Sea freight forwarding
As an international freight forwarder, we specialise in sea freight, among other things, and have decades of experience in container logistics, transport chain optimisation and individual solutions for every transport project.
We work personally with our customers and adapt flexibly to their needs. Thanks to our strong and constantly growing network, we can transparently realise every wish of our customers and are also happy to be there for you as a sea freight forwarder in Hamburg.
Advice and planning for your container transport
Before your shipment arrives at its destination, there is more to consider than the actual transportation of the container on a ship. In order to develop the best solution for your project, we will be happy to advise you in detail and develop a transparent and precise transportation proposal. This is planned in as small a step as possible and potential obstacles and impassibilities are considered and solutions developed. You can find out more about container types and the composition of freight types in our container shipments section.
Process of your sea freight
In the minds of many people, sea freight involves the transport of goods from one port to another. In reality, however, this looks very different and is much more extensive.
1. sea freight enquiry
You contact us and let us know your wishes and ideas.
2. logistics enquiry in our network
Once you have commissioned us, we develop the concept for transporting your goods and organise the pre-carriage. We draw up the consignment specifications and shipping modalities.
3. booking of the cargo hold and pre-carriage
During the pre-carriage - i.e. the transport to the port of departure - we book the freight space and handle the export customs.
4th main run
The main leg is the transport from the port of departure to the port of destination. During this time, we prepare the goods for customs clearance in Germany or the destination country.
5. arrival at the port of destination
When the goods are unloaded at the port of destination, we handle customs clearance and coordinate the onward carriage.
6. overrun and last mile
The onward carriage is the last step of the sea freight to the destination. Transport takes place by lorry or another suitable means of transport.
Sea freight - carefree and cost-effective
Sea freight is the most popular mode of transport for all transport volumes. The decisive advantage is primarily due to the favourable price and the flexibility of transport volumes on countless possible routes. Sea freight thus offers the optimum cost-benefit ratio in combination with outstanding flexibility.
Interesting facts about sea freight
Why is sea freight so important for global trade?
Sea freight is important for global trade because more than 90% of all goods worldwide are transported by sea. Without container ships, there would be hardly any smartphones, furniture, or clothing. Only through sea freight transport by container ship can goods from all over the world reliably reach the markets.
What goods are mainly transported by sea freight?
Almost all types of goods are transported by sea freight—from electronics and furniture to textiles. Without sea freight forwarding, there would be little international diversity in trade.
How big is the transport capacity of a container ship compared to road transport?
A single container ship can transport over 20,000 containers. That corresponds to the loading volume of more than 10,000 trucks that would otherwise be on the road.
How much fuel does a container ship consume per day?
A container ship consumes as much fuel per day as around 10,000 cars. The figures vary depending on the type of ship and speed, but they illustrate the scale of maritime freight logistics.
Why is sea freight challenging in terms of climate and economics?
Sea freight is challenging because container ships require enormous amounts of fuel, yet are indispensable to the global economy. It therefore combines efficiency in freight transport with a high level of responsibility for the environment and sustainability.
What role do freight forwarders play in global sea freight?
Freight forwarders—such as Haalboom Logistics in Hamburg—are the link between shippers and shipping companies. They take care of planning, organizing, and handling transport, from booking the container to delivering it to the recipient.
What are the advantages of sea freight compared to air freight?
Sea freight is significantly cheaper than air freight and can transport much larger quantities. Although transport by ship takes longer, it is the most economical solution for bulk goods and large flows of goods.
What do FCL and LCL mean in sea freight?
FCL (Full Container Load) means that a container is used by only one customer. LCL (Less than Container Load) refers to consolidated containers in which different customers ship their goods together.
Why are containers so important for sea freight?
Containers enable the standardized, safe, and efficient transport of goods. Thanks to their standard sizes, they can be transported worldwide by ship, rail, or truck—without having to reload individual goods.
Which countries benefit most from sea freight?
Countries with large ports such as China, the USA, Germany, and the Netherlands benefit particularly from sea freight, as they are important hubs in global goods traffic.
How long does sea freight transport take?
Depending on the route, sea freight transport can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. While deliveries within Europe are quick, a container from China to Europe often takes 30 to 40 days.
Why is sea freight cheaper than other modes of transport?
Sea freight is cheaper than other modes of transport because a single ship can carry several thousand containers at once. This means that the transport costs are spread over a very large volume of freight—unlike trucks or planes.
What are the risks involved in sea freight?
Sea freight involves risks due to weather conditions, delays in ports, container losses at sea, or geopolitical crises. Freight forwarders—such as Haalboom Logistics from Hamburg—often hedge these risks with transport insurance.
How is digitalization affecting sea freight?
Digitization brings major advantages for sea freight: shipments can be tracked more easily, processes can be managed more transparently, and documents can be handled electronically. This makes transport times more efficient and reduces costs.
What environmental aspects play a role in sea freight?
Environmental aspects such as high fuel consumption are an issue for container ships. However, fuel consumption per transported ton is more efficient than other modes of transport. New technologies and alternative fuels are making sea freight increasingly sustainable.
How will sea freight develop in the future?
In the future, sea freight will become increasingly sustainable and efficient thanks to modern ship types, alternative energies, and digital logistics solutions. For global sea freight forwarding, this means shorter delivery times and reduced emissions.
Your partner for your sea freight
As an international freight forwarder, we have a wealth of experience in transporting all types of goods. Our top priority is to transport goods on schedule and on time, and thanks to our strong network of partners, our team develops a suitable concept for every project at our office in Hamburg.
We will be happy to support you with your next sea freight shipment and organise the transport of your goods to their destination for you.
Contact us now for a no-obligation consultation!
Alternatively, please use our online form for your transport enquiry. Thank you very much!
Our transport offers are aimed exclusively at commercial customers and are not available for private individuals.