If you need to send freight between the UK and the USA, you only really have two options. Air freight or sea freight. While air freight is considerably faster, sea freight is not without its benefits, particularly for businesses sending higher volumes of goods.
Five Key Benefits of Sending Sea Freight Between the UK and USA
Cost-effectiveness
The primary advantage of sending goods by sea freight will always be the cost. Sea freight is almost always more economical than other freight options, especially for large and heavy shipments. This is due to a number of factors, including lower fuel costs and economies of scale. Because, as with all freight, the more you ship, the cheaper the unit cost becomes.
High capacity
You can send a wide variety of package types via sea. From single boxes to 40-foot containers. And its this enormous capability for shipping at volume that is so useful to so many businesses. There is really no other option for shipping oversized goods. And if you’re sending bulk commodities, such as raw materials, sea freight is far less restrictive.
Environmental impact
If you’re worried about your brand’s green credentials, then sending by sea is just about the most environmentally friendly freight options available. It already produces a smaller carbon footprint than other shipping methods. And the shipping industry is currently investigating the use of a range of alternative fuels, such as biofuels, hydrogen, and electric power. When you add in the use of smart technology to optimise shipping routes, it’s hard to find greener solutions.
The potential for multimodal transport
Multimodal freight – the shipment of goods using multiple transportation methods, including sea, road, and rail – is popular where budgets are tight and schedules flexible. Sea freight is commonly used alongside other transport modes in this way. The infrastructure is already in place in most parts of the world. Adding an extra layer of flexibility for businesses.
Security
If you are sending your sea freight in containers, it’s significantly less likely to be damaged or stolen. You just have to make sure that it’s properly packed.
Sea freight is tried and trusted. It’s a robust and cost-effective option for any business that needs to send freight between the UK and the USA. It obviously has some limitations – it’s not suited to the transportation of perishable goods. And if you’re working to a short deadline, then air freight may be better for you. But if you’re dealing with large volumes or heavy cargo, sea freight can be the perfect option. And your freight forwarder can help to find the best options for your business.
Do you want to find out more about sending sea freight between the UK and USA? Get in touch with Plexus Freight.
