Sea Freight

International Sea Freight & Shipping Services with SLG Logistics’

Sea freight, also known as ocean freight, refers to the transportation of goods via container ships between ports worldwide. As an expert sea freight forwarder, SLG Logistics specialises in coordinating the efficient shipment from the UK to the world.

Global Sea Cargo & Ocean Freight Shipping

Sea freight is ideal for transporting large volumes of non-perishable goods in consolidated containers. By combining cargo from multiple customers into a full container load (FCL), we reduce costs for all parties involved.

Common items shipped by sea freight include:

Manufactured components and machinery
Vehicles and construction equipment
Non-perishable foodstuffs such as grains, beverages, and packaged goods
Consumer goods like electronics and clothing
Furniture, fixtures, and bulk packaging
Perishable items (in refrigerated containers)

Certain restrictions apply to hazardous materials, which require special handling and documentation.

Whether you’re shipping cargo from the UK to China, Singapore, India, or beyond, SLG Logistics offers reliable sea freight solutions to support your international trade needs.

Get a Quote

From

Cargo Length (cm)

Cargo Width (cm)

Cargo Height (cm)

Cargo Weight (kg)

Cargo MSDS

Picture of Cargo

Your Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Why Choose Sea Freight?

Cost-Effective

Choosing sea freight for shipping overseas offers significant cost savings over other freight forwarding methods, like air freight, which can come up to 5-6X the cost of sea freight.

Big Capacity

Sea freight shipping is ideal for bulk orders, offering the flexibility and capacity needed for substantial freight volumes.

Safe Transport

Shipment by sea ensures that goods are securely transported over long distances, with robust handling and storage protocols to minimise risks during transit.

Global Reach

Shipment by sea gives you access to an extensive global network to stay connected to distant markets, which makes it a superior choice for international trade.

Reliability

Sea freight is a reliable solution for international shipments as scheduled container ship sailings run on a regular weekly/biweekly basis along major trade lanes.

Environmental Friendliness

Transporting goods by sea is more energy efficient per tonne-mile than other modes and reduces carbon footprint and overall emissions.

Our Sea Freight Process

Pack Container

Ship Contract

Sea Transit

Report Submission

Unload at Dock

Customs Check

Distribute Goods

SLG was recommended to me by a friend, and from the first message until I received my goods, the team at SLG’s service has been nothing short of amazing. The way they have guided and assured me throughout the process shows their many years of experience in the industry. Thank you!

Amanda

We’ve had good experiences working with SLG for our company’s regular shipments from the UK. The team at SLG have exhibited great initiative and helped handle our queries. Thank you for making our shipment process smooth!

Guoyi

I want to commend the team at SLG for their help with importing my cargo from the UK. I appreciate their support in answering my queries promptly and would recommend them to anyone needing logistics services.

Kevin

7,300+

Miles Covered

Countries

99.9%

Deliveries On Time

Sea Freight FAQs

Who is sea freight suitable for?

Customers often choose sea freight as the mode of transport to ship goods that are not urgently needed, bulky, and/or large in quantity. This may include stocks of bulky furniture, machinery, or vehicles that are transported via RoRo (roll-on roll-off) ships.

Sea freight is a suitable option for various individuals and businesses shipping to and from countries around the world, such as:

Manufacturers transporting goods between Australia and Singapore.
Chinese suppliers shipping raw materials to Singapore.
US retailers sending consumer items to Singapore.
UK importers transporting machinery parts to Southeast Asian markets.
Singaporean exporters trading with customers in North America.

Consolidating smaller cargo volumes onto container ships also makes sea freight an affordable solution for small-to-medium-sized businesses engaging in international trade.

How long do sea freight shipments take to arrive?

Sea freight shipments typically take between 20 to 45 days, depending on the route and distance. Shipments from Asia to Europe may take around 30 to 35 days, while routes from Asia to the United States can take 20 to 40 days. Factors such as customs clearance, port congestion, and weather can affect transit times.

What documents are required to ship cargo through sea freight?

The main documents required are the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, cargo insurance documents, and any necessary CITES permits or certificates of origin/conformity. Customs clearance paperwork, including customs entry documents, are also needed at both the origin and destination ports.

Is it possible to do door-to-door shipping with sea freight shipments?

Yes, it’s possible to arrange door-to-door shipping via sea freight.

Freight forwarders coordinate the full shipment, including pick up, ocean transit on container vessels, and delivery. This provides one-stop responsibility and visibility for seamless, door-to-door service.

What is the difference between sea freight and air freight?

The main difference between sea freight and air freight is the speed of transit. Air freight uses aircraft to ship cargo internationally in a matter of days but at a much higher price per unit. Sea freight transports on container ships and takes weeks for global delivery, making it far more affordable over long distances.

Sea freight can handle larger volumes and consolidated shipments of general goods since it’s not constrained by aircraft size and weight allowances like air freight. However, air is preferable for small, high-value items or those needing rushed transit like perishables.

While air freight offers greater trackability, sea tracking depends on subsequent carriers once containers discharge at destinations. Both require customs paperwork coordination, but air uses express clearance versus advanced processing for sea. Overall, forwarders recommend sea or air based on shipment urgency, size and affordability needs.

Can I ship by sea freight if I don't have a customs agent/broker?

While it’s possible to handle customs clearance yourself, it’s generally recommended to use a customs broker or agent, especially for international shipments. They have expertise in navigating complex customs regulations and can help avoid delays or issues with your shipment

Should I insure a shipment by sea?

Yes, it’s highly recommended to get freight cargo insurance. While sea freight is generally safe, there are risks involved in long-distance transportation. Insurance protects against loss or damage during transit. The cost of insurance is typically a small percentage of the cargo’s value and offers shippers peace of mind.

Is there a difference between ocean and sea freight?

No, there is no difference between ocean freight and sea freight. These terms are used interchangeably in the shipping industry to transport goods by sea.

SLG Logistics is trusted to deliver sea freight solutions globally. Contact us to simplify your international logistics.