Ocean freight

LCL stands for Less than Container Load, which refers to a type of ocean freight shipment where the cargo is not large enough to fill a standard shipping container. In an LCL shipment, the cargo from multiple shippers is consolidated into a single container for transportation.

LCL ocean freight is a cost-effective solution for shipping smaller quantities of goods internationally. Instead of paying for a full container, shippers only pay for the space their cargo occupies within the container. This allows them to share the cost of shipping with other shippers and reduces the overall transportation cost.

LCL shipments are typically handled by APT Logistics who specialize in consolidating and coordinating shipments. APT Logistics arranges for the cargo to be picked up from the shipper's location, consolidate it with other shipments at our warehouse / CFS or terminal, and then arrange for transportation to the port of departure. At the destination port, the process is reversed, and the cargo is deconsolidated and delivered to the recipient.

LCL ocean freight is a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses that need to import or export goods internationally but do not have enough cargo to fill a full container. It allows them to take advantage of the cost savings of ocean freight while avoiding the high cost of air freight or the limitations of express courier services.

FCL stands for Full Container Load, which refers to a type of ocean freight shipment where the cargo is large enough to fill a standard shipping container. There are different types of FCL ocean freight shipments, depending on the type of cargo being transported and the requirements of the shipper. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Dry container: This is the most common type of FCL shipment. It is a standard shipping container that is used to transport dry goods, such as electronics, clothing, machinery, and consumer goods. It comes mostly in 20 foot and 40 foot.

2. Refrigerated container: Also known as a "reefer" container, this type of FCL shipment is used to transport perishable goods, such as food and pharmaceuticals, that require a temperature-controlled environment.

3. Open-top container: This type of FCL shipment has an open top, which allows for easy loading and unloading of oversized or bulky cargo, such as machinery and equipment.

4. Flat-rack container: This type of FCL shipment has a flatbed with no sides or top, and is used to transport oversized or irregularly shaped cargo that cannot fit into a standard container.

5. Tank container: This type of FCL shipment is used to transport liquids and gases, such as chemicals, petroleum, and food-grade products. It is a specialized container that is designed to be leak-proof and to prevent contamination of the cargo.

6. High Cube container: This type of FCL shipment is similar to a standard dry container, but has an extra foot of height, providing more space for cargo that cannot fit into a standard container due to its height.

7. Open-side container: This type of FCL shipment has doors that open on the side instead of the end, providing easy access to the cargo. It is often used for transporting goods that need to be loaded and unloaded quickly, such as automotive parts.

These are just some of the most common types of FCL ocean freight shipments. The type of container used will depend on the cargo being transported, as well as the requirements of the shipper and the destination country. APT Logistics details in all kinds of containers and provides them to shippers depending upon their requirement.

Transporting over dimensional cargo, also known as oversized or heavy-lift cargo, by sea freight requires specialized equipment and expertise. Over dimensional cargo is cargo that exceeds the standard dimensions or weight limits of shipping containers, and may include items such as large machinery, vehicles, and construction equipment. Here are some of the key considerations for transporting over dimensional cargo by sea freight:

1. Specialized equipment: Over dimensional cargo requires specialized equipment, such as flat rack containers, open-top containers, or heavy-lift vessels, to accommodate the size and weight of the cargo. The equipment must be carefully selected to ensure that the cargo is transported safely and efficiently.

2. Route planning: The route for transporting over dimensional cargo must be carefully planned to avoid obstacles such as low bridges, narrow roads, and sharp turns. The route must also be planned to comply with local regulations and restrictions that may affect the size and weight of the cargo.

3. Permits and approvals: Transporting over dimensional cargo by sea freight requires permits and approvals from various authorities, including port authorities, customs, and transportation agencies. These permits and approvals must be obtained in advance to ensure that the cargo can be transported without delays.

4. Loading and unloading: Loading and unloading over dimensional cargo requires specialized equipment, such as cranes, to lift and position the cargo. The cargo must be carefully secured to prevent damage during transport, and the loading and unloading process must be carefully planned to ensure that the cargo is handled safely and efficiently.

5. Expertise and experience: Transporting over dimensional cargo by sea freight requires expertise and experience in handling specialized equipment, planning routes, obtaining permits and approvals, and managing the loading and unloading process. APT Logistics has the required experience in transporting over dimensional cargo to ensure that the cargo is transported safely and efficiently.

Overall, transporting over dimensional cargo by sea freight requires careful planning, specialized equipment, and expertise to ensure that the cargo is transported safely and efficiently. APT Logistics is one of the few professionally experienced freight forwarder in India having experience in handling over dimensional cargo to ensure a successful shipment.

Break bulk shipping is a type of ocean freight shipment that involves the transportation of cargo that is not containerized or that cannot be loaded in standard shipping containers. Instead, break bulk cargo is loaded individually onto a ship and secured in place using lashings and other equipment. Here are some key features of break bulk shipping:

1. Cargo types: Break bulk shipping is commonly used for goods that are too large, too heavy, or too irregularly shaped to fit into standard shipping containers. Examples of break bulk cargo include machinery, vehicles, steel, timber, and other bulk commodities.

2. Loading and unloading: Break bulk cargo is loaded and unloaded using specialized equipment, such as cranes, forklifts, and conveyors. The cargo must be carefully secured to prevent damage during transport, and the loading and unloading process must be carefully planned to ensure that the cargo is handled safely and efficiently.

3. Shipping options: Break bulk cargo can be shipped in a variety of ways, including using specialized break bulk vessels, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels, or container ships that have been modified to accommodate break bulk cargo.

4. Customized solutions: Break bulk shipping requires customized solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of the cargo being transported. This may include specialized equipment, customized packing and securing solutions, and specialized handling and transportation services.

5. Documentation and compliance: Break bulk shipping requires extensive documentation and compliance with various regulations and requirements. This may include customs clearance, permits and approvals, and compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

Overall, break bulk shipping is a flexible and reliable option for transporting cargo that cannot be containerized. It requires specialized equipment, expertise, and planning to ensure that the cargo is transported safely and efficiently. APT Logistics has the required experience in handling break bulk cargo to ensure a successful shipment.

Hazardous cargo shipments by sea refer to the transportation of goods that are considered dangerous or potentially harmful to people, property, or the environment. These goods are classified as hazardous materials or dangerous goods and are subject to international regulations that govern their transportation by sea.

Some examples of hazardous cargo that may be transported by sea include explosives, flammable liquids or gases, radioactive materials, corrosive substances, and toxic chemicals. These goods require special handling, packaging, and labeling to ensure their safe transportation.

To ship hazardous cargo by sea, shippers must comply with international regulations such as the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, which sets out the rules for the safe transportation of dangerous goods by sea. The IMDG Code requires shippers to properly classify, package, mark, label, and document hazardous goods shipments.

In addition, shipping companies and ports may have their own regulations and requirements for the handling of hazardous cargo. APT Logistics follows these regulations and procedures to ensure the safety of people, property, and the environment.