In international trade, freight sea shipping (sea freight cost) is one of the key factors decide the cost of logistics of each shipment. Due to the peculiarities of sea transport can haul large shipping volumes, price is usually rated as the most economical for bulk goods, but detail the charges against influenced by many different factors. The article below will help you to understand shipping rates sea what is, how to calculate the factors affecting and how to save the most optimal cost.
1. Shipping rates sea is what?

Shipping rates sea as the level of fees that carriers or service providers logistics to transport goods from the port of departure to port of destination by sea, usually applied to international shipments. Tariff this includes the cost of transportation on the sea, and may include many other charges depending on each cruise, container type and service conditions.
2. How to calculate the freight sea
Shipping rates sea are usually not fixed that based on several factors, such as:
a. Type, and mass/volume volume
Goods are charged based on actual weight (kg/ton) or weight conversion by volume (m3)—select bigger number to calculate the price. With LCL (Less than Container Load), usually calculated in m3; with FCL (Full Container Load), calculated according to the container (20ft, 40ft...), so the cost per m3 can be cheaper when the lot.
b. Route & distance shipping
The long route and train runs will be charge higher online downloads. For example, routes from Asia to Europe or North America often have different prices depending on the location the port of export – import.
c. Container type
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Standard Container (20ft, 40ft) are usually the cheapest.
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Refrigerated Container (reefer), open roof rack, flat rack... can charge higher due to the request technical peculiarities.
d. Trade terms (Incoterms)
Under Incoterms such as FOB, CIF, CNF... responsible for the cost of the buyer – the seller is different, which affects the way and the final price.
e. Charge more (Surcharges)
In addition to freight itself, there are all kinds of extra charges like:
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BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) – fuel surcharge
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THC (Terminal Handling Charge) – free loading and unloading at the port
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PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) – free peak season
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CIC, ISPS, documentation fees...
The account is usually accounted for significant proportion of total freight sea freight
3. The overall rates today
In fact, the price of ocean freight large fluctuations in the market, seasonality and specific routes. For example, freight shipping a container 40ft from the port, Asian to big markets such as Europe or America can range power demand and supply ship. Even in the stage of market fluctuations, the price can increase or decrease thousands of USD per container than normal
Note: to get accurate quotes, business need to provide full information, goods, online go – to and conditions of trade. The carrier or forwarder will set the price detail fit each batch. Quote package will include sea freight + charge respectively.
4. What factors influence the price sea freight
1) fluctuations in fuel & market
The price of bunker fuel is one of the operating costs of the main ship. When fuel prices increase, the charge BAF will increase accordingly to offset that cost.
2) Supply – demand transportation
In high season (previous occasion, last year...), the demand of rising rates escalate. Conversely, when the supply ship abundant but low demand, the price may fall.
3) the Situation ports & supply chain
Congestion at the port, bad weather conditions or other issues of foreign trade may affect train schedules and free storage container, indirect push rates up.
4) economic conditions the world
Factors such as trade wars, currency fluctuations or economic downturn were to impact up decide the price of the carriers. Rates can fluctuate according to the global buying power and stability of the maritime transport market.
5. The optimal way to save cost of ocean transport
To reduce the cost of sea freight, businesses can apply some of the following ways:
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Plan early and book in advance in order to avoid charges high in peak season.
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Optimal size and container loading to make maximum use of space and reduce the cost per unit of goods.
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Compare multiple carrier & forwarder get the most competitive price.
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Consider long-term contracts if the volume is big help stabilize rates over time.
6. Why need quotes ocean freight package?
Price ocean freight only is the original – when added to the charge as THC, BAF, documentation and freight inland, the total actual cost may differ quite a lot. So business should ask all inclusive quote clear to avoid incurring unexpected and easy budget control logistics.
7. Get freight quotes freight accurate
You need the quotation according to the specific batch from Vietnam to Europe, America, ASEAN... or want to compare quickly the sea? Please contact us to be:
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Advice online, go fit
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Fast quotation in 24 hours
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Support choose containers FCL/LCL optimal
💡 Summary: shipping rates sea very flexible and depends on many factors such as weight/volume volume of goods, shipping route, season and related charges. Therefore, the specific price according to each shipment will help business plan costs more accurate and optimal performance in logistics.
Public joint Stock company commercial service G-Logistics (G-LOGS JSC)
Address: Floor 4, Building Coalimex Building, 29 – 31 Dinh bo Linh Street, Binh Thanh district, Ho Chi Minh City.
Phone: (84) 28 3511 5354/5455
E-mail: info@g-logs.com

