Ocean freight is the movement of loads via ships and vessels. There are many types of sea freight, and choosing the right one to transport your goods in the most time and cost efficient way is important.

CONTAINERISED

  • Ideal for a variety of goods e.g. temperature controlled goods, goods that require several transportation modes (e.g. air, land or sea freight) without the need to re-handle the load contents.
  • Cost effective and widely used across the globe.
  • Small loads that don’t fill an entire container can be grouped with others (Freight All Kinds (FAK)).

BULK

  • Unpacked or loose goods in large quantities e.g. oil, coal, gravel etc. which is often carried by bulk freighters.
  • RORO
  • Short for Roll-on/Roll-off, designed to carry wheeled cargo/vehicles e.g. cars, buses, trucks.
  • Vehicles are driven on/off ship using built-in ramps.
  • Ramps are used to avoid damage, packaging, use of cranes, which ultimately makes costs cheaper.

CHARTERING

  • Ships and crew hired for particular freight destinations, which allows for full control over the routes and schedules.
  • A contract is agreed between the ship owner and charter. Cost may vary with each load, but can be an expensive form of freight.

OVERSIZED

  • Large loads that exceeds the standard dimensions of boats, trucks, tanks etc.
  • This form of freight is not as efficient regarding space or capacity. Therefore, costs can be high, and even higher if additional equipment (e.g. cranes) is needed to move goods.

Need a load transported via ocean freight? Freightabase can help you compare and find the right shipping company for you.

Rachel Jefferies, Editor, Freight Media

Ocean freight is the movement of loads via ships and vessels. There are many types of sea freight, and choosing the right one to transport your goods in the most time and cost efficient way is important.

CONTAINERISED

  • Ideal for a variety of goods e.g. temperature controlled goods, goods that require several transportation modes (e.g. air, land or sea freight) without the need to re-handle the load contents.
  • Cost effective and widely used across the globe.
  • Small loads that don’t fill an entire container can be grouped with others (Freight All Kinds (FAK)).

BULK

  • Unpacked or loose goods in large quantities e.g. oil, coal, gravel etc. which is often carried by bulk freighters.
  • RORO
  • Short for Roll-on/Roll-off, designed to carry wheeled cargo/vehicles e.g. cars, buses, trucks.
  • Vehicles are driven on/off ship using built-in ramps.
  • Ramps are used to avoid damage, packaging, use of cranes, which ultimately makes costs cheaper.

CHARTERING

  • Ships and crew hired for particular freight destinations, which allows for full control over the routes and schedules.
  • A contract is agreed between the ship owner and charter. Cost may vary with each load, but can be an expensive form of freight.

OVERSIZED

  • Large loads that exceeds the standard dimensions of boats, trucks, tanks etc.
  • This form of freight is not as efficient regarding space or capacity. Therefore, costs can be high, and even higher if additional equipment (e.g. cranes) is needed to move goods.

Need a load transported via ocean freight? Freightabase can help you compare and find the right shipping company for you.

Rachel Jefferies, Editor, Freight Media