If you’re a business owner, online seller, or someone who needs to ship goods internationally, you might be wondering: Is sea freight the right choice for me? The short answer is: it depends on your cargo size, budget, and timeline. Sea freight is the most common method for global shipping—carrying over 80% of the world’s trade by volume (according to the International Chamber of Shipping). It’s cost-effective for large or heavy items but takes longer than air freight. Dans ce guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make smart decisions about sea freight.
Sea freight (also called ocean freight) is the transportation of goods via ships across oceans and seas. Unlike air freight (which uses planes) or road freight (which uses trucks), sea freight is designed for moving large quantities of cargo—from raw materials like coal and oil to finished products like furniture and electronics.
Here’s a real example: Last year, a small furniture business in Chicago needed to ship 500 wooden chairs from a manufacturer in Vietnam. If they chose air freight, the cost would have been around \(15 per chair (total \)7,500) and taken 3–5 days. But with sea freight, they paid just \(2 per chair (total \)1,000) and waited 30 jours. For non-urgent, bulky items, this cost savings makes sea freight unbeatable.
Sea freight works by loading cargo into conteneurs—standardized metal boxes that fit on ships, trucks, and trains. The two most common container sizes are 20-foot (TEU) and 40-foot (FEU). A 20-foot container can hold about 33 cubic meters of cargo, while a 40-foot one holds around 67 cubic meters.
Key Types of Sea Freight Services
Not all sea freight is the same. There are three main services to choose from, each suited to different needs:
Full Container Load (FCL)
FCL means you rent an entire container for your cargo. It’s ideal if you have enough goods to fill at least half a 20-foot container (à propos 15 cubic meters). Par exemple, a clothing brand shipping 10,000 t-shirts (which take up 20 cubic meters) would use FCL. The benefits? You don’t share space with other shippers, so there’s less risk of damage or delay, and the cost per unit is lower.
Less Than Container Load (LCL)
LCL is for smaller shipments that don’t fill a whole container. Your cargo is combined with other shippers’ goods in one container. If you’re a startup shipping 500 small gadgets (taking up 5 cubic meters), LCL is a good fit. The downside? It can take longer because the freight forwarder has to collect and consolidate other cargo. Aussi, there’s a slightly higher risk of damage when goods are packed together.
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo)
RoRo is for vehicles (cars, trucks, bus) or large machinery that can be driven onto the ship. Par exemple, a car dealership importing 20 SUVs from Japan would use RoRo. The process is fast and simple—your vehicle is driven onto the ship, secured, and then driven off at the destination. RoRo is also cheaper than shipping a vehicle in a container for most cases.
How Much Does Sea Freight Cost?
Sea freight costs vary based on several factors, but here’s a breakdown of the key components and average prices (à ce jour 2025):
Cost Component | Description | Average Cost Example (20ft container, China to USA) |
Ocean Freight Charge | The main cost to ship the container across the ocean | \(800–\)1,200 |
Terminal Handling Fee (THC) | Fees for loading/unloading cargo at ports | \(200–\)300 |
Documentation Fee | Fees for paperwork (bill of lading, customs forms) | \(50–\)100 |
Insurance | Facultatif (covers cargo damage/loss) | 0.5–1% of cargo value |
Customs Duties | Taxes on imported goods (varies by country and product type) | 2–10% of cargo value (Par exemple, 5% for furniture in USA) |
A real-world example: A toy seller in New York shipped a 20ft container of toys (valeur \(20,000) from Shenzhen, Chine. Their total cost was: \)1,000 (ocean freight) + \(250 (THC) + \)75 (documentation) + \(100 (insurance, 0.5% de \)20k) + \(1,000 (customs duties, 5%) = **\)2,425 total**.
Pro tip: To save money, book your shipment in advance (avoid peak seasons like Chinese New Year or Christmas) and work with a reliable freight forwarder who can negotiate better rates.
How Long Does Sea Freight Take?
Sea freight is slower than air freight, but the time depends on the distance between ports and weather conditions. Here are some common route times (à ce jour 2025):
- Chine (Shenzhen) to USA (Los Angeles): 18–22 days
- Chine (Shanghai) to Europe (Rotterdam): 28–35 days
- USA (New York) to India (Mumbai): 25–30 days
- Australie (Sydney) to Japan (Tokyo): 10–14 days
Delays can happen, though. Last month, a shipment from Hamburg to Toronto was delayed by 5 days because of a storm in the Atlantic Ocean. To avoid surprises, ask your freight forwarder for a “transit time estimate” that includes buffer days for potential delays.
Step-by-Step Process to Ship via Sea Freight
Shipping goods by sea might seem complicated, but breaking it down into steps makes it easy. Here’s a simple 7-step process:
- Choose a Freight Forwarder: A good forwarder handles paperwork, booking, and logistics. Look for one with experience in your industry (Par exemple, if you ship food, find a forwarder who knows about temperature-controlled containers).
- Decide on FCL/LCL/RoRo: Based on your cargo size and urgency (use the guide above!).
- Prepare Your Cargo: Pack your goods securely (use pallets for LCL to prevent damage) and label them with your contact info and destination address.
- Complete Documentation: Your forwarder will help with this, but key documents include:
- Bill of Lading (BoL): The contract between you and the carrier (like a “receipt” for your cargo).
- Commercial Invoice: Details the value of your goods for customs.
- Packing List: Lists every item in the shipment (quantité, weight, taille).
- Cargo Pickup & Port Delivery: The forwarder will arrange for your cargo to be picked up from the manufacturer and delivered to the origin port.
- Ocean Shipping: The cargo is loaded onto the ship and sent to the destination port. You can track your shipment online using the BoL number.
- Customs Clearance & Delivery: At the destination port, your forwarder will clear customs (using your documents) and arrange for delivery to your warehouse or store.
Common Challenges in Sea Freight (and How to Solve Them)
Even with careful planning, issues can arise. Here are the most common problems and solutions:
- Cargo Damage: This often happens due to poor packing. Solution: Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap for fragile items, and pallets for LCL shipments. Aussi, buy cargo insurance to cover losses.
- Delays: Storms, port congestion, or paperwork errors can cause delays. Solution: Book in advance, double-check all documents, and choose a forwarder with a track record of on-time deliveries.
- Customs Issues: Missing documents or incorrect product descriptions can hold up your cargo. Solution: Work with a forwarder who knows local customs rules, and provide accurate info for all forms.
FAQ About Sea Freight
- Is sea freight better than air freight?
It depends on your needs. Sea freight is cheaper for large/bulky cargo but slower. Air freight is faster but more expensive—best for small, urgent items (like medical supplies).
- Do I need a freight forwarder for sea freight?
It’s not required, but highly recommended. Forwarders handle complex tasks (paperwork, port logistics, customs) that most beginners find overwhelming. They also get better rates from carriers.
- What’s the maximum weight for a sea freight container?
A 20ft container can hold up to about 28,000 kg (cargo weight), and a 40ft container up to 26,000 kg (due to size restrictions). Always check with your carrier for exact limits.
- Can I ship perishable goods via sea freight?
Oui! Use refrigerated containers (called “reefers”) that keep cargo at a set temperature. This works for food (like fruits, meat) or pharmaceuticals. Just make sure to choose a carrier with reefer expertise.
- How do I track my sea freight shipment?
Most carriers (like Maersk, COSCO) let you track shipments online using your Bill of Lading (BoL) number. Your freight forwarder can also send you regular updates.
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