Ocean Freight
Ocean Freight refers both to the charge for carrying goods by sea and to the sea-transport leg itself. It is the cheapest way to move large volumes over long distances, which is why the great majority of world trade by weight travels by ocean — in containers (FCL and LCL), as bulk, or as break-bulk and project cargo.
Ocean freight rates are quoted per container or per freight ton and swing with supply and demand, fuel (bunker) costs and seasonal peaks, plus a stack of surcharges — BAF, CAF, THC, peak-season and congestion surcharges. Transit times are measured in weeks and depend on the service, transhipment and port rotation. Managing ocean freight — rates, routings, bookings and the accompanying documentation — is the core of most freight-forwarding and shipping operations.
Ocean freight moves the volume that keeps the global economy supplied, at a cost per tonne no other mode can match. Its rates, surcharges and transit times drive landed cost and delivery promises for importers and exporters alike, so understanding and managing ocean freight is fundamental to any trade or logistics business.
How is ocean freight priced?
Per container (FCL) or per freight ton (LCL/break-bulk), plus surcharges such as BAF, THC and peak-season charges; rates move with supply and demand.
Why is ocean freight so widely used?
It is by far the cheapest way to move large volumes over long distances, carrying most of world trade by weight.