Ocean freight shipping is used globally to move items across the world. Once your business calls for regular high volume shipping, ocean freight shipping can provide a number of benefits to your supply chain. The majority of cargo and product shipping happens via ocean freight, especially larger items.
By partnering with a number of other ocean freight shipping services, global logistics companies can consolidate and move cargo from different shipments depending on size, location, and schedules. TEUs, or twenty-foot equivalent units, are the basis of the measurement for the cargo containers used. A forty-foot container is referred to an FEU or two TEUs. Containers are filled and packed at major ports by consolidation services.
International Ocean Freight Shipping
When using ocean freight services, you will first have to consolidate and determine the size of your shipment. Depending on how large your cargo footprint is, you would decide between a full container load (FCL) or a less than a container load (LCL).
As the name suggests, a full container load means your cargo will be the only load on that container. If you have a cargo load that is more than half a container unit, it is advisable to ship as an FCL. Shipping cost may be more cost-effective, and you reduce the risk of damages or contamination and ensure your shipment arrives as it was packed.
Shipping your cargo as an LCL may be cheaper, but it means you are sharing your container space with other shippers. If your cargo accommodates and is not fragile or sensitive, this may be a better option for you.
Shipping Documentation for Importing & Exporting
When preparing your shipment for freight transportation, you’ll first decide whether you will be shipping an FCL or LCL. If you are shipping an FCL, you’ll need a bill of lading, as well as a commercial invoice for commercial shipping or a packing list for personal shipping. You may be asked to provide both from some companies.
This information will need to be provided in English and include, cost of freight, name and address of shipper and consignee, as well as a detailed description of goods, quantities, and weights. If you are shipping an LCL, you will have to reach out to your freight forwarder and consolidation service, so that they can combine your shipment with that of another shipper. An LCL is calculated by volume and must be palletized.
Customs Made Easier For Customers
If you are a first time shipper or changing your shipping procedures, making sure you have the right paperwork, fees, and bonds can be overwhelming. Seek out a reputable shipping partner who can assist you with customs clearance. There are a number of types of customs bonds that you may need, depending on what and where you are shipping.
Ocean to Door Service – Imports
Asiana USA can provide shipping and consolidation options, as well as help manage your shipment, packing, and documentation. Providing door to door customer service, we can help facilitate a range of ocean freight for you. Asiana USA is happy to act as your freight forwarder and customs brokerage to make your shipping experience as streamlined as possible.
The Takeaway
At Asiana USA, we have experience working with vendors from around the world. We are supply chain experts who work with common carriers, air, ocean, rail, and land freight. Using highly planned shipping lines, we aim to lower transit times and deliver your cargo safe and sound, while saving you money in the process. Call Asiana USA today at 855-500-1808 to get started.
