What Factors Affect International Shipping Sea Freight?

Understanding International Shipping Sea Freight

International ocean shipping refers to the act of carriers transporting goods as per the provisions of the ocean freight contract, moving goods from one country port to another. International shipping sea freight is a very important mode of transportation in international trade. More than two-thirds of the total volume of international trade, and most of China's imports and exports, are transported by sea. International shipping sea freight cost includes the cost from the domestic factory to the destination port (including domestic logistics and operational costs as well as international transportation costs), but does not include destination clearance, delivery, and agency fees.

Factors Affecting International Shipping Sea Freight

Many importers and exporters always encounter difficulties with pricing when transporting goods. The cost of each shipment is not always the same. Are their costs reasonable? In fact, international sea freight is not fixed and is affected by various factors. Let's take a look at the main factors affecting international shipping sea freight:

Nature and Weight of Goods

The nature of goods has a significant impact on international freight. Many importers and exporters mistakenly believe that once the number of containers is determined, the freight will also be determined. In fact, even with the same container, different freight rates apply depending on the value, nature, and weight of the goods. Generally speaking, if the goods are more valuable, or some hazardous materials, the shipping cost will be higher, and if it is palletized goods, a discount price is available. In addition, if the goods in the container are heavier, affecting the utilization of ship space and tonnage, the international freight cost will be relatively higher.

Market Conditions

International ocean shipping is also divided into low and high seasons. If it is a low season, due to the small number of goods, shipping companies may offer some discounts to attract customers. If shipping companies accept more goods during the high season, the quoted prices will naturally rise. Sometimes, if owners need to transport a batch of goods immediately, they will have to pay higher shipping costs. This indicates that in international freight transportation, if you do not want to pay unnecessary costs, a good strategy is to plan ahead and avoid emergencies.

Quality of Freight Forwarding Companies

Of course, the level of international sea freight also has a certain impact on the quality of freight forwarding companies. Many importers and exporters have the impression that freight forwarding companies help to handle relevant business. In fact, if they choose a relatively large freight forwarding company, they may enjoy some shipping discounts. As some cargo owners choose international freight forwarding companies with larger business volumes with target shipping companies, and have a better relationship with them, the shipping companies may offer some discounts.

The above are some factors affecting international shipping sea freight. When dealing with international freight transportation, we must be aware of these factors and use them to ensure that we can enjoy more efficient services at lower costs.