There are several types of sea freight that are commonly used for transporting goods by sea. These include:
- Full container load (FCL): In FCL shipping, the entire container is reserved for one shipment, which can be loaded and unloaded at the origin and destination ports. This is typically the most cost-effective option for shippers with large or heavy shipments.
- Less than container load (LCL): LCL shipping allows multiple shippers to share space in a single container, which can reduce transportation costs for smaller shipments.
- Roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro): Ro-Ro shipping is typically used for vehicles, heavy equipment, and other rolling stock that can be driven onto and off of the ship. This method is faster and more efficient than traditional container shipping for this type of cargo.
- Breakbulk shipping: Breakbulk shipping involves the transportation of goods that cannot be containerized, such as large machinery, oversized equipment, or heavy cargo. This type of shipping requires specialized equipment and handling procedures.
- Bulk shipping: Bulk shipping is used for the transportation of commodities such as grain, coal, ore, and petroleum products. These goods are typically transported in large quantities in bulk carriers.
- Project cargo shipping: Project cargo shipping involves the transportation of large and complex pieces of equipment, such as turbines or reactors, that require specialized handling and transportation procedures.
Each type of sea freight has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on the type of cargo being shipped, the destination, and the transportation budget.