Ocean Freight Company—Are They All the Same?

Whether you’re getting ready to move to a new country or you just want to ship your company’s goods to worldwide customers, you’ll need to find an ocean freight company who’s up to the task. At first glance, you might think that all ocean freight services are the same. And you’d be wrong. See, not only do the rates vary from one ocean freight company to another, but also the types of goods you can ship and the destinations served are also different with each provider.

• Rates—Everyone has a budget to consider, and you always want to make sure you’re getting good value for your dollar. Most ocean freight shipping companies allow you to obtain a free quote from their website. Simply input some basic information about your shipment, and you’ll get an estimate shortly thereafter. The key word here is “estimate.” Remember, these are not exact prices. Use the free quotes as a general guideline only.
• Goods—The type of goods you’re shipping will directly influence which ocean freight company you should choose. For example, some ocean shipping companies don’t allow you to ship hazardous materials or live animals. Some can’t handle perishables. Make sure the ocean freight company you choose has experience successfully transporting the goods you’re sending.
• Destinations—Many of the larger ocean shipping providers only service the major ports of the world. So, if you need to reach a remote destination, you could be out of luck. I.T.N. Consolidators, an Amerijet sister company, is proud to offer flexible shipping options that let you reach destinations throughout the world. Ask a shipping agent for service to your destination of choice, and they’ll customize a solution just for you.