Definition
The transport of goods by sea, the dominant mode for high-volume international trade.
Ocean freight moves cargo by sea in containers (FCL or LCL), as breakbulk, or in bulk. It is the backbone of global trade, offering by far the lowest cost per tonne over long distances at the expense of longer transit times.
Pricing combines base freight with surcharges such as BAF, CAF, and local terminal charges, and is highly sensitive to capacity, demand, and fuel. Forwarders manage routing, equipment, and free time to optimize cost and reliability.
Related terms
Air Freight
The transport of goods by aircraft — fast and reliable, but the most expensive mode per kilogram.
FCL (Full Container Load)
An ocean shipment that fills (or is booked to fill) an entire container, used by a single consignee.
LCL (Less than Container Load)
An ocean shipment too small to justify a full container, consolidated with other cargo into one box.
Transit Time
The elapsed time a shipment takes to travel from origin to destination, often port to port.
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