For anyone shipping goods internationally, it is well known that sea freight is an economically priced option for shippers. As one of the oldest methods of transporting goods, it is also one of the most available, as oceans and waterways cover most of our planet. In fact, over 90% of all goods are carried by the international shipping industry. But with other options such as air, road and rail transport available, why should shippers consider sea freight?
Advantages of the sea freight
Sea freight provides shippers with the most competitive freight rates, especially for long distance transport. In comparison, some data suggests that sea freight costs are typically four to six times cheaper than air freight. With such statistics, it is easy to see why sea freight is the cheapest international shipping option available.
Efficiency Regardless of the size of your goods, sea freight companies can usually accommodate your needs. Smaller shipments can be combined with other goods to fill a container, thus sharing the cost of shipping services. Larger shipments can fill one or more containers, providing unparalleled options for shippers. In fact, ships are the ideal way to transport large amounts of goods or raw materials.
Capability for Oversized, Heavy, and Bulky Shipments One of the major advantages of sea freight is that shipping companies can handle oversized, heavy, or bulky shipments - typically referred to as break bulk or non-containerized (NIT) cargo. This type of cargo may include large vehicles, equipment, building materials, etc. which are often too heavy or large for air or even road transportation, but no problem for many ships.
Safety Ships are designed to safely transport hazardous materials and dangerous goods. The industry is well-versed in handling such cargo and has regulations in place to ensure the safety of the vessel, crew, cargo, and environment. With increased safety measures at sea, the number of cargo losses due to accidents during shipment has decreased significantly in the past decade. Containers are designed to be sealed and locked during transport to enhance safety.
Environmental benefits sea freight has a much lower carbon footprint compared to air freight and many other modes of transportation - which is undoubtedly beneficial to the environment. On the other hand, ships offer the most energy-efficient mode of transportation compared to any other mode, and emissions per ton of cargo transported are lower. With advancements in technology, new ships coming online, and the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) power options, these emissions continue to decline.
