Sea mode

Sea freight: full container or groupage.

For large volumes and controlled costs, sea remains the benchmark. HESTRADE organises your shipments in full containers (FCL) or groupage (LCL), books space with the lines, issues the Bill of Lading and coordinates the port leg — worldwide.

What we organise

From booking to port of arrival, seamlessly.

For which needs

When to choose sea freight?

Large volumes

Bulky or heavy goods where cost per kilo matters more than speed.

Regular flows

Planned supply, food, furniture, machinery, construction.

Controlled budget

The best cost/volume ratio for non-urgent import-export.

Documents & Incoterms

The B/L and Incoterm, at the heart of sea.

The Bill of Lading and chosen Incoterm define responsibilities and costs. The sea-only Incoterms — FAS, FOB, CFR, CIF — apply to maritime transport; we advise on the right choice for your commercial relationship and prepare consistent documentation to ease the port and customs leg.

Discuss your sea shipment
FAQ

Sea freight — what to know.

What is the difference between FCL and LCL?

FCL (Full Container Load) is a full container dedicated to your goods. LCL (Less than Container Load), or groupage, shares a container between several shippers: ideal for volumes that don't fill a whole container.

What is a Bill of Lading (B/L)?

The Bill of Lading (B/L) is the document that formalises the transport contract and the carrier's receipt of the goods. We prepare it, verify it and coordinate its issuance with the shipping line.

How long does a sea shipment take?

Sea is slower than air but far more economical on volume: typically 2 to 6 weeks depending on origin, destination and sailings. We optimise routing and port connections.

Do you handle pre- and on-carriage?

Yes: we organise road transport before and after the sea leg, for a door-to-door solution coordinated by a single point of contact.

Other modes

One contact, four modes.

Quote

A sea shipment to organise?

Origin, destination, nature, volume (FCL/LCL) and timing — we reply within 24 business hours.

Request a quote