Ship Transport (Ocean Freight): The Practical Guide for Shippers
Ship transport, often called ocean freight or sea freight, is the movement of cargo by vessel across international routes. It is the backbone of global logistics, carrying roughly 80% of international trade in goods by volume.
This guide explains how ship transport works, which shipping method to choose (FCL vs LCL), what drives costs, what documents you need, and how to reduce delays.
What is ship transport in logistics?
Ship transport is the movement of goods via container ships, bulk carriers, or specialized vessels. In everyday freight-forwarding terms, most businesses mean containerized ocean freight, which can be booked as:
- FCL (Full Container Load): You use an entire container.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): You share container space with other shippers.
If you are comparing modes, ship transport is typically preferred when cost efficiency matters more than speed.
Helpful starting points:
How does ocean freight shipping work step by step?
A typical ship-transport flow looks like this:
- Quote and booking (route, equipment, service level)
- Pickup / pre-carriage to port (if door service is included)
- Export customs and terminal gate-in
- Ocean leg (vessel departure → transshipment if applicable → arrival)
- Import customs clearance
- Delivery / on-carriage to final destination
If you are evaluating routes and reliability, a structured approach helps:
FCL vs LCL: which ship transport option should you choose?
FCL is generally the best fit when you have high volume, want better cargo control, or need faster port handling (fewer consolidation steps).
LCL is typically best for smaller shipments where paying for a full container is not economical.
A practical rule of thumb used in freight planning:
- LCL often makes sense for low-volume shipments (commonly ~2–13 m³)
- FCL becomes more attractive above that range ([iContainers][5])
Related reading:
rates available
routes to choose from
Ports around the globe
What are the main benefits and limitations of ship transport?
Benefits
- Lower unit cost for heavy or bulky cargo (especially in FCL)
- High capacity and broad global network
- Strong fit for planned, non-urgent supply chains
Limitations
- Longer transit times vs air freight
- Exposure to port congestion, schedule changes, and transshipment risk
- Documentation and compliance steps can be more involved
What drives ship transport costs?
Ocean freight pricing is usually a combination of:
- Base ocean freight (route + equipment + capacity conditions)
- Origin charges (terminal handling, documentation, export processes)
- Destination charges (handling, documentation, import processes)
- Surcharges (seasonal, equipment imbalance, peak, security, etc.)
- Inland transport (pickup and final delivery if door service is included)
For a practical overview of cost components:
What documents do you need for ship transport?
While requirements vary by country, shipment type, and cargo, common documents include:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport document (commonly a Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill, depending on terms)
- Certificates/permits (commodity- and country-dependent)
For centralized guidance:
- Help Center – Shipping Documents (navigate to Shipping Documents)
How do Incoterms affect ocean freight responsibility and cost?
Incoterms determine who pays for freight, insurance (where applicable), and which party manages key steps like export clearance or delivery.
Common ocean-related Incoterms include FOB, CFR, CIF, and DAP/DDP depending on negotiation and the logistics model.
How can you reduce delays and risk in ship transport?
Use this checklist to reduce preventable issues:
- Validate shipment volume early (avoid last-minute FCL/LCL switches)
- Align documents (invoice, packing list, consignee details, cargo description)
- Plan around peak periods (capacity and rates are more volatile)
- Choose realistic transit buffers for supply chain milestones
- Track milestones consistently and escalate exceptions quickly
FAQ: Ship transport (ocean freight)
In logistics usage, yes, “ship transport,” “sea freight,” and “ocean freight” are commonly used interchangeably for cargo moved by vessel.
If your cargo is smaller and you do not need a full container, LCL is often cost-effective, commonly in the ~2–13 m³ planning range.
Maritime transport carries around 80% of international trade by volume, making it foundational to global supply chains.
Key Takeaways:
- Ship transport (ocean freight) moves cargo by vessel and underpins global trade.
- Main booking types: FCL (full container) and LCL (shared container).
- Costs are driven by base freight, origin/destination charges, surcharges, and inland trucking.
- Incoterms define who pays and who manages each leg of the shipment.
