The advantages of shipping goods by sea are numerous. Maritime transport is essential for international trade due to the cargo capacity of ships, both in terms of quantity and size of the goods, the ability to cover any distance, and the competitive prices it offers.
Growth of Sea Freight Shipping
Despite the instability caused by the global geopolitical situation, sea freight continues to grow. However, it is important to understand its logistical and administrative operations to make the most of its benefits.
What Are the Main Advantages of Shipping Goods by Sea?
80% of global trade is done by ship because it is the only means of transport that allows the shipment of large quantities of the same product or large orders made up of different items from one side of the planet to the other. The consolidation of maritime freight transport, thanks to the standardized container, is the tool that facilitates this, as it not only enables the shipment of goods by sea but also promotes intermodality. When the ship reaches its destination port, the standardized dimensions of the container allow it to continue its journey by road or rail to the receiver of the cargo.
Unlimited Variety of Goods
Maritime transport allows for the shipment of any product to and from anywhere in the world. The diversity of containers and shipping methods available ranges from the most common operations to fully customized shipments. Additionally, there are no limitations on liquid products and hazardous goods that cannot be shipped by other means, as long as they comply with safety regulations. Having an expert partner in international transportation management is the best option to ensure you take full advantage of the benefits of shipping goods by sea.
Greater Storage Capacity
One of the main advantages of ships compared to other forms of transport is the large storage capacity they offer. When it is necessary to make transoceanic shipments of large quantities of the same product, it is even possible to charter entire ships. This is also the appropriate option, for example, when large quantities of different goods need to be sent to the same customer or destination.
Sea Freight is More Sustainable
Among the advantages of shipping goods by sea is sustainability. The efficient use of storage space in large cargo ships optimizes the number of trips, and the increasing use of less polluting fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), contributes to environmental protection.
Shipping Methods for Goods by Sea
The benefits of maritime transport are clear, but to make the most of the advantages of shipping goods by sea, it is essential to understand which method is best suited for each type of cargo.
With over 35 years of experience, at Startrans, we are experts in the comprehensive management of international shipments. We handle all procedures and advise our clients on the ideal method based on their needs:
Full Container Load (FCL)
For cargo that is not shared with other shippers.
Less-than-Container Load (LCL)
When there is not enough cargo to fill a container, it is shared with other shippers.
Chartering
Hiring entire ships to transport large volumes of goods.
Consolidation Service
To send different goods to the same customer or destination.
Break Bulk Service
Allows the transport of large, separate pieces of heavy size and weight.
Ro-Ro Service
When vehicles or rolling platforms need to be shipped by sea.
If you would like more details on the advantages of shipping goods by sea, we invite you to contact us for more information. We hope you enjoyed this article, and don’t leave without reading this other one on how to improve efficiency in goods transportation. We’re sure it will be very interesting to you.