Get your feet wet in ocean shipping

In many cases, shipping cargo by ocean transport means understanding the ins and outs of import/export and logistics. Take some time to learn the freight shipping lingo and basic facts before deciding whether and how to ship goods with a freight shipper.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Commerce site Export.gov contains a Basic Guide to Exporting with a good intro to shipping issues and an explanation of what a freight shipper is and does.

Locate a freight shipper to ship your goods

Ocean freight companies act on behalf of your company by coordinating shipping overseas. A freight shipper compiles the costs of ocean shipping into a single quote encompassing items such as freight shipping costs, customs fees, insurance and handling.

I recommend: LogLink contains an alphabetical listing of ocean freight companies. Forwarders.com also contains an extensive listing of freight shipping forwarders. Research freight shipping carriers yourself by perusing the listings on World Wide Shipping. The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America provides export businesses with information on its members.

Know the relevant rules and regulations of ocean freight shipping

Whether or not you'll need to obtain special permission to ship your products by ocean transport depends upon the type and amount of product and the country or region.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Commerce provides a guide to export regulations and licenses and a listing of government departments that regulate exports. To get a feel for international conventions and freight shipping regulations, visit World Customs Organization. Los Angeles law firm Countryman & McDaniel provides an extensive listing of links related to maritime law and regulation of ocean freight companies.