There are many types of ocean freight carriers ready to ship your cargo worldwide. Break bulk ocean carriers specialize in shipping large amounts of material after it has been broken down into smaller, often pallet-sized, amounts. Container shipping is similar to break bulk but uses large metal containers. Static cargo is comprised of large, irregular pieces that can’t fit inside a standard box, such as automobiles or machinery. Tankers ship one specific type of liquid cargo, such as oil or manmade chemicals.
Many factors come into play when determining ocean carrier rates. Because of this, it is important to shop around for a good rate when shipping to a new destination. One waterborne carrier company may be the best in one circumstance but not in another. Always consider the following when using ocean shipping companies:
1. Shop around to compare the rates and services of various waterborne carriers.
2. Understand that one dry materials carrier may not ship all kinds of goods.
3. Make sure your tanker company ships all your products.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Compare rates between different ocean shipping companies
Check multiple companies in order to find the lowest cost or the fastest time for shipping. Some shipping companies still require you to contact them directly for rate, but others have set up web applications so you can check anytime.
I recommend: Start pricing use a web application to get a nice baseline for your shipping rate comparisons.
Ocean Freight USA has a detailed application that lets you price out their shipment rates in fine detail. After registering with their site,
FreightQuote will give you the rates from several different waterborne carriers.
Pick the best waterborne freight carriers for your needs
Many dry goods shippers are flexible with what they ship so whether you need a container vessel or break bulk, you can use one company. In case your shipper doesn't allow a specific type of shipment, it is good to know multiple companies.
I recommend: Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics is an industry leader in static cargo shipping. They also handle stowage and movement for their irregular cargo. When shipping dry bulk goods such as raw materials or bulk grains,
Genco Shipping and Trading Company can handle many types of products. For standard ocean shipping look at
Freight Dynamics; they provide a wide range of dry shipment services.
Use an ocean shipping company with a large fleet for the most options
Tankers are highly specialized; shipping crude oil takes a completely different ship than naphtha. Finding a tanker company that handles multiple products will allow your company options should you need them in the future.
I recommend: B+H Ocean Carriers, Ltd. is a small carrier that handles several different types of liquid product. If you need a larger, more established company, then look at
Maersk Tankers. They maintain a huge fleet and carry many different liquid goods all around the world.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- When looking at a shipping company, it is important to know exactly what they ship and how they do it. Always contact a potential company and make sure they fully answer all of your questions before shipping anything.
The official source of Waterborne Carriers is the Waterborne Carriers page at Business.com
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