GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Sea freight
Shipping lines and freight forwarders use sea freight to carry goods commercially between ports by vessel – in full container loads (FCL), less-than-container loads (LCL), bulk carriers, or tankers.
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Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seefracht
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Definition & Explanation
Shipping lines and freight forwarders use sea freight to carry goods commercially between ports by vessel – in full container loads (FCL), less-than-container loads (LCL), bulk carriers, or tankers. It is the dominant mode of global trade by volume, with the vast majority of internationally traded goods moved by ship. Charges are calculated per container equivalent (TEU), by weight, or by cubic measure, depending on cargo type. Ocean freight offers significantly lower unit costs than air transport, but requires longer lead times: transit times of two to six weeks are common depending on the trade lane. Port access, terminal handling, and customs clearance are integral to every shipment and are typically coordinated by the freight forwarder.
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