Ocean Freight Container Shipping

If you need to ship a vehicle across the ocean, A-1 Auto Transport is here to help. Ocean freight shipping is a useful way to transport items across the ocean, and it’s also a useful way to transport large quantities of goods cheaply. 90% of all shipments are shipped by ocean freight.

We provide ocean freight container shipping services for all types of vehicles. We are equipped to ship from any international destination.

Ocean Freight Shipping for Cars

At A-1 Auto, we specialize in transporting cars safely and quickly to their final destination, wherever that may be. If you are interested in using ocean freight shipping for your vehicle, you’ve come to the right place.

Your vehicle will be collected from a place of your choosing, then transported to the loading dock or warehouse. Our carriers are highly experienced in the transport of cars, so your car will be loaded, secured, and braced with the utmost care.

Ocean Freight Shipping For International Moves

We are able to provide a full moving service via ocean freight. If you are planning a move across the ocean, we can arrange the entire process for you. Take the hassle out of moving and learn more about this service today.

Why Choose A-1 Auto Transport for Your Ocean Freight Shipment

We have decades of experience shipping cars all over the world. We are dedicated to providing a high-quality service. We guarantee that we will do everything in our power to ensure your vehicle arrives as safely and as quickly as it possibly can.

Plus, our carriers are fully licensed and fully insured, so you won’t have to worry about what happens in the rare case of accidental damage.

Here at A-1 Auto Transport, we want the entire process to be as smooth as possible. We will help you every step of the way, and take care of all of the complicated logistics of the journey. By choosing A-1, you will be taking a load off your shoulders.

Ready To Find Out More About Our Services?

Ready to begin your inquiry with us about ocean freight shipping for your car or your other personal goods? We will be more than happy to assist you with any questions or concerns. Simply give us a call at 1-888-230-9116, or begin by filling out our complimentary quote estimate service.

Choosing Ocean Freight Shipping

If you need to transport your car or other belongings across the ocean, your only options are ocean freight shipping or air freight shipping. Can’t decide? Let’s compare the pros and cons of each.

The Benefits of Choosing Ocean Freight Shipping

Value. Ocean freight shipping tends to be a far more economical method of transport. In many cases, you’ll find that transporting items via ocean freight is four to six times cheaper than the same journey by air freight.

Capacity. Ocean freights can handle both large and small-sized shipments. Smaller cargos will be paired with other small shipments in one container, while larger cargo can be spread out between a number of containers. Shipping in bulk is much easier with ocean freight shipping. Air freight shipping, in comparison, often puts restrictions on the weight and size of your cargo.

Flexibility. In most cases, you will find that ocean freight shipping tends to be more flexible. You will have more options about how to ship your items and when.

Carbon footprint. Compared to air freight shipping, ocean shipping is far more environmentally friendly. In fact, this method produces the fewest grams of exhaust gas emissions per ton of cargo, making it the best shipment method for the environment.

The Downsides of Choosing Ocean Freight Shipping

Speed. While ocean freight shipping is often cheaper, more flexible, and more environmentally friendly, it is also much slower. It’s easy to see why air shipping can deliver items much faster than ocean shipping - especially over long distances.

Reliability. In comparison to air freight shipping, ocean freight shipping can be less reliable. Delivery times can change as a result of weather conditions, border issues, or other delays.

Risk levels. Ocean freight shipping can be much riskier than air freight shipping. Because your goods will be handled more frequently, there is a higher chance that they will become damaged over the course of the journey.

Types of Ocean Freight Shipment Methods

When you choose to ship goods via ocean freight, you will need to choose between LCL (less than container load) or FCL (full container load). These are the two methods of ocean shipment, and each comes with its own pros and cons.

LCL shipping means that your goods will be traveling alongside someone else’s shipment in the same container. This consolidation of goods makes travel cheaper.

FCL shipping involves paying for the use of an entire container. This method is typically faster and safer than LCL. However, it is also more expensive.

Another method is known as Roll on, Roll off (RoRo), and refers to specific ocean liners that are designed to carry shelled cargo. In this method of shipment, the vehicle is driven onto the ship, then off again when it reaches its destination.

Click here for more information on FCL or LCL to decide which method will work for your situation.

FAQs About Ocean Shipping

Still feeling a little confused? Here are some frequently asked questions about ocean freight shipping.

How Much Does Ocean Freight Shipping Cost?

The cost of ocean freight shipping depends on the size of your shipment, the distance traveled, and any other specific logistics that affect the journey. Use our online free quote generator today to get a better idea of what you can expect to pay.

Here are a few of the most common items on an ocean freight quote or invoice. These are the unexpected items that can change your prices.

• Customs security surcharges
• Container Freight Station (these are the consolidation charges, and so only apply for LCL shipments)
• Terminal handling charges (fee charged by the port authority)
• Customs brokerage
• Pickup and delivery costs
• Insurance costs
• Accessorial charges (fuel surcharges, handling hazardous materials, and storage)
• Routing charges

How Much Longer Does Ocean Freight Shipping Take?

The difference can vary greatly. In some cases, an ocean shipment could take up to a month, while an air shipment would arrive in several days. If you are pressed for time, enquire about air freight shipping.

What Paperwork Will I Need To Provide Before The Shipment?

International shipping does require several documents. Every journey will be different, depending on the starting point and the ending point. We will tell you everything you need to know about your specific journey. If we need specific paperwork from you, we will notify you of this, and will provide assistance as needed.

How Should I Prepare My Vehicle for Ocean Shipping?

Your vehicle needs to be in the best possible condition before it sets off on the journey. Make sure it’s cleaned, serviced, and take note of any superficial damage. Your carrier will go through the Bill of Lading with you on arrival.

This document serves as the official agreement between you and the carrier about what prior damage exists on the car. After the journey’s completion, any new damage will be easily discernible.