What is Maritime Transport?
It refers to the use of vessels to transport exports and imports of goods across the sea between different international ports. International maritime transport is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to move large quantities of products, especially those that do not have time-sensitive urgency, as this method requires a longer transit time.
This type of transport is primarily carried out by ships, which can vary in size and type depending on the kind of load they carry. From bulk products to full containers of various goods.
For international maritime freight transport, it is necessary to have insurance and the required documentation to comply with import and export regulations without committing any violations, as this would result in higher logistics costs.
What documents do you need to hire maritime transport?
- Commercial invoice: Includes details of the goods, such as description, quantity, and price.
- Packing list: Describes how the goods are packed, including dimensions and weight.
- Bill of Lading: A legal document issued by the shipping company that confirms the receipt of the goods for transport.
- Specific certificates: Depending on the nature of the goods, certificates of origin, sanitary, or phytosanitary may be required.
- Insurance policy: A document that guarantees coverage for risks associated with transporting the goods (optional).
Importance of Insurance in Maritime Transport
It is essential to hire insurance for the goods, as it protects against the risks associated with the transportation of goods, which may vary in coverage. However, it mainly focuses on protecting against damage or loss of load during transit.
What types of insurance are available for maritime freight?
- Basic coverage insurance includes types like: warehouse-to-warehouse, port-to-port, warehouse-to-port, and port-to-warehouse. It covers damages caused by weather conditions, machinery malfunction, and theft.
- Extended coverage insurance includes the basic insurance risks and adds protection against shipwrecks, losses, and collisions between loads.
- All-risk insurance with English clauses (Institute Cargo Clauses) covers most potential risks except for losses due to weight or volume, inadequate packaging, delays, wars, and strikes.
You should always check the country from which you want to import or export, as some countries offer special coverages that are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
To save on import costs, it’s important to optimize the space in which you transport your goods, so you have two options depending on your load volume.
LCL and FCL.
What are they? And how are they used in maritime transport?
- Less Than Container Load (LCL): In this method, the load uses part of the container. If your goods are of lower volume, typically between 1 and 13 cubic meters, they share the container with goods from other importers.
- Full Container Load (FCL): In this method, the load uses the entire container space. Your goods are transported alone in a container without sharing space with goods from other importers. This applies when the load exceeds 10 standard pallets or 14 cubic meters.
LCL and FCL:
- Mixed from multiple suppliers: Goods can be purchased from different suppliers and consolidated into a single container.
- FCL and LCL: One supplier sells to multiple clients, and the load is separated when it reaches its destination.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Maritime Transport
Advantages:
- Competitive rates: Operational costs, such as fuel and maintenance, are lower compared to air or land transport.
- High load capacity: Cargo ships can transport large volumes, exceeding the capacity of other transport modes.
- Wide coverage: Maritime transport connects ports worldwide, facilitating international trade.
- Resistance to adverse weather conditions: Ships are designed to operate even in challenging weather conditions.
- Safety and stability: It is one of the safest transport methods, with low accident rates and load loss compared to other transport types.
Disadvantages:
- Longer transit time: Maritime transport is slower compared to air transport, making it less viable for perishable goods or urgent deliveries.
- Dependence on maritime routes: Delivery times may be affected by port congestion, route diversions, or other unforeseen logistics events.
- Complex logistical requirements: Managing documentation and customs procedures can be tedious and require expertise.
- Environmental risks: Although efficient, international maritime transport can contribute to marine pollution if proper measures are not taken.
Tips for Efficient Maritime Transport
- Plan ahead: Reserve spaces and organize the required documentation in advance. With ComexPoint, you can do this in the most optimal way.
- Optimize packaging: Use appropriate packaging and make the most of the container space if you’re using a full container.
- Choose the right type of load: LCL for smaller loads; FCL for larger loads.
- Keep documentation in order: Verify invoices, Bill of Lading, certificates of origin, dangerous goods documentation, etc.
- Hire appropriate insurance: Protect your goods against damage and loss. Our platform offers insurance providers.
- Negotiate rates: Look for volume discounts or long-term contracts. You can quote international maritime freight and all the logistics needed on our platform.
- Comply with regulations: Check international and environmental regulations.
- Evaluate results: Analyze costs, times, and quality to improve future shipments.
Remember that pallets should be fumigated and have the proper seal. This applies to all palletized goods.
Get a quote for maritime freight with us! Online Quoting at ComexPoint.
