In the growing world of global commerce, most companies depend on the international cargo shipping in order to reach their customers all around the globe. However, international shipping comes with several challenges pertaining to logistics.
Ocean Freight
The most common methods of international cargo shipping include ocean freight and air freight. The former method carries out the logistics of import and export of cargo by utilizing shipping lines. The process of ocean freight, on paper, is fairly simple. A freight forwarder reserves the space on a container with a shipping agent and the cargo is transferred into the shipping line in order to be shipped overseas to its port of destination. However, it requires a high level of competency and resources to make sure that the cargo is safely delivered to the consignee.
How does it compare to Air Freight?
Air freight, on the other hand, is the transportation of goods in the aircraft. Air freight is done on both charter and commercial airplanes. It makes a great option for perishable cargo and time-sensitive shipments; however, it has certain disadvantages. For instance, this method is much expensive and unable to carry a large volume of shipments compared to ocean freight. In most cases, the size and volume of the cargo will decide the feasibility of using ocean freight versus air freight. Moreover, there are certain items that are restricted for air freight, therefore, they must be shipped by using ocean freight method.
The responsibilities of shipper and consignee are determined by the contractual obligations and laws prevailing in the jurisdiction where the transaction is taking place. Usually, the shipping terms between importer and exporter are decided in advanced, which provides the guidelines about the responsibilities and liability during each step of the journey. It also helps to determine which party is obligated to pay for the insurance of the cargo. There are generally two types of ocean freight services: Full container and Groupage (also known as LCL or share a container). The former allows the shipper to have an entire container solely for their shipment (however, it is not mandatory to fill the entire container), while the latter provides the space according to the volume and size of your shipment.
Why is ocean freight method so popular?
In the present times, the ocean freight method is often considered the most favourable method of shipping around the world due to its unique benefits and advantages. Here are the few:
· Economy: The only rival ocean freight have is air freight and it is evident that shipping through the former method is much economical compared to the latter, which makes it an obvious choice for many shippers, especially for large cargo transportation.
· Larger volume: ocean freight also makes an excellent choice to move big volumes of shipment as it can carry many times greater volume of goods compared to air freight. Moreover, it is useful for transportation of hazardous liquids, gas or unsafe cargo, which cannot be transported using an air freight for safety reasons and compliance with certain shipment regulations prevailing in the concerned designation.
· Safety: Generally, the cargo that is transported using ocean freight method is considered to be safer compared to other methods due to its inherent nature of logistical methodologies.
· Eco-friendliness: If we compare ocean freight with air freight or road transport, it is less taxing on the environment than the other methods of transportation, making it an eco-friendly method of transporting goods to international markets.
The final words
We have provided you with the overview of ocean freight and some of its advantages, which makes ocean freight a viable option for international shipment all around the globe. However, all ocean freight services are not the same, therefore, it is vital that you must find a reliable service provider, which will help to fulfill your shipping requirements, both economically and effectively.