6 ways to minimise sea freight costs

In the last few years, sea freight costs have continued to rise and have already increased by 30% this year. Poor weather, global conflicts, and longer journeys have put a strain on the industry, which is reflected in the prices. For some small and medium-sized businesses, these cost increases can be the difference between a profit and a loss.

But if you plan ahead, there are ways to reduce your sea freight costs. We’ve collected our top tips to help you save:

Shop around

Don’t just choose the first company you come across or stick with the same company out of habit. Spend time talking to people in the industry, get a range of quotes and ask for deals from vendors you’ve dealt with before. Shopping around and comparing prices from different freight companies can help you ensure you get the best price and the best experience.

Wait until you have a container full for maximum efficiency

If you have items that aren’t time-sensitive, this may be the best option for you. If you can’t fill a container regularly, waiting until you can will help you maximise efficiency and reduce the cost per item. However, this can lead to shipping delays and impact customer experience, so calculating the cost versus reward is the best way to see if this will work for you.

Use consolidated shipping services

If you decide against waiting for a full container, using LCL or consolidated shipping services can help reduce your costs. Some freight companies offer consolidated shipping and will consolidate your order with another business to help reduce costs and optimise space. Consolidated services can help your business improve reliability and customer satisfaction by reducing delays.

Choose door-to-door delivery

If you have multiple businesses managing different stages in your delivery route, you’ll have multiple handling charges. By choosing a company that offers door-to-door delivery, you can minimise the costs of using different businesses and have one point of call if any issues arise. Look for businesses that can manage the entire logistics chain and take the stress out of your hands.

Minimise air pockets

Reducing the amount of air you carry in your container will help you reduce your costs. Keep inflatables deflated, ship furniture flat-pack and pack the container from top to bottom, leaving no gaps. Carrying air reduces the amount of goods you can carry and increases the cost per unit.

Reduce your packaging

Try thinking outside the box when it comes to your packaging. Reduce any excess packaging, change the size of the cases, or try new packing methods to help reduce packaging space. Even a few extra boxes can help bring your cost per unit down.

Finding a business that can support you with shipping whilst helping you reduce your costs can make all the difference. Our expert team can provide the best quote for you tailored to your business. FreightEx International provide a range of shipping services, including air freight, sea freight and more worldwide. Get in touch with us to find out more.