Transporting goods by sea is the lifeline of the world economy. The exploitation and use of sea routes in transporting goods brings many benefits and is used by many businesses.
In this article, let’s join Truong Thanh Logistics to learn about transporting goods by sea, procedures as well as choosing a business that provides the most reliable and quality services.
1. What is freight transport by sea?
Transporting goods by sea is people’s use of coastal facilities and infrastructure; Use ships and boats to transport goods from one place to another.
Currently, most coastal countries are exploiting this form of goods transportation. Some mainland countries even use transshipment methods, bringing goods to the nearest seaports for international transportation.
As the earliest form of transportation, transporting goods by sea has never lost its role. Not only that, with the explosive development of the global economy, more and more businesses are using this form to develop goods trade.
2. Advantages and disadvantages of sea freight transport
2.1. Advantages of sea freight transport
Using sea freight transport brings many outstanding advantages such as:
Diversity of transported goods
Almost any type of goods can be transported by sea.
Today, super-giant sea ships have been built and put into operation. Thanks to that, the transportation of goods is very convenient, without limitations, and can carry many different items on the same ship.
Transporting goods in large quantities and volumes
Using sea ships to transport goods, you can transport an extremely large amount of goods. In addition, oversized and overweight items such as cars, airplanes, industrial machinery, etc. can also be easily transported by sea.
Reasonable price
Considering the same quantity and volume of goods, the price of shipping by sea is much lower than by road, air or other forms.
Safe goods
When shipping goods by sea, you will not have to worry about collisions, “traffic accidents”… This does not mean that there are none, but these risks rarely occur.
2.2. Disadvantages of transporting goods by sea
In addition to the advantages, transporting goods by sea also has some disadvantages that need to be considered such as:
+ Long transportation time
+ Must be combined with other forms of transportation to deliver goods
+ Low ship speed, also depends on natural conditions
3. Procedures for transporting goods by sea
3.1. Steps to take
To transport any shipment by sea, businesses should contact a professional, reputable logistics unit in the field. After that, the transportation of goods will be carried out according to the following steps.
+ Step 1: Negotiate and sign the contract
+ Step 2: Apply for export license (Applicable to international shipping)
+ Step 3: Book and pick up empty container
+ Step 4: Prepare goods and check export goods
+ Step 5: Buy insurance for the shipment
+ Step 6: Complete customs procedures
+ Step 7: Deliver goods to the ship
+ Step 8: Pay shipping costs and related costs
+ Step 9: Items are sent to the recipient’s address after arriving at the port and being unloaded.
3.2. Documents required in sea transport
To ensure that goods are transported safely and smoothly, documents and papers related to the shipment are indispensable. Specifically, in the transport of goods by sea, the required documents include:
Transport documents:
+ Bill of lading for the goods when loading onto the ship. This type of document is to confirm that the process of loading the goods onto the ship has been completed.
+ Loading order
+ Cargo manifest: Shows detailed information about the type of goods, quantity and destination of the shipment.
+ Receipt confirming that the goods have been loaded onto the ship.
+ Information sheet controlling the quantity of goods during transportation.
+ Diagram showing the location of the goods arranged on the ship. This drawing allows for the best control of the shipment, avoiding loss.
Customs documents:
+ Certificate of origin of goods.
+ Valid cargo insurance contract
+ Packing list of shipments…
4. Introduction to famous cargo shipping lines in the world
4.1. Hamburg Sud Shipping Company
This shipping company was originally owned by the Hamburg Group (named after the merchant house Hamburg Sud – HSG), and later belonged to the A.P. Moler – Maersk Group. Hamburg Sud Shipping Company became the leading shipping company in the South American market, accounting for 2.6% of the world’s shipping market share.
4.2. MOL Shipping Company
This is a famous Japanese shipping company. Up to now, MOL has had over 130 years of experience and owns a fleet of up to 574,083 TEU.
4.3. Yang Ming Shipping Company
Yang Ming Shipping Company is a Taiwanese shipping company, established in 1972. Currently, the shipping company has over 100 ships, with a total tonnage of over 6 million and 586,788 TEUs.
Among the types of transportation that Yang Ming is providing, the fleet serving container transportation accounts for the majority.
4.4. Orient Overseas Container Line
Orient Overseas Container Line was established in 1947 in Hong Kong. Currently, the shipping company provides transportation services with a total capacity of up to 685,423 TEUs.
4.5. Evergreen Line
Evergreen Line is the common name of 4 shipping companies of the Evergreen Group. Currently, the company owns a fleet of 190 ships with a capacity of 1,058,378 TEUs.
4.6. COSCO Shipping Line
COSCO Shipping Line is the largest shipping line in China. COSCO Shipping Line currently has 1,114 ships, including 364 bulk carriers and a container fleet with a capacity of up to 1,820,971 TEU.
5. Sea Freight – Choose Truong Thanh Logistics
Established in 2009, Truong Thanh Logistics currently provides reputable and professional sea freight services to domestic and foreign customers.
Currently, Truong Thanh Logistics is a shipping partner of a series of major shipping lines in the world. In addition, with the accumulated experience in the field of customs clearance and logistics, Truong Thanh Logistics will help your shipping of goods by sea take place quickly and smoothly.
Currently, Truong Thanh Logistics provides a variety of types of sea freight transportation such as:
+ Transporting small and loose cargo
+ Transporting full containers
+ Transporting containerized goods
+ Transporting domestic and international sea freight.