Sea forwarding – sea freight from Gdynia worldwide
We organise sea imports and exports: full containers (FCL), LCL groupage, ro-ro cargo, break bulk and project cargo. We handle the entire process – from collecting the goods at your supplier, through ocean freight and customs clearance, to delivery to the address you specify.
Sea forwarding from Gdynia – the port and shipping lines within easy reach
Sea freight is the cheapest way to move large volumes of goods over long distances and the backbone of trade with Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. LOGLOB CARGO is headquartered in Gdynia, next to the port, so we work in close contact every day with shipping lines, ship agents, container terminals and customs agencies.
When it is better for transit time or price, we also route cargo through Western European ports such as Hamburg, Bremerhaven or Rotterdam and bring it on to Poland by road or rail. This way we match the solution to your cargo – not your cargo to the only solution available.
Sea freight – what we can organise for you
FCL container shipping
A full 20′, 40′ or 40′ HC container used exclusively for your goods. The best choice for larger consignments – faster and safer than groupage, because the container is not opened en route. More about FCL container shipping
LCL sea freight
Have a few pallets rather than a full container? With LCL shipping, your cargo travels together with goods from other shippers, and you pay only for the volume or weight it takes up. More about LCL sea freight
Ro-ro, break bulk and project cargo
We ship machinery, vehicles, steel structures and oversized cargo on ro-ro vessels, as break bulk or in specialised flat rack and open top containers. More about project cargo
Sea freight from China and Asia
We organise imports from China’s largest ports and from other Asian countries – from collection at the manufacturer to delivery to a warehouse in Poland. More about freight from China
Exporting by sea
We ship goods from Polish manufacturers to customers all over the world: we organise collection from the factory, container loading, export clearance, ocean freight and – on request – delivery to the consignee in the destination country.
Comprehensive door-to-door service
We can take over the entire supply chain or just a selected stage. As part of sea forwarding, we handle:
- collection of the goods from the supplier and delivery to the port of loading,
- booking vessel space with trusted shipping lines,
- loading, stowing and securing the cargo in the container,
- export clearance in the country of dispatch and transport documents,
- monitoring the voyage and keeping you informed of the shipment status,
- import customs clearance in Poland, including settlement of customs duty and VAT,
- collection of the container from the terminal and delivery to the address you specify,
- cargo insurance, warehousing and transhipment.
Container types in sea freight
| Container type | Internal dimensions (L × W × H) | Capacity | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ standard (20′ DV) | approx. 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | approx. 33 m³ | heavy, compact cargo, e.g. steel products, tiles, granulates |
| 40′ standard (40′ DV) | approx. 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | approx. 67 m³ | larger consignments of palletised goods |
| 40′ High Cube (40′ HC) | approx. 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | approx. 76 m³ | light, bulky cargo, e.g. furniture, textiles, packaging |
| Open top | as a standard container, without a rigid roof | – | tall cargo loaded from above by crane |
| Flat rack | platform with end walls | – | machinery, vehicles, oversized structures |
| Reefer (refrigerated) | slightly smaller than in a standard container | approx. 28 m³ (20′) / approx. 67 m³ (40′ HC) | goods requiring a constant temperature |
Dimensions are approximate and may vary slightly between shipping lines. The permissible cargo weight also depends on the restrictions that apply to road haulage to and from the port – we will help you plan the loading so that they are not exceeded.
How long does sea freight take?
Transit time depends on the destination, the shipping line, the number of transhipments en route and the route taken – e.g. via the Suez Canal or around the Cape of Good Hope. The voyage from China’s main ports to Gdańsk and Gdynia usually takes about 5–7 weeks, and from ports on the east coast of North America usually 2–4 weeks. On top of the voyage, allow time for collection of the goods, customs clearance and domestic delivery.
With LCL groupage, you also need to allow time for consolidation and deconsolidation of cargo in port warehouses. We include a detailed schedule in every quote. See how long sea freight from China takes
How do we price sea freight?
The price of ocean freight depends mainly on:
- the route and the ports of loading and discharge,
- the type and number of containers (FCL) or the volume and weight of the cargo (LCL),
- the Incoterms delivery terms, which determine which stages you pay for and which your trading partner pays for,
- shipping line surcharges, including the bunker adjustment factor (BAF), terminal handling charges (THC), ISPS, the peak season surcharge (PSS) and surcharges related to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS),
- additional services: customs clearance, insurance, warehousing, domestic delivery.
Freight rates change frequently, so we prepare each quote individually, based on current shipping line rates. Our quote lists all cost components, including charges at the port of destination, so that you know the full delivery price. Find out what makes up the freight price
Why entrust your sea forwarding to us
- One dedicated contact – your order is handled by an assigned forwarder who knows its history and answers your questions without passing you on.
- Partnerships with shipping lines and agents – strategic cooperation with shipping lines, ship agents and ports allows us to find space on a vessel quickly and choose the right route.
- Security – we monitor shipments and, at your request, arrange cargo insurance, which protects you against, among other things, the consequences of general average.
- Industry standards – we are a member of PISiL (Polish Chamber of Forwarding and Logistics) and carry out orders under OPWS 2022 (Polish General Forwarding Conditions).
- Advice – we help you choose the right Incoterms, prepare documents and check the requirements that apply in a given market.
How to book sea freight – step by step
- Enquiry – send us the basic details: origin and destination, type of goods, weight, dimensions or volume, Incoterms and the date the goods will be ready. The easiest way is via the quote request form.
- Quote – we select the route and type of transport (FCL, LCL or another solution) and prepare a cost calculation.
- Shipment – we book space on the vessel, coordinate collection and loading, and prepare the documents.
- Customs clearance and delivery – once the vessel arrives, we arrange customs clearance and deliver the goods to the address you specify.
Free quote
Describe your cargo – we will prepare an offer tailored to your route, timeline and budget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?
FCL (Full Container Load) means a container reserved exclusively for one shipper – you pay for the whole container, however full it is. LCL (Less than Container Load) is sea groupage: your cargo travels together with goods from other shippers, and the cost depends on the volume or weight it takes up. For a few pallets LCL is usually cheaper; for larger consignments, FCL.
How much does it cost to ship a container by sea?
The price depends on the route, container type, timing, shipping line surcharges and the scope of additional services. Ocean freight rates change frequently – even weekly – so we give the current price in an individual quote. Simply fill in the quote request form.
What documents are needed for sea freight?
The basics are a commercial invoice, a packing list and a transport document – a bill of lading (B/L) or a sea waybill. Depending on the goods and the destination, you may also need a certificate of origin, other certificates, permits, or veterinary or phytosanitary documents. An EORI number is required for customs clearance in the EU.
Do you organise door-to-door sea freight?
Yes. We can organise the whole process: collection of the goods from the supplier, export clearance, ocean freight, import clearance and delivery to the address you specify. We can also handle just a selected stage, e.g. the ocean freight alone, or customs clearance and haulage of the container from the port.
Which ports do you ship through?
Most often through the ports of Gdynia and Gdańsk. When it is more advantageous in terms of price or transit time, we also use Western European ports such as Hamburg, Bremerhaven or Rotterdam, with onward road or rail transport to Poland.
Is it worth insuring cargo shipped by sea?
Definitely. The shipping line’s liability is limited in amount and does not cover many events, and in the event of general average the cargo owner may be required to contribute to the cost of saving the vessel – even if their goods were not damaged. Cargo insurance protects you against these risks; we arrange it at your request.
Need sea freight?
Describe your cargo – we will prepare an offer tailored to your timeline and budget.
or call: +48 888 888 180 · email: spedycja@loglobcargo.com