Sea freight is the most common route for goods from China and South-East Asia to Europe. Ships carry standard containers, so the price per kilogram or cubic metre is the lowest of all modes of transport. It suits larger quantities, pallets and goods you do not need straight away.
Full container or groupage
- Full container load (FCL): the container is yours alone. The supplier loads and seals it, and it reaches its destination just as it left. It pays off when your goods fill most of the container.
- Groupage (LCL): your goods travel in a container together with goods from other customers. You only pay for the space you use, so it suits a few pallets or cubic metres.
Container sizes
| Container | Internal volume | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| 20ʹ | about 33 m³ | heavier goods with a smaller volume |
| 40ʹ | about 67 m³ | most wholesale shipments |
| 40ʹ HC (high cube) | about 76 m³ | light, bulky goods |
How sea freight works
- You send us details of the goods, the quantity and the supplier, and we prepare an offer.
- The goods are collected from the supplier or at the port of export and cleared for export.
- The container travels by ship to a European port. For container shipping to Slovenia, the nearest port is Koper.
- Import customs clearance follows, then transport to the consignee.
We keep you informed of where your shipment is along the way. If you need the goods sooner, have a look at air freight, and for an option in between, at rail and road freight.
