International air and ocean freight, from pickup to delivery
Anyone who imports knows international freight rarely costs only the quoted amount. Here is how to avoid each surprise.
Choosing between air and ocean freight
Air is for when timing matters more than cost: urgent, light or high-value cargo. It arrives in days.
Ocean is for volume. It costs far less per kilo but takes weeks. If your cargo does not fill a container, you can share space with other cargo, known as LCL.
What goes into the cost of international freight
Besides the main freight, the bill includes origin and destination fees, insurance, customs clearance and transport to your door. Each forwarder presents this differently, and that is where the gaps appear.
In a CE Cargo quote these items are itemised from pickup to delivery. You compare the final cost, not just the freight.
How to avoid customs delays
Most delays come from wrong or incomplete documents: invoice, packing list, bill of lading. One mismatch can hold cargo for days.
Our team checks the documents before shipping and follows clearance with trusted brokers, so your cargo leaves the port or airport without storage charges for delays.
Questions about international freight
What information do I need for a quote?
Origin, destination, type of cargo and approximate weight and volume. With the commercial invoice or packing list, the quote is even more accurate.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL?
With FCL you use a whole container for your cargo only. With LCL your cargo shares a container with others and you pay only for the space it takes.
Do you handle customs clearance?
Yes. Our team and trusted brokers handle clearance for both import and export.
Is the cargo insured?
Yes. CE Cargo has its own international cargo insurance policy, and insurance can be included in the same freight quote.
Will the quoted cost change later?
The quote lists freight, insurance, fees and customs separately, from pickup to delivery. The bill you get is the one you approved.
Do you handle exports too?
Yes. We move import and export cargo, with partners in more than 190 countries.
Want to know the full cost of your next shipment?
Within 1 business day we send back the best mode, the lead time and the full cost, with no obligation.