International Ocean Freight Service Overview
International ocean freight refers to the transportation of goods by sea under a carrier’s contractual agreement, utilizing vessels to move cargo between global ports for freight compensation. As the primary mode of international trade, ocean freight handles over two-thirds of global trade volume and serves as the backbone for transporting the majority of China’s import and export goods.
Service Scope
FCL/LCL (Full Container Load/Less than Container Load), Break Bulk, Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off), and other export solutions.
Integrated Logistics Support:
◆ Truck loading/unloading, warehousing, distribution, and ground transportation.
◆ End-to-end freight management: Booking, customs clearance, inspection, fumigation, and marine insurance.
◆ Door-to-door services with expertise in EXW, DDP, DDU terms.
◆ Third-party certification assistance.
Why Choose Us
Leveraging decades of experience, we streamline cross-border logistics with precision, compliance, and cost-efficiency — ensuring your cargo reaches its destination seamlessly.
1. Container Types
A. Full Container Load (FCL)
FCL refers to shipments occupying an entire container (e.g., 20ft, 40ft, 40HQ, 45HQ), typically used when the shipper has sufficient cargo volume. Containers are usually leased from carriers or container rental companies. After delivery to the shipper’s facility, goods are loaded, sealed under customs supervision, and returned to the carrier. A Dock Receipt is issued, which is later exchanged for a Bill of Lading (B/L). B/L clauses must include: "Shipper’s Load, Count, and Seal" (SLCS).
B. Less than Container Load (LCL)
LCL consolidates multiple shippers’ small-volume cargo (e.g., 1m, 5m, or 10m) into a single container bound for the same destination. Sorting, consolidation, and deconsolidation are performed at the carrier’s Container Freight Station (CFS) or Inland Container Depot (ICD).
2. Ocean Bill of Lading (B/L)
A B/L serves as:
Proof of contract between the shipper and carrier.
Receipt confirming goods are loaded on board.
Document of title enabling cargo pickup, bank financing (via L/C negotiation), or transfer before arrival.
Port-to-Port Shipped on Board Marine B/L is the standard format, varying by carrier but consistent in key fields. Exporters and banks must ensure "documentary compliance".
3. Service Ports & Partnerships
A. Domestic Ports (China):
Ningbo, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Hong Kong.
B. Global Network:
Overseas agencies cover 150+ countries.
C. Carrier Alliances:
Long-term partnerships with MSK, COSCO, EMC, MSC, CMA CGM, HMM, ONE, PIL, ZIM, etc.
4. Key Shipping Routes
| Africa | South Africa, Mozambique, Libya (North Africa), Algeria |
| South America | Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia |
| North America | US (Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Detroit, Oakland, LA/Long Beach, Miami) |
| Europe | UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
| Middle East | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain |
| Southeast Asia | Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia |
5. Transport Modes
Port-to-Port (P2P)
Port-to-Door (P2D)
Door-to-Door (D2D)
Door-to-Port (D2P)
Door-to-CFS/ICD (D2C)
Port-to-CFS/ICD (P2C)
CFS/ICD-to-Door (C2D)
CFS/ICD-to-Port (C2P)
CFS/ICD-to-CFS/ICD (C2C)
Translation Notes:
Terminology Precision:
FCL/LCL: Industry-standard abbreviations retained.
B/L Clauses: SLCS (Shipper’s Load, Count, Seal) and documentary compliance emphasized.
Port Codes: Major ports listed with internationally recognized names (e.g., LA/Long Beach).
Structural Clarity:
Tables for routes enhance readability.
Hierarchical headings align with technical documentation standards.