GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026

Sea freight transportation

Load a container with finished goods or fill a bulk carrier with raw materials – either way, sea freight transportation is the mode in use.

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Last updated: 16 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_freight

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Definition & Explanation

Load a container with finished goods or fill a bulk carrier with raw materials – either way, sea freight transportation is the mode in use. It covers the movement of goods by ship across oceans and coastal routes and accounts for the overwhelming majority of global trade by volume. Cargo travels as full-container loads (FCL), less-than-container loads (LCL), dry or liquid bulk, break-bulk, or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo), depending on commodity type and quantity. Transit times of several weeks rule out this mode for urgent shipments, but for large volumes no other option comes close on cost. Shipping lines, freight forwarders, port operators, and customs authorities are the principal parties; the bill of lading is the governing transport and title document throughout.

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Check sea freight costEstimate FCL/LCL costOpen Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen

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Sea freight transportation

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