Sea freight is the transport of goods in containers aboard ocean vessels and is the dominant mode for intercontinental food and agricultural trade owing to its low cost per tonne relative to air transport.
In trade practice
Frozen cargo moves in reefer containers with the set-point temperature matching the product specification, and the shipper or freight forwarder confirms the setting before departure. Transit times vary by route and can span several days to several weeks. Buyers should account for port handling, customs clearance and inland delivery when calculating total lead time. A common error is booking sea freight without confirming reefer plug availability at the port of loading, which can cause delays.
In a specification
Shipping instructions and the bill of lading should state the required set-point temperature, ventilation settings where applicable and the agreed Incoterms rule that determines who books and pays for the freight.