Ocean Freight

In today’s logistical landscape, choosing between a full container and a shared one is not just a matter of volume; it is a strategic decision that impacts cash flow, product integrity, and final customer satisfaction. The Technical “Tipping Point”: When is FCL cheaper even with empty space? While the original baseline often cites a range of 13 to 15 cubic meters (CBM), freight fluctuations in 2024 and 2025 suggest that this break-even point can be even lower. The 10-12 CBM Rule: On high-demand routes (such as Asia-Latin America), if your cargo exceeds 10-12 CBM, it is imperative to quote a 20-foot container (FCL). Flat Rate vs. W/M: FCL is paid per container unit, whereas LCL is billed based on Weight or Measure (W/M). In LCL, if your goods are very heavy but take up little space (or vice versa), costs can skyrocket, often exceeding the price of a full container where weight does not penalize the ocean freight cost as heavily. Hidden Costs: What you don’t see in the initial quote One of the biggest mistakes is comparing only the “ocean freight.” The true cost is revealed at the port of destination. CFS (Container Freight Station) Charges: This fee is exclusive to LCL. It includes handling, opening the container, and cargo segregation. In many ports, these costs are fixed per CBM and can be extremely high, causing a 14 CBM LCL shipment to end up costing more than a 20-foot container where these deconsolidation fees do not apply. Customs Delay Risks: In an LCL container, if another importer’s goods have documentation issues or are physically inspected, the entire container is held up. This can generate unforeseen storage expenses for you—a risk that disappears with FCL, as you have total control over your own documentation. Master Strategy: Buyer’s Consolidation If you have multiple suppliers in the same region but none of them fill a container, do not limit yourself to traditional LCL. How it works: Instead of each supplier sending a separate LCL shipment (paying multiple fixed documentation and handling fees), you can request a consolidation service. Your suppliers send the cargo to a central warehouse (such as NCVEN in Houston), where a single FCL container is assembled specifically for you. Advantages: You save up to 30% in destination port costs, reduce the risk of damage due to less handling, and simplify your customs process into a single import entry. Security and “Touch Points” Cargo integrity is an indirect cost. LCL: Your merchandise is handled at least five times more than in FCL (loading at the factory, unloading at the origin warehouse, loading into the container, unloading at destination, loading onto the final truck). Every “touch” is an opportunity for damage. FCL: The container is sealed at the origin and only opened at your facilities. This drastically reduces insurance premiums and the risk of shrinkage or loss. The Incoterms Factor: Who is in control? The choice between FCL and LCL also depends on who controls the logistics: If you buy under EXW or FOB terms, you decide the method. This is where expert advice from a partner like NCVEN is vital to compare the “door-to-door” cost. If the supplier insists on shipping LCL under CIF or CFR terms, be cautious: often the freight appears “free” or very cheap, but the deconsolidation charges at destination are usually inflated to compensate for the freight cost at origin. Optimizing costs is not simply about searching for the lowest rate, but about understanding the total cost structure. A detailed analysis of local charges, your shipping frequency, and the nature of your products can save you thousands of dollars annually.

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!