Ocean Freight Forwarding from the USA
Ocean freight forwarding is the service of booking, documenting and coordinating sea shipments on a shipper's behalf. Faster Freight handles carrier booking, export filings, customs coordination and inland trucking for FCL and LCL cargo from the USA.
Whether you are moving a few pallets or a container every week, you get one team that plans the route, books the space and keeps your shipment moving from pickup to final delivery.
Last updated: October 2026
Ocean Freight Services We Handle
Every shipment is different, so we match the service to your cargo, budget and deadline.
FCL shipping
Full container load: a 20ft or 40ft container used only for your cargo, sealed at origin and opened at destination.
LCL shipping
Less than container load: share container space with other shippers and pay only for the cubic metres you use.
RoRo and vehicle shipping
Roll-on/roll-off service for cars, trucks and self-propelled machinery that can be driven onto the vessel.
Breakbulk and flat rack
Oversized and heavy cargo on flat racks, open tops or as breakbulk when it won't fit a standard container.
Door-to-door delivery
Pickup at your facility, ocean transport, destination clearance coordination and final delivery under one booking.
FCL vs LCL: Which Should You Choose?
Choose LCL for small shipments, typically under about 13 to 15 cubic metres, when cost matters more than speed. Choose FCL for larger volumes, fragile or high-value goods, or tight deadlines, because the container isn't opened for consolidation.
| Factor | FCL (full container load) | LCL (less than container load) |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume | Typically 13–15 CBM and up, or any load you want kept separate | Typically 1–13 CBM |
| How you pay | Flat rate per container | Per cubic metre or per 1,000 kg, whichever is greater |
| Transit time | Shorter: no consolidation or deconsolidation stops | Longer: cargo waits at a freight station to be consolidated |
| Handling | Sealed at origin, minimal handling | Loaded and unloaded with other shippers' goods |
| Best for | Regular volume, high-value or fragile cargo, deadlines | Small businesses, samples, first shipments, testing a market |
| Learn more | Full container load shipping | Less than container load (LCL) |
The 13–15 CBM range is a common industry guideline. Your quote compares both options for your actual cargo.
How Ocean Freight Forwarding Works
An ocean shipment from the USA typically follows eight steps. We manage each one and keep you updated along the way.
- Quote. Tell us the origin, destination, cargo details and timing. We compare carriers and routes.
- Booking. We reserve vessel space and confirm the cut-off dates for cargo and documents.
- Pickup. Your cargo is trucked to the port or freight station. We arrange inland trucking or container drayage if you need it.
- Export documents. Commercial invoice, packing list and the AES/EEI export filing when required.
- Loading and departure. Cargo is loaded and the bill of lading is issued.
- Ocean transit. Your shipment sails, direct or via transshipment, and we track it to arrival.
- Destination customs. Clearance is coordinated with the consignee or our partners. For US imports, see our customs brokerage services.
- Delivery. Cargo is released and delivered to the final address, or collected at the port.
What Affects Ocean Freight Rates?
Ocean rates change often. These are the main factors that move the price of a shipment:
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Trade lane | Busy routes with more sailings are usually more competitive than remote ones. |
| Season and demand | Peak seasons and capacity shortages push rates up; slack periods bring them down. |
| Fuel surcharges (BAF) | Carriers adjust bunker surcharges with fuel prices. |
| Container type and size | Specialised equipment like flat racks and open tops costs more than standard dry containers. |
| Volume and weight | LCL is charged by CBM or weight; FCL by container. |
| Port congestion | Delays at origin or destination ports can add surcharges and storage costs. |
| Accessorial charges | Drayage, terminal handling, chassis, storage, demurrage and detention add to the ocean freight. |
The fastest way to know your cost is a lane-specific quote. Request yours below.
Documents Required for Sea Freight
Most ocean shipments from the USA need the following. We tell you exactly what applies to your cargo.
- Commercial invoice – value, seller, buyer and description of goods.
- Packing list – pieces, weights and dimensions.
- Bill of lading – the transport contract and receipt for your cargo.
- AES/EEI filing – generally required for US exports over $2,500 per Schedule B line, or for licensed goods.
- Certificate of origin – when the destination country or a trade agreement requires it.
- ISF (10+2) – for ocean imports into the USA, filed at least 24 hours before loading at the foreign port.
Download forms and our published rules on the shipping documents page.
Why Ship by Sea with Faster Freight
One point of contact
A single team handles booking, paperwork and updates, so you don't chase carriers and truckers separately.
FCL, LCL and specialised cargo
From one pallet to project cargo, we quote the option that fits rather than a one-size answer.
Florida-based since 2005
Faster Freight is a division of STG Freight Services, Inc., incorporated in Florida in 2005 and based in Bay Harbor Islands.
Request an Ocean Freight Quote
Share your origin, destination and cargo details. We'll compare FCL and LCL options and reply with an itemized quote. Prefer to talk? Call +1 (888) 310-1917, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm ET.
Ocean Freight FAQs
How long does ocean freight take from the USA?
It depends on the trade lane, the ports used and whether the vessel sails direct or transships. FCL is usually faster than LCL because there is no consolidation stop. Your quote includes the carrier's scheduled transit time for your route.
Do you handle both exports and imports?
Yes. We arrange ocean shipments from the USA to destinations worldwide and coordinate inbound shipments to US ports, including ISF filing support and customs brokerage coordination.
What documents do I need to ship by sea from the USA?
Usually a commercial invoice, a packing list and a bill of lading. An AES/EEI filing is generally required for exports over $2,500 per Schedule B line or for licensed goods. Some destinations also need a certificate of origin.
What's the difference between a freight forwarder and a shipping line?
A shipping line owns or operates the vessels. A freight forwarder books space with shipping lines on your behalf and also arranges the trucking, paperwork and customs steps that the carrier doesn't handle.
Should I ship FCL or LCL?
LCL is usually more economical below about 13 to 15 cubic metres. Above that, or for fragile, high-value or urgent cargo, a full container often makes more sense. We can quote both so you can compare. See FCL shipping and LCL shipping.
How are ocean freight rates calculated?
FCL is priced per container; LCL per cubic metre or per 1,000 kg, whichever is greater. Fuel surcharges, origin and destination charges, and any extras such as drayage or storage are added on top. Your quote itemizes these.