How Long Does Ocean Freight Take?

Ocean freight is the most cost-effective way to ship items globally.  However, it is also the slowest method of shipping and best suited for deliveries that are not time sensitive. Typically, you can expect ocean freight to take anywhere from 20 days to 45 days.

It is also important to note that this estimate may be longer when considering door to door delivery. Meaning, when items arrive at their destination port they could still require additional days to be transported to the end consumer by a last mile delivery truck.

Here we will look at the pros and cons of ocean freight and what affects ocean freight delivery times.

What Affects Ocean Freight Delivery Times?

There are a wide range of things that can affect how long ocean freight takes. These are the most common reasons that ocean freight could be delayed:

  • LCL Shipping: Ocean freight shipping can either be done with a full container load (FCL) or less than a container load (LCL). We will cover the differences in the next section, but know that LCL shipping can add several days to your shipping time compared to FCL.
  • Global Conditions: Delays can also occur due to things like weather, political unrest, major health crises and anything else that can slow down travel or processing.
  • Location/Distance: While distance is an obvious factor, the pickup and dropoff locations can also contribute to how long a shipment will take. Certain countries will have tighter security or have extra requirements that a ship must pass through.
  • Seasonality: Just like with so many other services, a busy time of year will also mean slower deliveries. Expect deliveries near the major holidays to take longer overall. Winter holidays also often coincide with difficult weather.
  • Customs Delays: There is always a chance your shipment may be held up at customs. Typically, as long as the shipment has the correct documentation and does not contain prohibited products, these delays should not take more than a few extra days.

ocean freight delivery times

How Can Ocean Freight Time be Shortened?

When shipping via ocean freight (or with any mode of transport), there are many factors you will not be able to control. However, there are a few things you can do to try and minimize the time it takes for your freight to get to its destination, including:

Ship FCL vs LCL

Ocean freight can be shipped either as a full container load (FCL) or a less than container load (LCL). With LCL, your freight will be combined with other shippers’ freight to fill a single container.

Loading an LCL shipment can add several days to your delivery time. This is because the multiple freight orders will need to be combined and packed into a single container. With FCL, your items will fill an entire container so there is no need to wait for other shipments.

Proper Documentation

Proper documentation is important with any shipment but is especially crucial when shipping internationally. Correctly filling out documents like your Bill of Lading (BOL)  will make it easier for customs agents to quickly identify and pass your shipment.

Additionally, you will want to check if your goods require special clearance from any government agency. Hazardous materials, weapons, and alcohol are among the most common products that will need additional approval.

Hire a Customs Broker

A customs broker is someone who will handle much of the paperwork and logistics when you are shipping internationally. Hire an experienced customs broker to ensure paperwork is filled out and filed correctly.

When to Use Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is best suited to cargo that has a flexible delivery schedule since there are several ways the shipment could be delayed. Many perishable items will not be suitable for ocean freight for this reason as well.

Additionally, ocean freight is really only cost-effective when you are shipping a larger order. Small, lightweight packages can often be sent via plane much faster and for a reasonable cost.

Pros and Cons of Ocean Freight

Pros: Cost is the primary advantage of ocean freight. However, it is also one of the most carbon efficient modes of shipping. This can help your company meet green goals to help better the planet and increase customer reputation.

Cons: Ocean freight times remain the biggest consideration for many shippers. However, inefficient shipping costs on smaller, lighter items should also be considered before committing to ocean freight.

Customer Service Considerations

When shipping goods via ocean freight to consumers, it is important to manage delivery time expectations. While consumers appreciate the lower shipping costs associated with ocean freight, they may not be aware just how long delivery can take.

Give Accurate Delivery Times: To avoid unnecessary complaints from customers, make sure to clearly state on your website and at checkout how long delivery may take. Typically, customers are far more willing to wait longer and not leave a bad review when they have a realistic time estimate upfront.

Tailor Your Website to Your Audience: Additionally, when shipping internationally, your website should reflect rates in the country you are shipping to. Ideally, you will create a dedicated website, or at least a single page, to each country you ship to. This will allow you to easily show prices in the local currency and to add any applicable fees.

service considerations

Get a Free Quote on Ocean Freight

Ocean freight remains the most affordable way to ship items globally. It is ideal for a wide range of dry goods, clothing, electronics, and much more. Whenever you need to transport items long distances and have a flexible delivery window, ocean freight is the best option.

Get started with shipping your company’s goods via ocean freight with Ontario Container Transport.  OCT proudly serves companies throughout Canada with convenient intermodal containers that can easily be moved between different modes of transportation.

For more information and to request a free quote on ocean freight call us at (905) 695 -1501.

Add a comment

*Please complete all fields correctly

Related Blogs

local delivery services
house mover
uses of flatbed trailers