Sea freight forwarding, sometimes known as ocean freight, is a service that is a cost-effective way of transporting goods overseas, and is also one of the most economical. AFFA offers a sea freight service for both importing and exporting. This will be using a full container load or less, including flat rack and out of gauge. The goods are received from our Didcot terminal. We offer regular departures to the Far East, Middle East, Africa, Australia, the Mediterranean and many other locations.
If you are a small business owner, sea freight may not be an option you have considered until now. You don’t have to be a large company to reap the benefits of a sea freight service. You can still benefit from cost-effective shipping rates, without filling an entire container.
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We provide a door-to-door and door-to-airport service. Any goods that are shipped internationally will need to go through customs before they can exit or come into a country. AFFA will take care of the customs clearance for you. Not only that but we will make sure that your freight meets the pre-arranged flight on time and take into consideration any special collection or delivery requirements you may have.
WE DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY
As a paying customer, you can expect nothing but the best possible freight forwarding experience. AFFA is a specialised shipping firm that focuses in international freight forwarding services. There are no contact centres or automated phone systems; instead, you will always be connected directly to a member of our small but devoted delivery crew who will assist you.
We take great pleasure in our dependability and 5-star customer service to ensure that we’re the only transportation company you’ll ever need. View our testimonials to discover what our customers have to say about our services and their experiences.
Key Benefits of Sea Freight
Tips when choosing Sea Freight…
- Always plan ahead! Sea freight can take longer for your cargo to reach its destination. Book in advance, and we will give you an estimated time of delivery.
- Although you don’t need greater volumes of cargo, sometimes it can be more cost-effective when shipping internationally.
- Make sure you pack your goods in preparation for transit. We take great care in your property, but you can prevent the chances of damage by ensuring you have taken precautions.
If Sea freight shipping isn’t what you’re looking for, then AFFA are dedicated to providing the perfect freight forwarding option that suits you. Be certain to check out our Air and Road services as well as our Pallet and Packing facilities.
Should you wish to discuss your sea freight requirements in more detail, please don’t hesitate in contacting us for more information.
Sea Freight FAQ’s
Import Customs Duties and Taxes may be applicable at destination, or on arrival.
Typical charges for sea freight include, Freight, Bunker Adjustment Fee (BAF), Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF), Terminal Handling Charge, Environmental Fuel Fee (EFF), Peak Season Surcharges (PSS), Documentation, Port Security, SOLAS / VGM (Safety Of Life At Sea / Verified Gross Mass), Inland Haulage (if required).
Other fees and surcharges may be applicable depending on the nature of goods and shipping instructions.
Inland Haulage Charges are the transportation costs incurred when moving freight from a seaport of loading to an inland container freight station, and vice versa.
Stowage plans are usually made by the shipping line.
The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is the weight of the cargo including dunnage and bracing plus the tare weight of the container carrying this cargo.
SOLAS requires the shipper to provide VGM in a “shipping document,” either as part of the shipping instruction or in a separate communication, before vessel loading.
A booking needs to be made with the freight agent.
The container will arrive at the agreed time.
The shipper then has 3 hours to load the container.
This must be done by the shipper alone. The driver will not help!
Once the container is loaded, it must be sealed and the seal number and container number noted.
Generally yes, sea freight is cheaper than air freight as sea freight tends to have a longer delivery time. However, prices do depend on the amount and type of cargo you are shipping. For further information, please contact us.
FCL for Full Container Load and LCL for Less than Container Loads.
An FCL shipment, or full container shipment, as its name suggests, is a shipment that occupies the entire space of a container without having to share it with other merchandise