Logistics ABC: Ocean freight

When does it make sense to send equipment via ship?

Overseas shipments are a cheaper alternative to air freight. However, equipment should only be sent by ship, if sufficient time is available for the transport. Depending on the destination transport times of 40 to 50 days are not uncommon.

How do you load ocean freight?

Normally, ocean freight is transported by containers. There are different standard sizes at disposal:

Besides the container transport, ocean freight can generally also be loaded as general cargo or rolling (RoRo).

On the basis of goods lists and the quantity of packages, our project managers calculate how much freight fits into a container. Since 01.07.2016 a weight verification of the container (so-called Verified Gross Mass) is obligatory.

How is the container loaded?

The container is usually provided by truck at the place of loading. If no loading ramp and/or forklift are on site, it is basically possible to ground the container by crane or special truck (side loader).

How is the container secured?

After loading, each container is secured with so-called bolt or pull-through seals (according to ISO standard / PAS 17712: 2013 “High Security Seals“). The seals are not opened until the container is deliverered at its destination and the appropriate recipient is available.

Each seal is equipped with a unique combination of letters and numbers which is noted in the shipping documents. This ensures that the container has not been opened during transport and secured with a different seal.

The only exception is the opening of the container by customs authorities. In case of a customs inspection, the container is secured with a new seal and the new number is noted accordingly.

Since the containers are usually on the high seas for several weeks, we recommend taking measures against increased humidity, especially for sensitive equipment. For this purpose, dehumidifiers (dry bars) are placed in the container: