Sea freight

Sea freight refers to the transportation of goods via ocean vessels, often used for large shipments and bulk cargo. This method is cost-effective for international shipping, accommodating various types of cargo, including break-bulk, containerised shipping, and ocean freight. With specialised cargo services, including customs clearance and tracking, sea freight is essential for businesses looking to manage logistics efficiently. For detailed insights on sea freight, please visit ICE Cargo’s website.

Sea freight transit times can vary based on several factors, including the distance between ports, the shipping route, and the type of cargo being transported. Generally, sea freight can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. For example, shipping goods from Australia to Asia might take around 8 to 15 days, while shipments to Europe could take 42 to 55 days. Additionally, factors like weather conditions and customs clearance can influence delivery times. For specific timelines, consult a sea freight forwarder.

The cost of sea freight depends on various factors, including the type of cargo, shipping distance, and volume or weight. Sea cargo freight rates can vary widely, influenced by fuel prices, port fees, and additional services like customs clearance, as well as origin collection or destination delivery requirements. For accurate sea freight quotes, it’s best to consult a sea freight forwarder who can provide tailored pricing based on your specific needs.

Sea freight is generally cheaper than air freight. While air freight offers faster delivery times, it comes with higher costs due to factors like fuel prices and aircraft operational expenses. In contrast, sea freight is more cost-effective for transporting large volumes or bulk cargo. Sea cargo freight rates vary, but for businesses looking to manage logistics on a budget, sea freight is typically the preferred option. For precise pricing, please consult a sea freight forwarder for a tailored quote.

Our experts track sea freight shipments, and on your behalf, as part of our excellent customer service, you can relax knowing this service is provided by our ICE sea freight forwarder experts. Additionally, some freight carriers provide online portals where you can view detailed information about your sea cargo shipments, and its current location.

Shipment times for ocean freight depend on the cargo’s origin, destination, peak shipping seasons, and external factors like port congestion. For accurate transit times, always request a quote. Generally, you can expect:

• From Asia  to Australia: 8-25 days
• From Europe to Australia: 42-55 days
• From the US to Australia: 30-45 days
• From New Zealand to Australia: 5-7 days

The arrival date of a vessel does not equate to the delivery date of your sea cargo. The vessel ETA indicates when the ship reaches the port, not when your shipment will arrive at your premises. Delivery can take up to 10 days after vessel arrival. Once the vessel berths, it typically takes an average of 4 days for FCL cargo, and up to 10 days for LCL cargo to be offloaded and ready for collection. Our team will work diligently to expedite the delivery process as soon as your cargo is available.

Unfortunately, we cannot control the unloading order of vessels or access to containers. The timing for uplifting your sea cargo depends on its position in the stack, with heavier cargo placed at the bottom for safety and weight distribution.

Typically, it takes about 2 to 5 days for a container to be offloaded, depending on accessibility. Once your sea freight cargo is at the wharf, we usually have three days to collect it before incurring demurrage charges.

A “Direct Service” means direct shipping into Australia, not directly to the specific port you booked. For instance, a vessel from China typically stops at Sydney and Melbourne before heading to Brisbane, following the established port rotation of the shipping line. Please note that “direct service” is a general term. ICE freight experts can inform you of scheduled port rotations for your sea freight, and provide an estimated time of arrival (ETA) for when your sea cargo will be available.

Ocean freight is significantly cheaper than air freight, but it takes much longer – what can be delivered in a few days by air may take weeks by ocean. Sea freight offers flexibility with various routes and service options, making it suitable for heavier, bulky, and hazardous cargo. If your sea cargo isn’t urgent and you want to save money, we recommend opting for sea freight cargo services.

Please connect with our sea freight specialists at 1300 CARGO1 (1300 227 461) for assistance.

Shipping costs for ocean freight depend on several factors, including peak season, origin and destination, container type, and whether you prefer a transshipment or direct service. Additionally, costs will vary based on the size and type of container to best meet your requirements.

Less than Container Loads (LCL) are charged per cubic meter, with the minimum charge based on 1m³. Prices vary accordingly. For smaller shipments (less than 1m³), consider a courier service option. If you’re shipping goods from multiple suppliers to a single destination, ICE can arrange a consolidation service to load all your sea cargo together in one container, saving you time and money.

Yes! In addition to our own warehouses, ICE offers 3PL services for both short and long-term storage across Australia. We also offer customs bonded warehouse services, enabling the acceptance of imported goods for storage until customs formalities, such as duty payments, are arranged.

Coastal shipping is a cost-effective solution for moving cargo domestically, such as from the East Coast to the West Coast of Australia. This service utilises both Australian-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels, often providing a cheaper alternative to rail freight. See our article on “How Coastal Shipping Can Reduce Your Transport Costs Within Australia”.