Sea freight transportation offers cost-effective solutions to supply chains across the globe, making it one of the most popular solutions for shipping non-time sensitive goods. ACP provide reliable sea freight services for all types of commercial cargo, including dangerous goods. We are also one of a few freight forwarders that have been authorised to have their own Movement Guarantee for the transportation of alcohol.
We work with a trusted network of agents located in all major ports worldwide, which enables us to handle your goods both at origin, and destination. Our dedicated team of professionals will keep you updated throughout the entire process, giving you peace of mind when choosing ACP.
Our Sea Freight services include:
- LCL (Less Than Container Load)
- FCL (Full Container Load)
- Alcohol Shipping
- Temperature-Controlled
- Break Bulk/Out of Gauge
- In-house UK Customs Clearance
- Overseas Customs Clearance
- Warehousing & Storage
- Marine Cargo Insurance
Less than Container Load (LCL)
LCL is a term used to describe sea shipping for loads not large enough to fill a full container.
Our LCL solutions combine your shipment with other goods in a shared container, this flexible shipping method means you can ship fewer goods, more frequently. The cost for LCL is calculated based on the shipments volume, meaning you only pay for the space that you use.
Full Container Load (FCL)
FCL means the goods being transported will have exclusive use of the entire shipping container.
If you have a large amount of goods to ship, we can offer FCL solutions for all container types and sizes. There are a variety of containers that differ in size and function, the most common are:
- Standard Dry Containers – suitable for most types of dry cargo.
- Refrigerated Containers – built to maintain a temperature between +25° C and -25° C for chilled and frozen cargo.
- Flat Rack Containers – for heavy and bulky cargo that may need loading from the side.
- Open Top Containers – for heavy and bulky cargo that may need loading from the top via crane.
- Tank Containers / ISO Tanks – for the transport of liquids, gases, and powders as bulk cargo.
Customs Clearance
Customs clearance is a compulsory part of the sea freight process. Whether arranged in-house or by our overseas agents, our customs expertise ensures we can help you prepare all necessary documentation.
Movement of Excise Goods (Alcohol)
ACP are unique, in that we are one of only a handful of UK operators permitted to hold their own Transport Movement Guarantee. This allows us to move goods under Excise Duty-Suspension by using our Guarantee. To achieve this, we had to meet HM Customs and Excise’s (HMCE) rigorous selection criteria – being awarded this status indicates not just the high level of service we provide, but our ongoing commitment to our customers.
Excise goods moving under excise duty suspension must be covered by financial security in the form of a Movement Guarantee. It is the consignor’s responsibility to ensure that a valid Movement Guarantee is in place. However, we offer the use of our Transport Movement Guarantee to customers who wish to use us to transport any of their excise duty suspended alcohol shipments.
Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is the combined weight of an ocean shipment’s cargo, dunnage and bracing (material used to keep cargo in position), plus the tare weight of the container. The shipper is responsible for verifying the gross mass of their containers prior to the container being loaded onboard the vessel. This can be completed by either of the following methods:
Method 1 – Weighing the container after it has been loaded. This method is used if the loading site has access to a weighbridge.
Method 2 – Weighing all cargo and contents of the container, then adding those weights to the container’s tare weight (as indicated on the door end of the container). This is the most commonly used method.
Once the gross mass has been determined, it must be declared to the ocean carrier and terminal authority at the port of exit. If you are unable to submit the VGM, ACP can do this on your behalf.
Marine Cargo Insurance
Cargo insurance typically covers all risks of physical loss or damage to goods during transit.
If the value of your consignment exceeds the standard amount of cover provided by the carrier and/or freight forwarder’s liability insurance, you may want to consider additional marine cargo insurance. If you do not have your own Insurance Broker, ACP will be happy to provide you with a no-obligation insurance quote.
ISPM 15
It is very important to ensure that all solid wood packaging (boxes, crates, pallets) is in compliance with ISPM 15 regulations, otherwise the packaging may fail inspections which can result in delays and extra costs. These regulations are in place to help prevent the spread of plant pests and parasites when transporting cargo across the world. In order to be compliant with ISPM 15 regulations, the wooden packaging must be fumigated, or heat treated by a specialist, prior to the exportation of the cargo. For more information regarding ISPM15 regulations, you can visit the GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/import-or-export-wood-packaging-material
Incoterms
Incoterms are universal trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They consist of three-letter codes that are intended to clearly communicate the tasks, costs and risks associated with the transportation and delivery of the goods in an international transaction. They describe how responsibility is allocated between the buyer and the seller for different parts of the transaction. Please ensure that you communicate with your customer / supplier what Incoterms you are trading under prior to shipping. You can see a list of all the Incoterms below.
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