Sea freight is the most economical, and in some cases the only, way to transport cargo over long distances. However, the process takes longer – around 45–60 days depending on the destination.
It is no coincidence that sea freight accounts for around 90% of global trade and is one of the most important links in the entire logistics chain.
Process
1. Cargo collection and preparation
We collect the cargo from the shipper’s warehouse or factory. Depending on its size, the cargo is either loaded directly into a sea container or delivered to a consolidation warehouse for preparation.
2. Export formalities at the port
We handle all export and transit customs documentation. The container is delivered to the terminal at the port of departure and safely loaded onto the vessel.
3. Main sea transport
The cargo is carried on international sea routes. During transport, we continuously monitor the vessel’s movement and provide timely updates on the cargo status.
4. Arrival and cargo-handling operations
When the vessel reaches the destination port, such as Klaipėda, the container is discharged into the port terminal and prepared for the next procedures.
5. Import customs procedures
We handle import procedures, certificates and applicable charges. If the cargo is LCL, it is deconsolidated in a customs warehouse.
6. Door-to-door delivery
Once port and customs formalities are completed, the cargo is promptly delivered by inland transport – truck or rail – to the specified final consignee address.
Cargo collection and preparation
Main sea transport
Import customs procedures
Export formalities at the port
Arrival and cargo-handling operations
Final delivery
- 1
Cargo collection and preparation
- 2
Export formalities at the port
- 3
Main sea transport
- 4
Arrival and cargo-handling operations
- 5
Import customs procedures
- 6
Final delivery
Advantages
Sea freight offers many advantages depending on your business goals, needs and strategy. They can be grouped into four main categories:
Cost efficiency
Sea freight offers the lowest cost per cubic metre of cargo transported. This becomes particularly important as cargo volumes grow.
Global reach
Sea freight has virtually no geographical boundaries, allowing cargo to be delivered to destinations around the world.
Flexibility
It can accommodate cargo of non-standard dimensions and weight, as well as various dangerous-goods classes that may face stricter restrictions in other modes of transport.
Environmental efficiency
Shipping lines are subject to increasingly strict environmental requirements that encourage the use of lower-emission fuels and reductions in emissions.
FAQ
FCL (Full Container Load) means booking an entire container used only for your goods, making it optimal for larger shipments. LCL (Less than Container Load) means sharing one container with goods from other customers, so you pay only for the space you actually use, measured in cubic metres (CBM).
The most common options are standard 20 ft containers, which can hold up to 11 standard pallets, and 40 ft High Cube containers, which can hold around 24–25 standard pallets. Where required, we can also arrange transport in refrigerated (Reefer) or special containers such as Open Top and Flat Rack.
Transit time depends on the route. For example, a direct sailing from the Far East, such as China or Vietnam, may take around 40–45 days, while a route diverted around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope may take around 55–60 days.
Demurrage is a charge for keeping a full container at the port terminal beyond the allowed free time after discharge from the vessel. Detention is a charge for returning the empty container late after unloading it at your warehouse. These charges can be avoided by arranging customs formalities in advance and having local transport ready for prompt collection of the cargo.
The Bill of Lading (B/L) is the main sea-transport document. It confirms the contract of carriage, acts as the carrier's receipt for the cargo and can serve as a document of title. Without an original B/L or a Telex Release, the cargo cannot normally be released at the destination port.
