Ocean transport remains the backbone of international trade, moving over 90% of global cargo. As businesses expand into global markets, understanding how ocean shipping, multimodal tracking, and documentation, such as the bill of lading, work is critical to success. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about ocean freight, from its operation to how ExFreight streamlines the process, making it easier, faster, and more transparent.
You’ll learn about the different modes of maritime logistics, cost-effective strategies for container shipping, and digital innovations in freight forwarding. If you’re navigating global trade routes, looking for port to port shipping solutions, or want to optimize your cargo shipping operations, this guide is for you.
Mastering ocean freight and trading is essential for efficient global logistics. This guide empowers shippers to make informed decisions with ExFreight’s digital tools, from booking to tracking and everything in between.
What Is Ocean Freight?
Ocean freight refers to the transportation of goods via sea, typically in large containers. It’s the most cost-effective way to ship large volumes of cargo over long distances. Whether you’re shipping raw materials or finished products, container shipping allows secure and scalable transportation across the globe.
“More than 90% of world trade is carried by sea, making ocean freight essential for international commerce.”
Benefits of Ocean Freight Transportation
Cost Efficiency
Compared to air or ground transportation, ocean shipping offers unbeatable value, especially for bulk and long-haul shipments.
Environmental Sustainability
Ocean transport is the most carbon-efficient mode of transportation, reducing emissions per ton-mile compared to air and road transport.
Versatility & Capacity
From cars to construction materials, ocean carriers handle a wide range of cargo, including oversized, hazardous, and temperature-sensitive goods.
LCL vs FCL Shipping — Which Is Right for You?
What Is LCL Shipping?
Less than Container Load (LCL) means your goods share container space with other shipments. Ideal for small to medium-sized loads.
What Is FCL Shipping?
Full Container Load (FCL) dedicates the entire container to your shipment—better for large volumes or when security is a concern.
LCL can be more economical for small businesses, while FCL offers better rates for high-volume or sensitive cargo.
The Role of the Bill of Lading
A bill of lading (BOL) is an essential legal document in cargo shipping. It serves as a receipt, contract, and title of goods.
Ocean Transport or Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading
- Lists all shipment details (origin, destination, contents, weight)
- Required for customs clearance
- Issued by the freight forwarder or carrier (e.g., ExFreight)
ExFreight provides both standard and electronic bills of lading for all international shipments.
Tracking in Ocean or Multimodal Transport
Real-time tracking is a game-changer in maritime logistics. ExFreight’s digital platform utilizes GPS, APIs, and integrations to track containers throughout all stages of the journey.
“Track your shipment using our map-based visibility platform with real-time updates across sea, rail, and road.” — ExFreight Tracking Tools
Multimodal Transportation Benefits
- Combines sea, rail, truck, and sometimes air
- Offers cost and transit time optimization
- Requires reliable tracking to manage transfers efficiently
ExFreight’s Ocean Freight Services
Instant Quotes & Bookings
- Get door-to-port or door-to-door pricing instantly
- Transparent cost breakdowns: ocean freight, terminal fees, customs, delivery
Digital Bill of Lading & Documentation
- Secure uploads
- SLI (Shipper’s Letter of Instruction) for customs export clearance
- AES filing for shipments valued at over $2,500
Easy Tracking & Customer Support
- Real-time GPS tracking
- 24/7 support and alerts
- API integrations for advanced logistics platforms
Ocean Shipping in Global Trade
Ocean transport connects the dots between global trade routes, such as:
- Asia ↔ Europe
- North America ↔ South America
- Europe ↔ Africa
Freight flows are supported by freight forwarding networks, port infrastructure, and digital platforms like ExFreight, which optimize the movement from pickup to delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Ocean Freight Work?
Ocean freight moves goods in containers loaded onto cargo ships. You can choose FCL or LCL depending on volume. A BOL is required for export, and shipments are tracked through digital platforms like ExFreight’s system.
What Are the Advantages of Ocean Freight Transportation?
- Cost-effective for large loads
- Environmentally sustainable
- Capable of carrying diverse cargo types
- Global reach
Is LCL Shipping Right for My Cargo?
Yes, if you:
- Have less than 15 CBM of goods
- Can wait longer for delivery
- Want a lower upfront cost
LCL consolidates your goods with those of others, allowing you to share container space and cost.
What Is the Ocean Bill of Lading Terms?
- Issued at cargo pickup
- Includes terms on delivery, liability, and cargo details
- Serves as proof of ownership
- Required for customs at destination
What Is the Cheapest Freight Method?
Ocean LCL is often the most economical, followed by FCL. Compared to air, ocean shipping costs significantly less per kilogram ideal for non-urgent cargo.
Why Choose ExFreight for Ocean Freight?
ExFreight is a modern, tech-first freight forwarder providing:
- Real-time tracking
- Transparent pricing
- Instant quotes from 150+ countries
- Documentation handling and customs clearance
- Integration with logistics systems (TMS/ERP)
“ExFreight is a non-asset-based, digital freight forwarder offering unmatched visibility and ease of use.”
Ocean transport and trading are essential for global commerce. With platforms like ExFreight, the complexity of maritime logistics becomes manageable—even for small or medium-sized businesses.
Whether you’re exporting auto parts from the U.S. or importing machinery from Asia, ExFreight simplifies the process with instant quotes, intelligent tracking, and precise documentation. Take advantage of ocean freight services that deliver reliability, savings, and visibility across your supply chain.
Ready to streamline your ocean freight operations?
Get a quote with ExFreight and start shipping smarter today.
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