Shipping Overseas Freight: What You Need To Know

Expanding your customer base should be at the forefront of every business's operational goals. While you may be starting on a local scene, it's just a matter of time before it's time to go global.

Overseas freight shipping enables you to access thousands of potential customers, which, in return, significantly expands your company's revenue potential. For organizations looking to take the next step, here's what you need to know.

The Basics of International Shipping

Simply put, shipping overseas freight is the process of importing and exporting goods between countries by sea or air. International shipping is inherently prone to logistical complications from moving freight over borders.

Overseas freight is far more intricate than domestic shipments because each country has its own laws.

Navigating Overseas Freight Shipping: Three Tips To Make the Process Run Smoothly

Here are some key factors to be aware of when shipping international cargo:

1. Collect Information

While it may seem simple, a crucial step in completing your overseas freight logistics is gathering all the shipment information and presenting it in the required form. Human error is arguably one of the biggest causes of shipping delays. By diligently completing the documentation and providing the required paperwork, you become a more prepared and reliable shipper.

2. Track Progress

Ensuring a successful operation doesn't stop with the paperwork; you need to track your shipment to ensure it reaches its final destination safely. That's why so many companies are starting to leverage the advantages of real-time tracking: they know the value of holistic freight monitoring.

If you process a lot of international shipments, outsourcing your logistics to a third-party logistics provider (3PL) enables you to receive seamless, timely updates on your freight.

Reach out to your local 3PL provider and ask them about their transportation management systems. This will save you time and money while improving your overall supply chain and warehouse efficiency.

How To Ship Containers Overseas: Exploring Your Available Options

Having a trusted partner when dealing with international freight is always a good idea, which is why 3PL companies can be so beneficial. They have years of experience in navigating the nuances behind international transportation and logistics, with most offering the following services:

International Ocean Freight Shipping

Overseas freight shipping is one of the first ways humanity began moving goods internationally. While old, it remains a staple of global logistics due to its consistency. However, it's not a "cookie-cutter" solution, and determining the right shipping container size for your goods depends on your cargo.

The standard sizes for ocean freight are 20-foot and 40-foot containers, both with standard width and high-cube options. There are a variety of options freight forwarders might offer, but these specific containers are widely used as they make international relocation and shipping much easier.

Almost all global shipping companies will use these containers, but they don't always offer the same services. For larger shipments that don't fit in standard ocean containers, you'll use a "flatrack". Regardless of the size of your goods, your shipment will either be classified as Full Container Load (FCL) or Less Container Load (LCL).

Hypothetically speaking, let's say you have to move out of a one-bedroom apartment with only 250 cubic feet of cargo. It wouldn't make sense to book an entire 20-foot container and only use a small amount of space, would it?

The same is true for overseas freight logistics. LCL shipping refers to the process of sharing or consolidating container shipments with other distributors. LCL containers are filled with multiple shipments bound for the same destination and can save businesses a substantial amount of money in the long run.

Essentially, LCL shipping is the equivalent of sole-use container services, which means you've booked your own container and can use the space to the fullest. With LCL shipping, containers don't leave until they're full, and you could be stuck waiting on other goods to arrive.

However, with FCL shipping, you won't be left handcuffed waiting for new cargo. Because your goods are the only thing in the container, the entire pre-shipping process is consolidated, which helps your overseas freight meet logistic timelines.

International Air Freight

As you well know, shipping overseas doesn't always have to be done through ocean freight. Overseas air freight shipments are a popular solution for many businesses.

While air freight services tend to be more pricey than ocean freight, some companies view air freight as a necessary cost.

By far, air freight is the fastest method of international shipping, and its price reflects the expedited timelines.

FW Warehousing: Your Top Choice for Overseas Cargo Services, 3PL, and Everything in Between

FW Warehousing is a dynamic logistics company focused on helping you meet your overseas freight needs.

Since opening our doors in 1949, we've grown exponentially within the industry by providing customized services to each of our clients.

Need a trusted 3PL provider? You're in the right spot. Start a conversation with our expert team to learn more.