Sea Freight
The right balance of service and cost in FCL and LCL shipping
Port-to-port or door-to-door sea operations planned with mainline carriers and our agency network.
Sea freight carries the lowest cost per unit and forms the backbone of high-volume shipments where the schedule allows some flexibility. On Far East, American and European lanes there are two basic models, using either the whole container or part of it depending on the volume of the cargo. At Ascend Logistics we handle service selection, booking management and port processes from a single point.
The difference between FCL and LCL
FCL (Full Container Load) dedicates the whole container to a single consignment. The container is sealed at the loading point and is not opened until arrival, which reduces both handling and the risk of damage. It is preferred where the cargo fills a container, or where it must not be mixed with other goods even if it does not.
LCL (Less than Container Load) combines cargo from different shippers in the same container. The consolidation at origin and deconsolidation at destination lengthen the process, but on small shipments it offers a clear cost advantage over hiring a whole container.
LCL pricing compares weight against volume and charges on whichever is greater; the common practice in the industry is to treat one cubic metre as equivalent to one thousand kilograms. On light, bulky cargo the cost is therefore set by volume.
Container types
Standard dry van containers are used for general cargo. Where the cargo is tall, a High Cube container offers additional internal height over a standard box.
Reefer containers are used for temperature-controlled shipments, flat racks for long cargo that will not pass through the container doors, and open top containers where the cargo must be craned in from above. Container type is decided together with the dimensions of the cargo and the loading method.
Bills of lading, delivery terms and free time
The core document in sea freight is the bill of lading. It represents the contract of carriage, the receipt for the goods and title to them; releasing the cargo at destination depends on it.
Incoterms determine where responsibility and costs pass between the parties. Terms such as FOB, CIF or EXW directly affect who bears the local charges beyond the freight itself, so they need to be settled at the quotation stage.
If a container stays at the destination port beyond the free time allowed it incurs demurrage, and a delay in returning the container to the carrier incurs detention. Planning customs clearance and inland transport in advance avoids both.
FAQ
Common questions about this service
Is LCL or FCL more suitable?
If the cargo fills a significant part of a container, FCL is usually better on both cost and transit time. For small shipments LCL is more suitable. A precise comparison emerges from a quotation based on volume and weight.
What are demurrage and detention?
Demurrage is the charge that arises when a container stays in the port area beyond the free time allowed. Detention arises when the container is returned late to the carrier after unloading. Both are avoided by planning customs clearance and inland transport in advance.
Is door-to-door delivery possible?
Yes. In addition to port-to-port carriage, inland transport can be arranged from the point of origin to the port and from the destination port to the delivery address, with customs formalities handled as part of the operation.
Other services
Another model may suit your needs
Which model is right for your cargo?
Share your route and cargo details and we will determine the most suitable transport model together.