EAST · Sea

Sea freight — the backbone of import and export cargo

Ships carry the most volume at the lowest cost per tonne of the four modes, in exchange for longer transit times and dependence on vessel schedules. The real cost often sits at the port: yard storage, container demurrage/detention, handling and the connecting leg into the port.

East — opening onto the East Sea and international routes.

When to choose

High-volume import and export cargo moving regularly
Full container loads, or LCL cargo consolidated into containers
Bulk and project cargo through ports with suitable equipment
When cost per tonne is the top priority

Not suitable when

Cargo that must arrive within a few days
Very small shipments where fixed port charges make up most of the cost
Cargo that cannot tolerate time in the yard or transshipment

Typical legs

Which points the cargo passes through

Shipper's warehouseStuffing into containers or consolidating LCL cargo

Origin port / ICDGate-in to the yard, verified gross mass (VGM), customs clearance, cut-off

VesselMay be transshipped at a hub port

Destination portDischarge, customs clearance, container free time

Consignee's warehouseTruck or barge leg, empty container return

Documents usually required

Ocean bill of lading
Verified gross mass (VGM) of the container
Customs declaration; C/O when claiming trade-agreement preferences
Invoice, packing list

Reference list; specific requirements depend on the cargo, the route and current regulations.

Watch-outs to avoid extra costs

Count container demurrage/detention (DEM/DET) days before the cargo ships — these charges build up faster than freight
Submit the VGM before cut-off; discrepancies lead to refusal of loading
Consider barges for the port connection leg where a suitable waterway exists