Sea Freight International Shipping Services
SEKO’s ocean logistics, Global sea freight and shipping network encompasses more than 40 countries worldwide, including all of the world’s major seaports.
We manage hundreds of thousands of containers, also known as TEUs, every year - to and from Asia, Europe and North America. Our employees are intimately familiar with all the local customs laws and regulations - saving you time, money, and ensuring your sea freight shipments reach their final destination safely.
OCEAN FORWARDING AND TRANSPORTATION
We have strong working relationships with the largest ocean carriers in the world, which enables us to offer flexible routing and multiple ocean transportation options for both part container (LCL) and full container (FCL) movements. In addition, SEKO provides consolidation and de-consolidation of ocean shipments at origin and destination, to optimise your supply chain and deliver a full range of Global shipping logistics.
SUPPLY CHAIN VISIBILITY
We stand alone in the sophistication and performance of our tracking and tracing capability thanks to MySEKO, our online customer portal and software for freight rate management. MySEKO lets you track your ocean and sea freight from origin to destination, giving you access to view and upload all necessary documentation, and to receive status updates via email and configurable reports. We also provide ocean carrier logistics management for your direct contracts with the steamship lines.
NVOCC MEANS FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY
Because SEKO is a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC), we’re not locked into strict sailing schedules. That gives us the freedom and flexibility to schedule your ocean freight on a variety of steamship lines, enabling us to find the vessel and the sailing time that best meets your ocean freight shipping needs and budget. And because we can pick and choose our carriers, we can access more ports, more cost effectively than vessel operating carriers. SEKO keeps an eye on ocean freight schedules on your behalf, making ocean shipping as straightforward as possible.
DEDICATED LCL CONSOLIDATIONS
Steamship lines are not interested in handling small shipments. But with our dedicated Less than Container Load (LCL) consolidations from origin, we can consolidate your LCL orders and give you the same international shipping rates and service advantages that larger companies get. We’ll also give you one single point of contact for your ocean freight right through to destination.
PURCHASE ORDER MANAGEMENT
Our in-house developed, online PO Management System keeps you informed on where your containers are, where they are going, where they are stored and when they have arrived. From any location, ocean transportation is easy and effortless.
WE SPECIALISE IN SPECIAL HANDLING
We offer all sorts of project cargo shipping services, including break bulk and RO/RO (Roll On/Roll Off shipping), and we deal in all manner of sizes and weights for specialised cargo. Contact us with your specific requirements today for a shipping quote.
“Over the last 10 years, SEKO have been our exclusive provider of ocean and air import services and my experience work working with them has been excellent. With a single phone call or email, I am provided with door to door service, customs clearance and the assurance that my shipments will arrive on-time and safely.”
Howard Cagle Master Crafters Inc.
Ocean Freight FAQ's
Ocean freight forwarding is a service provided to facilitate the transportation of goods via ocean vessels from one location to another across international or domestic borders. It is a crucial aspect of international trade and play a significant role in the global supply chain.
The process of ocean freight forwarding involves several key steps:
- Booking
- Documentation
- Cargo Consolidation
- Transportation to Port
- Customs Clearance
- Loading and Shipping
- Freight Tracking
- Destination Services
Ocean freight forwarding offers several advantages for transporting goods internationally. Some of the key benefits include:
- Cost-Effectiveness
- Suitable for Large Shipments
- Global Reach
- Environmentally Friendly
- Reliability
- Safety and Security
- Flexibility in Cargo Types
- Reduced Customs Formalities
- Lower Infrastructure Requirement
- Transshipment Options
Overall, ocean freight forwarding remains a popular and practical choice for businesses engaged in international trade, offering a balance between cost, capacity, and environmental impact.
Ocean freight forwarding is suitable for transporting a wide range of goods, including:
- Consumer Goods
- Industrial and Manufacturing Equipment
- Raw Materials and Commodities
- Automobiles and Vehicles
- Chemicals and Hazmat
- Refrigerated Goods
- Liquids
- Project Cargo
- Furniture and Home Furnishings
- Consumer Electronics and Appliances
- Building Materials
Choosing the right ocean freight forwarder is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the efficiency and success of your international shipments. Here are some steps to help you choose the right ocean freight forwarder:
- Research and Shortlist: Start by researching reputable ocean freight forwarders. Look for companies with a strong track record, positive customer reviews, and experience in handling shipments to your target destinations.
- Evaluate Experience and Expertise: Check the forwarder's experience in handling shipments similar to yours.
- Check Licensing and Certifications: Ensure that the ocean freight forwarder holds the necessary licenses and certifications to operate legally and comply with international shipping regulations.
- Global Network and Coverage: Assess the forwarder's global network and coverage.
- Services Offered: Review the range of services offered by the forwarder.
- Financial Stability: It's essential to work with a financially stable forwarder to minimize the risk of disruptions or financial issues during the shipping process.
- Technology and Tracking: Inquire about the forwarder's technology capabilities.
- Customer Service: Good customer service is crucial for a smooth shipping experience.
- Cost and Pricing: Request detailed quotes from the shortlisted forwarders and compare the costs and pricing structures. While cost is important, remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best if it compromises service quality or reliability.
- References and Testimonials: Ask for references from the forwarder and contact their existing or past clients to gather feedback on their performance and reliability.
- Environmental Considerations: If sustainability is important to your business, inquire about the forwarder's environmental initiatives and efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
- Contracts and Liability: Review the terms and conditions of the forwarder's contract, including their liability coverage for potential losses or damages during transit.
Ocean freight forwarding involves various documents that are essential for the smooth and compliant transportation of goods. The specific documents required may vary based on the countries involved, the nature of the cargo, and the shipping terms. Here are some common documents required for ocean freight forwarding:
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin (COO)
- Insurance Certificate
- Customs Documentation
- Export License
- Dangerous Goods (DG) Documentation
- Letter of Credit (LC)
- Booking Confirmation
- Health and Sanitary Certificates
- Any Other Specific Documents
It's crucial to work closely with your chosen ocean freight forwarder to ensure you have all the required documentation in order to avoid delays, penalties, or other issues during the shipping process. Additionally, keep in mind that specific documentation requirements may change based on the ever-evolving international trade regulations and agreements.
Find out how SEKO can Transform Your Business
Everything we do is focused on making our customers' lives easier and helping them to develop and maintain excellent relationships with their own customers.
To find out more, fill in the form, email ukenquiries@sekologistics.com, or give us a call.