In this guide, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of ocean freight, cover common shipping terms, types of vessels, containers, documents needed, and provide insights into how this mode of transport fits into a broader global logistics strategy.
Ocean freight remains one of the most essential methods of transporting goods globally, with approximately 90% of the world’s cargo moved by sea. As global trade continues to grow, ocean shipping plays an increasingly important role in supply chain efficiency. From transporting heavy machinery to massive quantities of retail goods, ocean freight enables businesses to reach international markets cost-effectively.
Ocean freight (also called sea freight or maritime shipping) is the transportation of goods via cargo ships. Goods are typically packed into containers and loaded onto large vessels capable of carrying thousands of tons of cargo.
It is widely used for long-distance, high-volume shipments because of its cost-effectiveness and efficiency in handling bulky or odd-sized items. While it is slower than air freight, ocean shipping remains an optimal solution for businesses looking to scale internationally without incurring high transportation costs.
Compared to air freight, ocean freight is 4 to 5 times cheaper, especially for large and heavy shipments. Lower fuel costs and the capacity to carry massive volumes contribute to reduced per-unit transportation expenses.
Ocean shipping is excellent for transporting large, heavy, or awkwardly-shaped cargo that would be challenging or expensive to move by air.
Ocean freight is the most carbon-efficient mode of long-distance freight transportation when handling bulk goods. Ships consume less fuel per ton-mile than trucks or planes.
Hazardous or restricted goods such as flammable materials or chemicals often face tighter restrictions by air. Ocean shipping offers more flexibility in these cases.
Cargo ships reach ports around the world, enabling companies to ship goods between continents affordably.
One of the biggest drawbacks is time. While air freight takes days, ocean freight can take weeks or even months, depending on distance and customs delays.
For small or time-sensitive shipments, ocean freight may be cost-inefficient or too slow, making it impractical for urgent deliveries.
Not all regions have ports equipped to handle large cargo ships. This may require additional transportation methods to reach final destinations.
Shipping delays due to weather disruptions, customs holdups, or port congestion are more common in maritime transport than air.
Understanding standard shipping terminology helps businesses better navigate international logistics.
One shipper exclusively uses the entire container. Ideal for large shipments. Offers better security and cost-efficiency per unit.
Goods from multiple shippers are consolidated into one container. Best for small shipments, though it can take longer due to deconsolidation.
Vehicles or wheeled cargo drive onto the ship and off at the destination. Common for cars, trucks, and trailers.
A regulation requiring shippers to declare the total weight of a packed container before it is loaded on board.
Used for unpackaged bulk goods like sand, grain, or coal that can be poured directly into the hold of a ship.
Containers are standardized to maximize compatibility across trucks, trains, and ships.
Capacity: ~17,000 kg
Dimensions: 19.4 ft L x 7.7 ft W x 7.5 ft H
Example: Holds ~10,000 beer bottles
Capacity: ~21,000 kg
Dimensions: 39.5 ft L x 7.7 ft W x 7.9 ft H
A single large cargo ship can carry over 18,000 containers, moving over 306 million kilograms of cargo at once.
· Max size for Panama Canal (pre-2016 expansion)
· Length: 965 ft | Beam: 106 ft
· Capacity: 3,000 – 5,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units)
· Too large for original Panama Canal
· Length: 1,100 ft | Beam: 144 ft
· Capacity: 4,500 – 10,000 TEU
· Fits expanded Panama Canal (since 2016)
· Length: 1,200 ft | Beam: 160 ft
· Capacity: 12,000 – 14,400 TEU
· Among the largest cargo vessels in the world
· Length: 1,300 ft | Beam: 177 ft
· Capacity: 10,000 – 20,000 TEU
· Used on trans-Pacific routes (Asia to North America)
Detailed breakdown of goods, including quantities, model numbers, and shipper/consignee details.
Lists item prices used by customs for duties/taxes. Acts as a financial declaration.
Official contract between shipper and carrier. Needed by the consignee to claim goods after customs clearance.
Identifies the country of origin. Often required for agricultural products or preferential trade agreements.
Used for foods or consumables. Verifies safety and absence of harmful substances such as toxins or bacteri
Despite its benefits, ocean freight faces real-world challenges:
· Weather delays (hurricanes, storms)
· Customs clearance issues
· Piracy or cargo theft in certain regions
· Port congestion during peak global trade seasons
· Container shortages or imbalances in global trade flow
If your business ships large quantities of goods, works with predictable lead times, and wants a cost-effective international shipping option, ocean freight may be ideal.
· Retail & wholesale inventory replenishment
· Manufacturing and machinery imports
· Raw materials and bulk commodities
However, if you need faster delivery for smaller shipments or deal with highly perishable items, air freight or multimodal express may be better suited.
Ocean freight continues to be one of the most reliable, cost-effective, and scalable solutions for global shipping. Whether moving raw materials or finished products, sea transport plays a crucial role in keeping supply chains running.
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages, container options, vessel types, and required documentation ensures smoother operations and better decision-making.
By combining ocean freight with inland transport and leveraging experienced partners, businesses can reduce costs, improve delivery times, and grow their global footprint.
Typical transit times range from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on distance, port efficiency, and customs processing.
Yes. For large volumes, ocean freight is 4 to 5 times more affordable than air freight.
FCL refers to full container shipments by one customer, while LCL involves multiple customers sharing container space.
Fewer than air. Hazardous or oversized cargo is more easily handled via sea, but documentation and safety standards still apply.
TEU stands for Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit, used to measure container ship capacity.
No. Ports must be equipped with large cranes, deep berths, and infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels.
