AN OVERVIEW OF THE SEA FREIGHT FORWARDING PROCESS FOR FCL IMPORTS

When it comes to moving goods across continents, sea freight remains one of the most cost-effective and reliable shipping methods—especially for full container loads (FCL). Whether you’re importing electronics from China, textiles from India, or machinery from the US, understanding how the sea freight forwarding process works can save your business time, money, and frustration.

What Is Sea Freight Forwarding?

Sea freight forwarding involves the coordination and management of international cargo shipped by ocean. Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between shippers and various service providers (such as shipping lines, ports, customs agents, and hauliers) to ensure goods move smoothly from the country of origin to the final destination.

When to Use Full Container Load (FCL)

FCL shipping is typically used when you have enough cargo to fill an entire container (usually 20ft or 40ft), or when you want to avoid sharing space with other importers’ goods (as in LCL shipments). FCL offers:

• Lower cost per unit (for larger shipments)

• Reduced risk of damage or contamination

• Faster transit times (no consolidation or deconsolidation delays)

  
  

The Sea Freight Forwarding Process

Initial Quote & Booking

Your freight forwarder will gather the key shipment details:

• Pickup location

• Container size (20ft, 40ft, or HC)

• Commodity and HS codes

• Origin and destination ports

They’ll then provide a quote covering:

• Ocean freight charges

• Local origin/destination handling

• Customs clearance

• Delivery to your premises

Once confirmed, they’ll book space on a vessel with a shipping line.

Container Collection & Loading

• An empty container is delivered to your supplier or factory.

• The goods are loaded, sealed, and a Container Loading Certificate may be issued (especially for sensitive or regulated cargo).

• A Shipping Instruction (SI) is submitted to the carrier for documentation.

Export Customs Clearance

Before departure, the container must be cleared by customs in the origin country. This includes:

• Commercial invoice & packing list

• Export declaration

• Any required licences or certificates

A forwarder or local customs broker usually manages this on your behalf.

Departure & Ocean Transit

• The container is loaded onto the vessel at the port of origin.

• Your forwarder provides the Bill of Lading (B/L) – a key document that acts as proof of shipment and can be used for release at destination.

• Transit times vary by route.

Arrival & Import Customs Clearance

Once the container arrives at the destination port:

• Your forwarder or customs broker prepares and submits an Import Declaration.

• Duties, VAT, and other fees are calculated and paid.

• Some shipments may require additional checks (e.g., Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) controls in the UK).

Port Handling & Container Release

• The container is lifted off the vessel and moved to a stacking yard.

• Port fees and handling charges are settled.

• Your forwarder arranges for release and schedules delivery.

Final Delivery

The container is delivered by road (or sometimes rail) to your warehouse or final destination.

• You have a set free time (e.g., 7 days) to unload before demurrage/detention charges apply.

• Once unloaded, the container is returned to the port or depot.

Why Use Multimotion?

• Route and rate optimisation

• Proactive tracking and updates

• Customs guidance

• Problem-solving during disruptions

A Note on Incoterms

It’s important to remember that some stages of the sea freight forwarding process may vary depending on the agreed Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) between buyer and seller.

For example:

• Under FOB (Free On Board), the seller is responsible for delivering goods to the port and clearing them for export, while the buyer arranges the ocean freight and everything that follows.

• With CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight), the seller arranges and pays for ocean freight and insurance, but the buyer still handles import customs and final delivery.

• DAP (Delivered at Place) means the seller takes care of most of the journey—including delivery to the buyer’s address—but the buyer may still be responsible for import duties.

These terms influence:

• Who arranges and pays for which parts of the journey

• When risk transfers from seller to buyer

• Who appoints the freight forwarder

Always check the agreed Incoterm before arranging shipments to avoid surprises in costs, responsibilities, or handover points.

Final Thoughts

Sea freight forwarding can seem complex, but with the right partner and proper planning, it’s a smooth and scalable solution for international trade. Whether you're importing one container or hundreds, understanding the process gives you better control over timelines, costs, and compliance.

Need help with your next FCL import? Our team of sea freight experts is here to guide you every step of the way.