To ship goods by sea, certain key documents are required. The most important is the Bill of Lading (BL), which acts as the contract of carriage and proof of ownership of the goods. The commercial invoice, the packing list and the Single Customs Declaration (DUA) are also required. Depending on the type of goods and the countries of origin and destination, other documents such as certificates of origin or import/export licences may be required.

The choice between an FCL (Full Container Load) and an LCL (Less than Container Load) depends mainly on the volume of cargo and logistical requirements. If you have enough goods to fill a container, FCL is the ideal choice. In addition, it can be more cost-effective when transporting large volumes. On the other hand, if your cargo does not occupy a full container, LCL allows you to share space with other shipments, which reduces costs, but involves slightly longer transit times due to cargo consolidation.

Maritime freight is calculated taking into account several factors. The main one is either the gross weight or the volume of the goods, depending on which is greater. The distance between the port of origin and the port of destination, the type of container used and the nature of the cargo also play a role. In addition, port charges, surcharges and possible additional costs related to insurance must be considered. Request a personalised quote with CST Group for an accurate rate.

For maritime transport, there are four unique Incoterms: FAS, where the seller delivers the goods alongside the ship at the port of loading; FOB, where the seller bears the costs until the cargo is on board the ship; CFR, where the seller pays for carriage to the port of destination, but the risk is transferred to the buyer once the goods are loaded on the ship; and CIF, which includes insurance during the sea voyage in addition to carriage.

Short Sea Shipping (SSS) is a mode of maritime transport that is carried out on short sea routes, generally within the same continent or between nearby regions. This option is ideal for reducing logistics costs and minimising environmental impact by relieving road congestion and reducing CO₂ emissions. It is also an efficient alternative for transporting heavy or bulky goods over relatively short distances.