Ocean shipping: start an enquiry
Sea freight suits large or heavy consignments that don’t need to arrive quickly. Send us the details of what you need to ship and we will tell you how we can help.
- Mode
- Sea freight
- Enquiry
- Form, phone or email
- Quotation
- Based on your shipment
- Terms
- Confirmed per enquiry
Ocean freight rewards early planning. The more we know, the better the quote.
This page explains what ocean shipping involves and what to tell us when you enquire.
We don’t publish transit times, ports, routes or rates here, because they depend on your shipment and are confirmed in a quotation.
Ocean freight in plain terms
Full container
Full container load (FCL): your cargo has a container to itself.
Shared container
Less than container load (LCL): your cargo shares a container with other shippers’ goods.
Documents
Shipments normally travel with documents such as a commercial invoice and a packing list. Requirements vary by route, so check what applies to yours.
Customs
Import and export rules vary by route. When you ask for a quote, check what is and isn’t included.
What sea freight is good for
Sea freight is usually chosen for larger volumes and heavier consignments where cost matters more than speed. It needs more lead time than road or air, so it rewards early planning.
If your goods are needed quickly, or are light and valuable, air cargo may suit better.
Ocean, air or road: a general comparison
| Feature | Ocean | Air | Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slowest | Fastest over long distances | Depends on distance |
| Typical cargo | Large volumes, heavy goods | Urgent, high-value or light goods | Domestic and regional business goods |
| Planning needed | Most lead time | Some lead time | Least lead time |
Information to include in a quotation request
Give as much as you can. Gaps are fine.
- Origin and destinationCity or port at each end.
- Cargo descriptionWhat the goods are.
- Weight and volumeTotal for the shipment.
- Container preferenceFull container or shared.
- Ready dateWhen goods can be collected.
- PackagingPalletised, boxed or loose.
- Restricted or hazardous goodsTell us at the start.
- Trade termsIf you know them.
Tell us what you need to ship, and when. We will tell you what we can do.
Start with the form below, or call +44 (0)161 669 1656.
Ready to talk about your delivery?
Send the details and the team will tell you what can be done.
Questions and answers
Can’t see your question? Call or email and we will help.
Transit times depend on the route and aren’t published here. They are confirmed in your quotation.
This page doesn’t promise customs services. Ask when you enquire and we will confirm what is and isn’t included.
We don’t list ports on this site. Tell us the origin and destination and we will confirm.
Request a quote using the form on this page, or call or email. Give as much detail about the shipment as you can.
Send an enquiry
Tell us about your ocean shipping requirement
Give us as much detail as you can. We reply by phone or email, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 669 1656
- Mobile
- +44 (0)788 888 0222