In foreign trade, the most frequent question is not just “how much does it cost?”, but “when does it arrive?”. Sea freight transit time is the cornerstone upon which sales promises and inventory planning are built.
At NCVEN, we know that precision in delivery times is vital for your business’s competitiveness. In this guide, we break down everything that influences your cargo’s journey across the oceans.
What is Sea Freight Transit Time?
Transit time is the estimated period from when a vessel departs the Port of Loading (POL) until it arrives at the Port of Discharge (POD).
Difference Between Transit Time and Lead Time
It is common to confuse them, but for efficient logistics at NCVEN, we separate them:
Transit Time: Refers strictly to the time the vessel is at sea.
Lead Time: The total time from when you place the order with the supplier until the goods arrive at your warehouse (includes loading, customs clearance, and inland transportation).
Factors Affecting Transit Times on the High Seas
It is not always a straight line. There are variables that can shorten or prolong your container’s stay in the water.
Weather and Seasonal Conditions
Phenomena such as hurricanes in the Atlantic or typhoons in the Pacific can force vessels to divert or reduce speed for safety, adding days to the original schedule.
Port Congestion and Bottlenecks
A saturated port means the vessel must wait at “anchorage” (anchored outside the port) before receiving permission to berth. This is common during peak periods, such as the Peak Season before Christmas.
Transshipments vs. Direct Routes
The impact of port calls on journey duration
A direct route is faster but often more expensive. A service with transshipment means your container is unloaded at an intermediate port (such as Panama or Singapore) to be loaded onto another vessel. This can add 5 to 10 days to the total time.
Average Transit Times by Major Routes
Although times vary by shipping line, here are the averages we manage at NCVEN:
Asia – Latin America Route (The China-Mexico/South America Axis)
This is the busiest route. A shipment from Shanghai to the main ports on the West Coast of Latin America usually takes between 25 and 40 days, depending on whether the service is direct or involves transshipments.
Europe – Americas Route
Shipments from ports such as Hamburg or Valencia to the Americas typically have a transit time of 15 to 25 days, being one of the most stable routes in the market.
Intra-Americas Route
Transit times between ports in the United States, the Caribbean, and South America are shorter, ranging between 3 and 12 days.
How to Optimize Shipping Times with NCVEN?
At NCVEN, we don’t just move cargo; we manage time.
Selection of Shipping Lines and Strategic Routes
We analyze the schedule reliability of carriers to offer you the option that best balances cost and speed. Sometimes, paying a slightly higher freight rate for a direct route saves thousands in tied-up inventory costs.
Real-Time Visibility and Tracking
Through our tracking tools, you can know exactly where your cargo is, allowing you to react to any adjustments in the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA).
Frequently Asked Questions about Maritime Times (Snippets)
Does transit time include customs clearance days? No. Transit time refers strictly to the maritime journey. You should add between 3 and 7 additional days for customs formalities and cargo release at the port.
Why does my cargo take longer during peak season? Due to high demand, vessels often fill to capacity and ports become congested, leading to operational delays known as “rollings” (when your cargo is left at the port for the next available vessel).
📞 Optimize Your Supply Chain with NCVEN!
Tired of uncertainty in your imports?
At NCVEN, we provide expert advisory to help you choose the best routes and minimize waiting times. Our team is ready to design a logistics plan that keeps your goods constantly moving.
Request a free consultation today and receive a detailed itinerary for your next shipment!