Sea Freight Shipping

Are you looking to ship sea freight from China with the most competitive pricing and world-class customer service?

Leading Sea Freight Forwarder in China

If you are managing longer lead times and prioritizing cost efficiency, partnering with a sea freight forwarder like Falocn is the perfect choice. Our experienced team will evaluate all available options to deliver the most competitive ocean freight solutions. From port handling and stevedoring to inland transportation, Falocn is your trusted partner for reliable, end-to-end logistics services.

Best Prices and Services for Shipping Goods from China.

• Competitive shipping rates designed to save you money
• Skilled staff offering comprehensive support for all your logistics needs
• Easy booking and one-to-one shipment tracking to reduce operational costs
• Value-added origin services to enhance your supply chain
• Comprehensive FCL and LCL services
• DDU/DDP services to Canada and the United States
• LCL services and last-mile delivery solutions
• Warehousing and container stuffing services
• Customs brokerage services
• In-transit container tracking
• Professional packing services
• Freight palletization
• Global shipping to any destination
• Comprehensive sea transport solutions for your business needs

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Full Container Load(FCL)

Full Container Load (FCL) ocean freight shipping allows shippers to utilize an entire shipping container for their cargo. This service is ideal for large shipments, providing exclusive container use and ensuring no other goods are mixed in.

FCL ocean freight offers several benefits, including:

• Exclusive container use: Ensures your cargo is not mixed with other shipments, reducing the risk of damage or loss.
• Cost-effectiveness: Especially for larger volumes, FCL shipping can be more economical than other shipping options.
• Enhanced security: Sealed and locked containers provide greater protection throughout the transportation process.
• Flexibility: Offers a range of container sizes and loading options, allowing shippers to tailor their shipping needs.

Overall, FCL ocean freight is a reliable, cost-effective solution for large volume shipments, offering increased security and flexibility for international trade.

The following four types are the most common ones used for container shipping. You can also get container specification and more detail by click here.

Container Size	Weight (Tons)	Dimensions (L x W x H, m)	Maximum Capacity (cbm)
20’ GP Container	22	5.898×2.352×2.385	28
40’ GP Container	27	12.032×2.352×2.385	58
40 HC Container	27	12.032×2.352×2.69	65
45 HC Container	27	13.556×2.352×2.698	75

Less Than Container Load(LCL)

Less than Container Load (LCL) ocean freight shipping enables multiple shippers to share a single container, making it a cost-effective solution for smaller cargo volumes. Ideal for shippers who do not need a full container, this service helps reduce shipping costs.

Key advantages of LCL shipping include:

• Cost-effectiveness: Shippers only pay for the space they use, making LCL more affordable for smaller shipments.
• Reduced risk: Consolidating multiple shipments into one container minimizes the risk of damage or loss.
• Flexibility: LCL shipping offers more frequent shipping schedules and accommodates smaller volumes, making it easier to manage inventory.
• Access to new markets: LCL shipping allows small and medium-sized businesses to enter new markets without the burden of high shipping costs.

LCL ocean freight shipping is a reliable and efficient option for smaller cargo volumes, offering cost savings, flexibility, and market access, making it ideal for growing businesses engaged in global trade.

Bill of Loading(B/L)

A Sea Bill of Lading (B/L) is a legal document issued by a carrier to the shipper that serves three main purposes in international shipping:

Evidence of Contract of Carriage: It acts as proof of the agreement between the shipper and the carrier for transporting goods by sea. The terms and conditions of the contract are outlined in the document.
Receipt of Goods: The B/L serves as a receipt, confirming that the carrier has received the goods in good condition and is responsible for their safe transport to the destination.
Document of Title: It grants ownership of the goods to the party holding the original bill. This feature allows the B/L to be transferred or endorsed to another party, often used in trade finance and customs clearance.

Key Features of a Sea Bill of Lading:

Shipper and consignee details: Information about the exporter and the receiver of the goods.
Description of goods: Details on the cargo being shipped, including quantity, weight, and type.
Port of loading and discharge: The origin and destination of the shipment.
Freight terms: Specifies whether the freight charges are prepaid or payable on delivery (collect).
Container details: If applicable, the B/L includes information on container numbers and seals.

A Sea Bill of Lading is crucial in international trade, as it provides a clear record of the goods being shipped and establishes legal rights to the cargo.

Sea Shipping Port

A sea shipping port is a designated harbor facility where cargo ships load and unload goods for international trade. These ports are crucial hubs in the global supply chain, facilitating the movement of goods between countries via ocean freight. Ports are typically equipped with specialized infrastructure to handle different types of cargo, including containers, bulk goods, and liquid products.

Key Components of a Sea Shipping Port:

Docking Facilities: Includes piers, wharves, and terminals where vessels berth for cargo handling.
Container Terminals: Special areas within a port designed for loading, unloading, and storage of containerized goods.
Customs and Inspection Areas: Ports have customs offices for inspection, clearance, and legal documentation required for importing and exporting goods.
Storage Facilities: Warehouses and open storage areas where goods are kept temporarily before further transport.
Cranes and Handling Equipment: Ports are equipped with cranes, forklifts, and conveyors to efficiently load and unload goods from ships.

Major Functions of a Sea Shipping Port:

Cargo Handling: Receiving goods from vessels and preparing them for inland transport or export.
Customs Clearance: Ensuring that all regulatory and legal requirements are met for imported and exported goods.
Transshipment Hub: Ports often serve as intermediary stops where goods are transferred from one vessel to another for further transport to their final destination.
Logistics and Warehousing: Ports provide essential services like warehousing, container stuffing, and supply chain management.

Examples of Major Sea Ports Worldwide:

Shanghai Port (China) – The busiest port in the world.
Port of Singapore – A major global transshipment hub.
Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands) – Europe’s largest seaport.
Port of Los Angeles (USA) – The busiest container port in North America.

Sea shipping ports are a vital part of the international logistics network, ensuring that goods move efficiently across the globe.

Our Chinese Domestic Ports: Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Hong Kong, with a network of overseas agents worldwide.

We have established long-term partnerships with major shipping companies, including MSK, COSCO, EMC, OOCL, MATSON, MCC, CMA, HMM, MSC, ZIM, Matson and others.

Main Shipping Routes

US Routes:
- Key ports include Los Angeles, Long Beach, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Detroit, Oakland, New Orleans, and Miami. These cities serve as major hubs for imports and exports to and from the U.S.
Australia Line:
- Connects ports in Australia and New Zealand with other regions, facilitating trade in both consumer goods and raw materials.
European Countries:
- Major ports in UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, Netherlands, Poland, and Spain handle high volumes of trade across Europe and with international partners.
Middle East Countries:
- Includes trade routes with United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, primarily for oil, gas, and other industrial goods.
Southeast Asia Route:
- Ports in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia play a vital role in global trade, especially for electronics, textiles, and raw materials.
South America:
- Key ports in Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia handle agricultural exports, minerals, and other goods to and from global markets.

These routes form the backbone of international shipping and help streamline global supply chains.

Advantanges and Disadvantages of Sea Freight

Regardless of the transportation mode chosen, each has its own set of advantages and limitations. While sea freight offers significant benefits, it also comes with some challenges.

Sea freight is undeniably more cost-effective compared to air or surface transport. For businesses involved in international trade, lowering operational costs is crucial for maintaining profitability and competitiveness. By opting for sea freight, companies can reduce their shipping expenses, which can lead to more affordable pricing for customers, giving them an edge over competitors.

Cost efficiency is a key advantage of sea freight, especially for businesses importing goods from China. It also allows for the transportation of bulky or oversized cargo across long distances, making it a preferred option for large shipments.

In summary, sea freight shipping provides businesses with a cost-effective, reliable solution for international trade, enabling them to streamline operations and improve their bottom line.

Advantanges

Cost-Effective
- Sea freight is often the most economical option for transporting large volumes of goods over long distances, particularly for bulky or heavy cargo.
High Capacity
- Ships can carry large quantities of goods, offering more space and capacity compared to other modes of transportation like air freight. This makes it ideal for companies moving large shipments.
Ideal for Heavy and Oversized Goods
- Sea freight is perfect for transporting oversized and heavy goods, such as machinery, vehicles, and industrial equipment, which may not be feasible for air or land transport.
Global Reach
- Ships can access almost any country with a port, allowing businesses to reach markets worldwide. Sea freight supports the bulk of international trade.
Eco-Friendly
- Compared to air and road transportation, sea freight has a lower carbon footprint per ton of cargo moved, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
Fewer Restrictions
- Unlike air freight, sea shipping has fewer limitations regarding hazardous or restricted goods, allowing for more diverse cargo types to be transported.
Safe for Hazardous Goods
- Sea freight is a safe method for shipping hazardous materials and chemicals, as ships are equipped to handle such cargo, and regulations ensure safe transport.
Flexible Container Options
- Sea freight offers flexibility with various container options (FCL or LCL) and specialized containers for refrigerated, liquid, or dangerous goods, catering to different shipping needs.
Security and Safety
- Ports and ships are equipped with security measures to ensure cargo safety, reducing the risk of theft or loss during transport.

These advantages make sea freight a preferred choice for companies engaged in international trade, particularly when shipping large volumes of goods.

Disadvantange

Disadvantages of Sea Freight

Long Transit Times
- Sea freight is significantly slower than other transportation methods, such as air freight. Shipping by sea can take several weeks or even months depending on the distance, weather conditions, and port congestion.
Limited Accessibility
- While sea freight can reach almost any port in the world, it is limited to locations with adequate port facilities. Inland destinations require additional transportation by road or rail, increasing transit time and logistics complexity.
Risk of Delays
- Factors such as bad weather, port strikes, customs inspections, or port congestion can cause unpredictable delays, making sea freight less reliable for time-sensitive shipments.
Higher Risk of Damage
- Due to longer transit times and the handling process at multiple points (loading/unloading at ports), sea freight is more prone to damage, particularly for fragile or sensitive goods.
Limited Tracking and Visibility
- While sea freight tracking technology has improved, it still lags behind air and road transport, offering less real-time visibility into the location and status of shipments.
Customs and Port Complications
- Sea freight often involves complex customs procedures, port handling fees, and additional paperwork, which can result in delays and extra costs if not managed properly.
Environmental Factors
- While sea freight is more eco-friendly in terms of carbon emissions compared to air, oil spills and other environmental risks associated with shipping accidents pose a serious ecological threat.
Security Concerns
- Due to the large volume of goods transported by sea, there is a higher risk of theft or piracy in certain regions. High-value goods require additional security measures, increasing costs.
Inventory Holding Costs
- Longer transit times mean goods are in transit for extended periods, which can tie up working capital and increase inventory holding costs for businesses.

Despite these challenges, sea freight remains an efficient solution for large shipments where cost savings outweigh the need for faster delivery.