Regular Schedules: With frequent sailings and consolidated loads, LCL allows for consistent shipping without waiting to fill an entire container.
  • Shared Responsibility: While sharing space reduces costs, it also means careful packing is essential to protect your goods alongside those of other shippers.

LCL is an excellent option for businesses looking to minimise costs without compromising on access to international shipping networks.