Shipping via the ocean is one of the simplest, safest and cheapest means of trading. Nevertheless, it is more important to understand what the future ocean freight transit time entails for businesses and individuals engaged in international commerce. 

Transit time for ocean freight is when cargo is transported from the loading port to the discharging port. While economic benefits are offered by utilising ocean freight, weather, port congestion, and customs clearance processes may affect the transit time.

In this article, we will consider ocean freight time, how long it takes, what affects it and what steps can be taken to minimize it while also comparing it with other freight types. 

By the end of this article, you’ll understand the role that ocean freight transit time plays in shipping and what steps you should take to facilitate the smooth arrival of your shipment at its intended port.

What Factors Affect Shipping Time Through Ocean Freight?

International shipping and transit time for ocean freight will always be determined by multiple causes and factors, some of which can be detrimental. 

In contrast, some can be beneficial when working with one or multiple international shipping companies. Knowing these factors allows shippers to set realistic goals and expectations and opt for better logistical options.

Distance and Route:

Informed sources write that the distance between a ship’s point of origin and its intended destination is directly linked to time in transit; thus, for these vessels, it is understood that longer routes will naturally take more time. 

Moreover, with other variables, these variables, such as fewer and less traffic, mean some shipping lanes would be faster than others.

Type of Vessel:

The type and speed of the vessel also affect time in transit. Modern container ships are usually faster than older vessels, and some vessel carriers offer express lines, which can sometimes allow them to reduce their time in transit. This is carried out and achieved through the employment of faster ships or prioritising certain types of cargo on board.

Port Congestion:

Another contributing factor that increases sailing time is the traffic jam at the port; congestion of vessels at the ports is thus called a common knotted issue or case.

When one port is busy, vessels get idle and wait to offload or load, creating a waiting time that may be lost. During certain times of the year, mega ports, such as Los Angeles or Star Drag, are very prone to congestion due to the season.

Customs and Documentation:

If a vessel is well sealed, it may not take long to clear its transit through the customs customs process; this can significantly influence the time spent aboard the ship. Documentation, sealing the cargo on it, and ensuring all information submitted is correct will save time or space during transit, so I encourage everyone to do so.

Weather Conditions:

Bad weather conditions, such as storms or rough seas, make it likely that the ship will not be able to sail or will experience delays; the class supersede if the vessel’svessels’ cargo, non-inclusive of its passengers, is unsuitable for sailing, therefore changing the schedule to avoid these times when the weather is so severe.

This would also aid in better-estimating delays when looking for particular shipping possibilities.

What Are Some Ways to Save Time On Ocean Freight?

While ocean freight shipment time is sometimes out of the shipper’s control, several steps may be taken to facilitate timely shipment.

Prepare In Advance:

Planning is essential when sending shipments through ocean freight. Reserving the shipment slots may help avoid last-minute rush delays regarding desired ships.

Select Non-stop Shipping:

Select routes that involve direct shipping to the final destination without any break or transhipment. This is essential in reducing the chances of delay due to the unloading and reloading of the cargo.

Use Reputable Shippers:

Choose reputable firms with a history of on-time deliveries. Long-serving and established carriers often have the proper infrastructure and resources to cushion delays.

Check Packaging and All Relevant Documentation:

Pack the goods well to avoid missing critical documents, such as the bill of lading or other documents important at the ports. Gaps in documentation will waste time.

Take Advantage Of Modern Technology:

Use technology to track shipments’ locations and receive notifications if there is likely to be a delay. Due to the information provided by modern logistics software, it is now possible to schedule changes.

Examine Premium Services:

A few carriers offer premium or expedited services, which guarantee faster consignment delivery. These services are pricey but could pay off for time-critical consignments.

With the strategies in place, such organizations can manage the risk caused by ocean freight transit time and improve their supply chain.

How Long Does Ocean Freight Transit Time Take When Compared To Other Methods?

Ocean freight’s transit time is one of the most significant disadvantages compared to other transportation methods. However, its cargo loads and cost-effectiveness still compel many enterprises to choose it as an alternative.

Air Freight:

When comparing air freight to ocean freight, one could conclude that the former offers more options. Ocean freight only arrives at its destination in 1-7 days, delaying some routes to reach that endpoint. The downside to ocean freight is the inflated cost, which can make it hard for larger businesses or lower-end ones to justify the expenses.

Rail Freight:

Rail freight offers a transit time and cost spectrum that fills the gap between air and ocean freight. This can displace a lot of ocean shipping as it is cheaper, with orders not seeing any transit times drop between Europe and Asia railways. Rail freight, however, lags behind ocean freight due to geographical constraints.

Truck Freight:

Indeed, trucks can deliver freight faster than shipments by ocean, but on a global scale, they cannot compete against ocean freight, so trucks are often used together with ocean freight to move containers from port to address.

What Tools and Technologies Help Manage Ocean Freight Transit Time?

Express services like FedEx or DHL are expensive but have the fastest lead times. Such services are best suited for small, costly or urgent consignments.

Taking Into Consideration Advancements In Tools And Technologies To Reduce Ocean Freight Transit Time:

Technological development has revolutionised the shipping world, improving ocean freight transit time management and control.

A shipment tracking system aims to enhance shipment visibility. Real-time tracking systems allow shippers to know the current status of a shipment or its location. These systems enable shippers to prepare for possible delays and plan accordingly.

In summary, complete visibility of supply chains allows predictive analytics tools to estimate transit times based on historical records and forecast delays. This guarantees that the shipments will not experience any holdups.

Digital Freight Rate Marketplaces give businesses the edge they need to stay competitive. Digital platforms allow shippers and fleet owners to publish applications where they can compare the best routes, rates, and estimated times. Such marketplaces improve the search for optimal shipping solutions.

IoT Sensors:

Make it easy to track the condition of the cargo during shipment. These sensors allow all items, even physically delicate shipments such as perishables, to be received in their prime state.

Automated Documentation:

Using automation tools to handle the required paperwork speeds up the customs clearance process, reducing the possibility of errors. This reduces delays that arise from forms being filled out incorrectly or incompletely.

Artificial Intelligence:

Using AI-powered tools that filter through millions of data sets allows for optimizing routes, schedules and carrier selection. By employing AI tools, businesses can minimize the time to improve service reliability and invest in faster transit methods.

Such tools and technologies incorporate better ocean freight transit time and logistics services.

FAQs

1. Generally speaking, how long does it take for oil to be transitioned via ocean?

As a rule of thumb, the average time for shipping oil via ocean on international orders ranges from 20 to 45 days; however, this largely depends on the distance and route coverage.

2. What time does it take for freight to be transported?

Factors like weather, congestion in the ports and even delays during customs, among others, make it extremely hard for carriers to ensure timely deliveries.

3. How can I keep track of my ocean freight shipment?

To keep up with the reports on your shipment, you may be provided with a tracking number and other tools to aid the shipping company in monitoring the shipment.

4. What are the most common reasons for delays during ocean freight shipping?

Delays are sometimes caused by port congestion, bad weather, border control, ship routines, malfunctions, and vessel problems.

5. Are there any limitations regarding items that cannot be transported via ocean freight?

Products subject to time clocks or other important deadlines are not recommended to be sent via ocean freight due to the time it takes to reach the destination; a better alternative would be air freight or express delivery services.

Conclusion

Exporters and importers should clearly understand the nuances surrounding ocean freight transit time. Admittedly, transit times vary widely given the number of dynamics that could influence them; appropriate forecasting and new technologies can help make the shipping plan more accurate.