What we offer
Full container (FCL), less-than-container (LCL) and conventional cargo. Carrier and routing are selected according to your priority.
Scope
- FCL — 20’, 40’, 40’HC, reefer and open-top
- LCL consolidation services
- Break-bulk and RO/RO
- Port-to-port, port-to-door, door-to-door
- Container tracking and demurrage management
FCL or LCL
As a rule of thumb, above roughly 15 m³ a full container (FCL) usually beats groupage (LCL). But volume alone does not decide it — LCL adds days for consolidation and destination deconsolidation, and more handling means more damage risk.
If the cargo is fragile or the delivery date is critical, a full container is worth considering even below that threshold.
What sets the rate
Ocean freight is normally quoted per container, so the number of boxes matters more than the cubic metres. What moves the price:
- Service and number of transhipments — direct sailings cost more, arrive sooner
- Season — the weeks before Far East new year are the tightest
- Equipment type: reefer, open-top and flat-rack price differently
- Port charges and terminal handling (THC) — separate from the freight
- Fuel and low-sulphur surcharges
Demurrage and detention
These two lines produce more cost surprises than anything else in ocean freight:
- Demurrage — the container sitting at the port beyond the free time
- Detention — the empty container returned late to the carrier
Free days vary by carrier and contract, and the clock keeps running if the customs paperwork is not ready. That is why we start the declaration against the loading date, not the arrival date.
Practical notes
The verified gross mass (VGM) declaration is mandatory before loading; without it the box will not be shipped. On reefer cargo the temperature setting and ventilation must be confirmed in writing before loading.