Types of Sea Freight Shipping: All Types of Ocean Freight Explained

Not sure where to start with global shipping? Understanding the types of sea freight shipping and types of ocean freight can help you choose the best way to move your goods safely and affordably. This easy breakdown helps you choose the safest, most cost-effective way to get your cargo where it needs to be, without the stress.

What is Sea Freight Shipping?

The most common way to move goods across the world is through Sea freight shipping. Ships can contain huge amounts of cargo for far less money than compared to planes. This is the major reason why companies use it to send everything from electronics to construction materials via sea.

There are many types of sea freight shipping, and each one fits a specific type of cargo. These methods fall under what people often call the types of sea transport.

Main Types of Sea Freight Shipping Services

Let’s go through the main types of sea freight shipping services. Each one works best for certain sizes, shapes, or types of cargo.

Full Container Load (FCL)

FCL means you rent the entire container. Your items are packed, sealed, and shipped all together. This is a great option if you have found enough cargo to fill a 20-foot or 40 container. Since no other shipments are in the container, FCL reduces handling and keeps things secure.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

LCL is the best option if you don’t need a whole container, because it lets you share space with other shippers. Especially perfect for small loads, it is more cost-friendly, but your goods can be handled more often because they are grouped and sorted.

Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo)

With RoRo, vehicles like cars, trucks, and even heavy machinery are driven right onto the ship. This method doesn’t require containers. It’s a smooth option for anything with wheels.

Break Bulk Shipping

Some items are just too large or oddly shaped to fit in a container. That’s where break bulk shipping comes in. For example; cranes, wind turbine parts, or big steel beams. Each item is loaded one by one.

Dry Bulk Shipping

Dry bulk includes loose, unpackaged materials like grains, coal, and minerals. These go into large cargo holds—not containers—where they’re poured in directly.

Liquid Bulk Shipping

This type is for liquids: oil, chemicals, or fuel. Ships used for liquid bulk have built-in tanks that keep everything sealed and safe.

Types of Sea Freight Shipping Containers

There are several types of sea freight shipping containers used for specific needs. Here’s a quick overview:

Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers

These containers keep things cold, perfect for food, flowers, or medicine. They come with a built-in temperature control feature.

Open Top Containers

Tall items? No problem. These containers don’t have a fixed roof, so goods can be loaded from the top.

Flat Rack Containers

Used for extra-wide or oddly shaped cargo, flat racks have no sides and can carry things that wouldn’t fit in regular containers.

Tank Containers

Tank containers are designed to move liquids, powders, or gases safely. It is perfect for when smaller volumes don’t need an entire tanker ship.

Types of Ocean Freight Shipping Based on Types of Cargo

So what kind of stuff gets shipped this way? A lot! These are the most common types of ocean freight shipping based on the type of cargo

• General Cargo – Packed boxes, crates, and pallets
• Bulk Cargo – Sand, cement, grain, or coal
• Liquid Bulk – Oil, fuel, chemicals
• Refrigerated Goods – Meat, vegetables, vaccines
• Vehicles – Cars, trailers, buses
• Oversized Equipment – Machinery, turbines, construction parts

These categories help determine which type of sea transport works best for your goods.

Choosing the Right Type of Sea Freight

Here’s how to decide:

• Got a large shipment? Go with FCL.
• Smaller load? LCL is your friend.
• Shipping a car or trailer? Try RoRo.
• Shipping weirdly shaped stuff? Go with break bulk.
• Moving liquids? You’ll need liquid bulk shipping or a tank container.

If you’re shipping a full container’s worth of goods, FCL might be your best bet. If it’s a smaller load, LCL could save you some money. Shipping cars or machinery? That’s what RoRo is for. Bulky raw materials like grain or oil? You’re looking at dry bulk or liquid bulk shipping.

Sea Freight Costs: What to Expect

There’s no one-size-fits-all price. Shipping freight rates are usually split into:

• Sea freight cost – from port to port
• Inland freight cost – moving the cargo to or from the port via truck or train
• Other cost – Fuel charges, container type, and cargo handling also factor in

You’ll also hear terms like EXW (ExWorks),  which means the seller gets the goods ready. But you (the buyer) manage everything else, including shipping and customs.

Common Questions About Sea Freight (FAQs)

How long does sea freight take?

It varies. Short routes might take 5–10 days. Long routes like Asia to Europe or the U.S. can take 3–5 weeks.

Is sea freight cheaper than air freight?

Almost always, yes. Especially for heavy or bulky items, but it’s much slower.

Can I track my shipment in real time?

Yes, most carriers offer tracking updates, though they may not be as detailed as courier apps.

What types of goods are shipped by sea?

Everything from clothes and electronics to cars and factory equipment.

How are sea freight rates calculated?

Rates are based on weight, volume, distance, container types and whether your goods require special handling.

Quick Comparison Table of Sea Freight Types

Conclusion

Now you know the main types of sea freight shipping and types of ocean freight, including which cargo fits where and how costs are calculated. This knowledge helps you ship with fewer surprises and more savings.

With Triroute Shipping, one of the best shipping company in Dubai, UAE, you get trusted ocean freight forwarding services backed by experience and honest advice. Let’s help you plan, pack, and deliver your shipments without the headaches.