
Ocean freight services are evolving to meet the growing demand for customized and sustainable solutions. With the increasing focus on environmental responsibility, many shipping companies are adopting eco-friendly practices.
Customized ocean freight services allow businesses to tailor their shipping needs to their specific requirements. This can include choosing the most suitable shipping route, vessel type, and container size.
Sustainability is a key aspect of modern ocean freight services, with companies prioritizing the use of renewable energy sources and reducing waste. Some shipping lines are even using biofuels to power their vessels.
By choosing a customized and sustainable ocean freight service, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more environmentally friendly supply chain.
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Shipping Options
Shipping options are a crucial part of ocean freight services. You can choose from various services to suit your needs, including full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) freight services.
FCL shipping is ideal for large-volume shipments, resulting in significantly less handling compared to LCL shipments. This option is common for businesses that need to transport a lot of goods.
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Freight of all kinds (FAK) is a pricing strategy used when multiple products with different classes are transported as a single freight rate. This option allows a single shipper to take advantage of filling a sealed container with various goods.
Ocean freight services offer a cost-effective solution compared to other forms of cargo transportation. This makes them a popular choice for businesses looking to reduce costs in their supply chain.
You can also consider using buyer consolidation or freight consolidation services, which groups a shipment from multiple suppliers at a single origin to create one larger shipment. This option allows businesses to transport multiple goods and reduce costs.
Coastal shipping is an alternative to road and rail shipping when moving goods from the east coast to the west coast of Australia. This service uses empty containers as they make their way around Australia on return to origin for a reliable, cost-efficient shipping solution.
Here are some common shipping options:
- FCL (Full Container Load) Shipping: ideal for large-volume shipments
- LCL (Less Than Container Load) Shipping: for smaller shipments or when you don't have enough goods to fill a container
- FAK (Freight of All Kinds): a pricing strategy for transporting multiple products with different classes as a single freight rate
- Buyer Consolidation: groups a shipment from multiple suppliers at a single origin to create one larger shipment
- Coastal Shipping: an alternative to road and rail shipping when moving goods from the east coast to the west coast of Australia
Coastal and Marine Services

Coastal shipping is a cost-effective option for transporting goods in Australia, saving up to 60% from your transportation budget.
Domestic coastal shipping is a natural choice over air, road, and rail service, making it a reliable and efficient shipping solution.
You can transport goods from the east coast to the west coast of Australia using coastal shipping, which is an alternative to road and rail shipping.
This service uses empty containers as they make their way around Australia on return to origin, providing a cost-efficient shipping solution.
With full container load (FCL) shipping, you can transport large-volume shipments in a 20' or 40' sealed container, resulting in significantly less handling compared to LCL shipments.
FAK (Freight of all kinds) is a pricing strategy that allows you to transport multiple products with different classes as a single freight rate, filling a sealed container with various goods.
Buyer consolidation or freight consolidation services can group shipments from multiple suppliers at a single origin to create one larger shipment, reducing costs in the overall supply chain.
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Coastal Shipping
Coastal shipping is a cost-effective option for transporting goods in Australia, saving you up to 60% from your transportation budget.
You can transport large-volume shipments in a 20' or 40' sealed container with full container load (FCL) shipping, resulting in significantly less handling compared to LCL shipments.
This option is ideal for businesses that need to transport multiple products with different classes, as freight of all kinds (FAK) allows a single shipper to take advantage of filling a sealed container with various goods.
Buyer consolidation or freight consolidation services can also help reduce costs in the overall supply chain by grouping shipments from multiple suppliers at a single origin.
Coastal shipping is a reliable and cost-efficient shipping solution when moving goods from the east coast to the west coast of Australia, using empty containers on their return journey.
Ocean freight services are widely known to be a cost-effective solution when compared to other forms of cargo transportation.
Marine Cargo Insurance
Marine cargo insurance is a must-have for businesses that ship goods by sea. You can choose from all-risk policy options, including transactional coverage and annual policies.
Transactional coverage is ideal for one-time shipments, while annual policies are better suited for frequent shipments. This allows you to match your cargo insurance to your specific exposure risk.
To ensure your goods are covered throughout their journey, consider flexible cargo insurance options that offer protection for valuable shipments. These options may include transactional coverage or annual policies.
Any insurance coverage for shipments is provided by a third-party partner, not Uber Freight itself.
Benefits
Ocean freight services offer several economic benefits to businesses of all sizes. These advantages contribute to cost-effectiveness and improved business profitability.
One of the key benefits is reduced shipping costs, which can be a significant expense for businesses that rely on international trade.
Ocean freight services can also provide faster delivery times compared to other modes of transportation, allowing businesses to get their products to market more quickly.
This can be especially important for businesses that have a just-in-time inventory management system, where delays can be costly.
Roll-On/Roll-Off Shipping
Roll-On/Roll-Off Shipping is a convenient way to transport large vehicles and cargo. It's called RO/RO for short.
RO/RO cargo includes items like tractors, buses, and trucks, which are driven on and off a vessel. This method is perfect for shipping oversized cargo, like flatbed trailers.
If you're shipping new or used automobiles, you might be using a Pure Car Carrier (PCC) or Pure Car Truck Carrier (PCTC). These specialized vessels are designed specifically for car transport.
We have service contracts with a variety of shipping lines, including ACL Cargo/Grimaldi Lines and Hoegh Autoliners. These partnerships allow us to offer a range of RO/RO shipping options.
Here are some of the shipping lines we work with:
- ACL Cargo/Grimaldi Lines
- American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC)
- Atlantic RO/RO carriers
- Bahri
- Eukor Car Carriers
- Hoegh Autoliners
- âKâ Line
- MOL Auto Carrier Express (MOL ACE)
- NYK RO/RO
- Siem Car Carriers
- Wallenius Wilhelmsen
- WECO RO/RO
C.H. Robinson Services
Our team of ocean freight shipping experts is available 24/7 to provide guidance and help build custom solutions to optimize your ocean shipments. They'll help you navigate complex customs regulations and advise on trade policies to minimize risk and stay compliant.
You can choose from flexible ocean freight capacity solutions that fit your needs, including full container loads, less than container loads, and freight consolidation. Full container loads provide a dedicated container for your cargo, while less than container loads allow you to share container space with other cargo, reducing costs.
Here are some key benefits of these solutions:
- Full container loads (FCL) provide access to hundreds of lanes to optimize each shipment for route, priority, and cost.
- Less than container loads (LCL) reduces costs by only paying for the space you need.
- Freight consolidation reduces transit time and saves on transportation, administration, and handling costs.
Unmatched Expertise
Our team of experts is on hand 24/7 to provide guidance and help build custom solutions to optimize your ocean shipments. They can troubleshoot in real time, across time zones, to plan for fluctuating market demand.
With our sea freight experts, you can minimize risk and stay compliant with complex customs regulations and trade policies. They'll advise you on the best course of action to navigate these complexities.
We have a leading forwarder of ocean freight from China to the U.S. in the Trans-Pacific Eastbound (TPEB) trade lane, securing capacity for your shipments. This expertise is unmatched in the industry.
Customs Brokerage
Our team of experts at C.H. Robinson is dedicated to making your ocean freight shipping process as smooth as possible. We offer expert support and consulting services 24/7 to help you navigate complex customs regulations and trade policies.
With our in-house, licensed brokers, you can clear customs quickly and minimize unnecessary costs. They understand how to navigate the complexities of customs clearance.
We help you stay compliant with import requirements and document preparation, including importer security filings, customs clearance, and payment of fees, duties, and taxes. This keeps your freight moving without any hiccups.
Our trusted advisors conduct thorough risk assessments and provide strategic guidance to help you navigate complex trade laws and stay compliant. This means you can focus on your business while we handle the intricacies of customs clearance.
Here are some of the ways our customs brokerage services can benefit you:
- Customs clearance: We'll take care of importer security filings, customs clearance, and payment of fees, duties, and taxes.
- Trade compliance: Our advisors will help you navigate complex trade laws and stay compliant.
Flexible Cargo Insurance Options
At C.H. Robinson, we know that every shipment is unique, and that's why we offer flexible cargo insurance options to match your exposure risk. You can choose from all-risk policy choices, including transactional coverage and annual policies.
Our flexible cargo insurance options give you the peace of mind you need to focus on your business. Whether you need coverage for a single shipment or ongoing protection for your goods, we've got you covered.
You can opt for transactional coverage, which provides protection for each individual shipment, or annual policies, which offer ongoing protection for your goods throughout the year. This ensures that your valuable shipments are protected throughout their journey.
We partner with third-party insurance providers to offer insurance solutions that fit your business needs. This means you can trust that your goods are covered, without us acting as an insurance producer.
Cargo Management
With Uber Freight, you can increase your capacity options by combining and palletizing your cargo with different manufacturers and load it into dedicated full-load containers. This allows for more efficient use of space.
You can track your ocean freight shipments seamlessly with Uber Freight, creating transparency and efficiency across your global supply chain. Their ocean freight shipping services cover the entire process, from tracking to execution.
Uber Freight offers global container coverage, giving you access to a wide range of shipping options. This means you can find the best fit for your needs, no matter where you're shipping to.
Freight Transport

Ocean freight services involve the use of cargo ships to transport goods from one port to another. These services encompass a range of elements, including container management, storage, documentation, customs clearance, and shipment tracking.
Container handling is a crucial part of ocean freight services, involving the loading and unloading of goods into shipping containers, ensuring they're properly secured and protected during transit. Specialized equipment like cranes and forklifts are used to ensure the secure and efficient handling of containers.
Storage facilities at ports play a significant role in ocean freight services, providing temporary storage for goods before they're loaded onto ships or after they're unloaded. These facilities come equipped with state-of-the-art security systems to guarantee the safety and preservation of stored goods.
Here are some common types of freight transport services:
- LCL (less than container load) Shipping
- FCL (full container load) Shipping
- Buyer's consolidation: consolidating cargo in warehouses until enough is collected to fill a container
Freight Transport
Freight transport is a crucial part of global trade, and it's essential to understand your options when shipping goods. You can choose from two main types of ocean freight services: Less Than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL).
LCL is ideal for smaller shipments, with services available at major ports to ensure timely delivery. For example, Woodland Group offers weekly LCL services from Asia to the USA.
With LCL, your cargo will be consolidated with other shipments, making it a cost-effective option. However, it may not be as fast as FCL, which offers door-to-door delivery.
FCL is perfect for larger shipments or those that require faster delivery. SHIPIT Logistics offers FCL services for commercial cargo, including refrigerated warehousing for temperature-controlled cargo.
If you need to ship a full container, you can choose from various expedited services, such as the Trans-Atlantic Westbound (TAWB) lane or the Trans-Pacific Eastbound (TPEB) lane. These services are designed to move cargo quickly and efficiently.
Here are some key differences between LCL and FCL services:
Ultimately, the choice between LCL and FCL depends on your shipping needs and priorities. Be sure to research and compare services to find the best option for your business.
Products
Ocean freight services can transport out of gauge cargo like large machines using open top and flat rack containers.
These specialty containers are available in 20' and 40' lengths, making them versatile for various cargo needs.
The open top containers are designed to allow for easy loading and unloading of cargo by crane, which is especially helpful for heavy or oversized items.
Flat rack containers, on the other hand, are ideal for cargo that's too tall to fit in a standard container, providing a secure and stable way to transport them.
These specialty containers offer a reliable solution for transporting out of gauge cargo, giving you peace of mind knowing your cargo will arrive safely at its destination.
Drayage
Drayage is a crucial part of freight transport, allowing you to move freight easily between ports and warehouses with fast, efficient services.
Drayage services can be particularly useful for transporting goods over short distances, such as between a port and a nearby warehouse.
This can save time and reduce costs compared to using a trucking company for longer hauls.
What is Freight Transport?
Freight transport is a complex process that involves moving goods from one place to another. It's a crucial part of global trade, allowing businesses to transport large quantities of goods over long distances.
Container handling is a vital part of freight transport, involving the loading and unloading of goods into shipping containers. These containers are then secured and protected during transit using specialized equipment like cranes and forklifts.
Storage facilities at ports play a significant role in freight transport, providing temporary storage for goods before they are loaded onto ships or after they are unloaded. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems to ensure the safety and preservation of stored goods.
Documentation is a critical aspect of freight transport, requiring the creation and processing of multiple documents essential for customs clearance and adherence to international trade regulations. These documents include bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
Customs clearance is a vital step in freight transport, involving the submission of relevant documents to customs authorities who verify the goods and ensure compliance with import/export regulations. Customs brokers or freight forwarders often aid businesses in navigating the intricacies of customs clearance processes.
Shipment tracking is an important feature of freight transport, allowing companies to monitor the advancement of their shipments in real-time. This provides visibility and transparency, enabling businesses to better strategize their operations and make informed decisions.
Sustainability and Safety
Ocean freight services are taking significant steps towards sustainability. They're adopting cleaner technologies to reduce their environmental footprint.
Shipping companies are optimizing routes to minimize fuel consumption, which is a big plus for the environment. This approach not only helps reduce waste but also saves costs in the long run.
The industry is also exploring alternative energy sources like wind and solar power, which is a promising development. Ocean freight services are committed to reducing waste and enhancing recycling practices, making them a more sustainable option.
By prioritizing safety and reliability, ocean freight services provide businesses with peace of mind when shipping their goods. This is crucial for companies that rely on timely and secure delivery of their products.
The ocean freight industry adheres to strict safety standards, ensuring the protection of goods during transit. Ships are equipped with advanced navigation systems and safety equipment, and personnel are trained to handle various situations.
Sustainability Initiatives
Ocean freight companies are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact. They're adopting cleaner technologies, such as wind and solar power, to power their ships.
Shipping companies are optimizing routes to reduce fuel consumption, which is a big step towards sustainability. This approach not only saves fuel but also decreases the risk of accidents.
Ocean freight has a lower carbon footprint compared to airfreight and road transportation. Ships emit less greenhouse gases per unit of cargo transported.
The industry is also focusing on reducing waste and enhancing recycling practices. This is essential for minimizing the overall impact on the planet.
By implementing these sustainability initiatives, ocean freight companies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint.
Safety and Reliability
Ocean freight services stand out for their exceptional safety and reliability. They offer businesses a high level of confidence when shipping their goods.
The ocean freight industry adheres to strict safety standards to mitigate risks and ensure the protection of goods during transit. Ships are equipped with advanced navigation systems, safety equipment, and trained personnel to handle various situations.
Cargo is secured properly to prevent damage or loss, giving businesses peace of mind about the safety of their shipments.
Capacity and Flexibility
Ocean freight services offer a range of capacity and flexibility options to suit different business needs. This includes access to a large and growing network of ocean carriers, allowing for secure reliable capacity even in tight markets.
Industry leaders like Uber Freight have partnerships with major ocean shipping alliances, providing a variety of transit times and routing options. This flexibility is a major advantage for businesses looking to optimize their supply chains.
Full container loads (FCL) are ideal for large loads, offering a dedicated container for cargo and access to hundreds of lanes. This can help reduce costs and improve transit times.
Less than container loads (LCL) and freight consolidation options are also available for smaller shipments. LCL allows businesses to share container space with other cargo, reducing costs by only paying for the space needed. Freight consolidation can further reduce costs and improve transit times by combining smaller shipments.
Cargo ships have spacious storage areas, making them well-suited for transporting large volumes of goods. This is particularly beneficial for businesses in industries like manufacturing, retail, or agriculture that require frequent large shipments.
Ocean freight services can handle a wide range of cargo types, including dry bulk cargo, liquid cargo, oversized cargo, and perishable goods. This versatility allows businesses to explore diverse markets and cater to various customer demands.
Here are some key capacity and flexibility options in ocean freight services:
- Full container loads (FCL)
- Less than container loads (LCL)
- Freight consolidation
These options can help businesses optimize their supply chains, reduce costs, and improve transit times. By leveraging the capacity and flexibility of ocean freight services, businesses can expand their reach and contribute to sustainable commerce on a global scale.
Specialized Services
Specialized Services play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth ocean freight experience. Each type of cargo requires unique knowledge for US Customs purposes.
To determine the necessary clearance, consider whether the cargo is hazardous or not. This will help you navigate the requirements for custom clearance.
Packing, loading, and shipping also demand specialized knowledge. For example, you'll need to know how to pack certain items, such as fragile or perishable goods.
The type of US Customs or Bureau of Industry and Security clearance required will also depend on the cargo. This may involve obtaining a specific permit or license.
Insurance is another crucial aspect to consider when shipping cargo. You'll need to determine the type of insurance to buy based on the cargo's value and potential risks.
To ensure a smooth delivery at the destination, it's essential to consider how the cargo should be handled. This may involve special care or equipment to prevent damage or loss.
Here's a quick reference guide to some common cargo types and their requirements:
Trans-Atlantic and Asia Solutions

We offer tailored sea freight services for trans-atlantic requirements, including FCL, LCL, and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) options.
Our team has established carrier relationships for over 30 years, delivering cost-effective and reliable solutions for Asia westbound ocean freight. We guarantee space for all container options from Asia.
Ocean freight is a crucial linchpin in global trade, enabling the transfer of goods between continents and empowering businesses to access international markets.
Global Trade
Ocean freight is a crucial linchpin in global trade, enabling the transfer of goods between continents and empowering businesses to access international markets.
Shipping goods via ocean freight is typically more economical than alternatives like air freight, making it a preferred option for businesses aiming to transport substantial quantities of goods across extensive distances.
Ocean freight offers a high level of reliability, with shipping schedules carefully planned and routes well-established to ensure goods are delivered on time.
Refrigerated containers, or "reefers", allow businesses to transport perishable items like fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals that require controlled temperatures.
Compared to air freight, ocean freight has a lower carbon footprint, making it an environmentally sustainable option.
Shipping firms are progressively embracing environmentally friendly approaches, including the adoption of cleaner fuels and the implementation of energy-efficient technologies.
Ocean shipping services encompass various aspects such as container handling, storage, documentation, customs clearance, and shipment tracking, playing a crucial role in global trade.
East and West-bound Trans-Atlantic Solutions
We offer tailored sea freight services for trans-atlantic requirements. Whether you need FCL, LCL, or Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) services, we've got you covered.
Our trans-atlantic solutions are designed to meet specific needs, whether you're shipping east or west. We've been establishing carrier relationships for over 30 years.
We deliver cost-effective, reliable, and flexible routings for all container options from Asia. Our dedicated team ensures guaranteed space for your cargo.
Our expertise and agility can take the strain out of your supply chain. We'll work with you to find solutions that deliver opportunities and sustainable growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sea freight service?
A sea freight service transports large volumes of goods via cargo ships, storing them in containers before sailing to their destination. This efficient method moves products across international waters, connecting global markets and economies.
Who pays for ocean freight?
Typically, the shipper or exporter pays for ocean freight, but in some cases, the importer or consignee may also be responsible for covering these charges
How much does it cost to ship a 40 ft container?
Shipping a 40-foot container internationally can cost between $1,500 and $10,000, but prices may vary depending on market conditions. Get up-to-date quotes from multiple shipping companies for accurate pricing.
Do FedEx do ocean freight?
Yes, FedEx Trade Networks offers ocean freight solutions, including Less-than-Container Load (LCL) and Full-Container Load (FCL) services. With global coverage, they can meet your international shipping needs.
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