What is Sea Freight?
Sea freight, also known as ocean freight, is the transportation of goods from one country to another using cargo ships that travel across oceans and seas. It is one of the most widely used methods of international shipping because it allows large volumes of cargo to be transported at a comparatively lower cost.
Sea freight services are commonly used by businesses that ship heavy, bulky, or high-volume goods and do not require immediate delivery. It plays a critical role in global trade and international supply chains.
How Sea Freight Services Work
The sea freight process begins with goods being packed and prepared at the supplier’s location. Once packed, the cargo is transported to the port of origin, where it is either loaded into shipping containers or prepared for specialized handling. The cargo vessel then carries the shipment across international waters to the destination port.
After the ship arrives, the goods are unloaded at the destination port, cleared through customs, and transported to the final delivery location. Each of these stages requires coordination, documentation, and compliance with international shipping regulations.
At MLS Group, the entire sea freight process is managed end-to-end to ensure smooth, efficient, and timely movement of cargo.
Sea Freight Services Provided by MLS Group
Full Container Load (FCL) Sea Freight
Full Container Load (FCL) shipping refers to a shipment where one customer uses an entire container exclusively for their cargo. This option provides better cargo security, reduced handling, and faster processing at ports.
FCL sea freight is suitable for businesses shipping large quantities of goods or high-value cargo that requires exclusive container usage.
Less than Container Load (LCL) Sea Freight
Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping is used when the shipment size does not require a full container. In this method, cargo from multiple customers is consolidated into a single container, allowing businesses to ship smaller quantities while sharing transportation costs.
LCL sea freight is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses, startups, and occasional exporters or importers.
Break Bulk Sea Freight
Break bulk sea freight is used for cargo that cannot be transported in standard shipping containers due to its size, shape, or weight. These goods are handled individually and require special equipment during loading and unloading.
Common examples of break bulk cargo include heavy machinery, industrial equipment, and oversized construction materials.
Project Cargo Sea Freight
Project cargo involves the transportation of large, complex, or high-value shipments that are part of major industrial or infrastructure projects. These shipments require detailed planning, route assessment, and precise execution.
MLS Group provides specialized project cargo sea freight solutions to ensure safe and timely delivery of critical equipment and materials.
Port-to-Port Sea Freight Services
Port-to-port sea freight services involve transporting goods from the port of origin to the port of destination. This option is typically chosen when customers manage inland transportation independently or when shipments are moving between major international ports.
Door-to-Door Sea Freight Services
Door-to-door sea freight services cover the complete logistics journey, from pickup at the supplier’s premises to final delivery at the customer’s location. This service offers convenience, reduced coordination, and single-point responsibility throughout the shipping process.
When Should You Choose Sea Freight Services?
Sea freight services are best suited when goods are heavy, bulky, or shipped in large volumes, when transportation costs need to be optimized, and when delivery timelines allow for longer transit periods. International sea freight is commonly used for global trade involving bulk goods and non-urgent shipments.
Real-World Example of Sea Freight
An exporter in India manufactures furniture for overseas markets. Due to the size and volume of the shipment and a flexible delivery schedule, the exporter chooses sea freight using Full Container Load services. This ensures cost-effective transportation while maintaining cargo safety during transit.
Why Choose MLS Group for Sea Freight Services?
MLS Group offers reliable and comprehensive sea freight solutions supported by strong global partnerships and extensive industry experience. From FCL and LCL shipments to break bulk and project cargo, we handle documentation, coordination, and cargo movement with precision and care.
Our focus is on delivering cost-effective, secure, and efficient international sea freight services that support our clients’ global business operations.
