“These strikes are a stark reminder of the pivotal role labour dynamics play in the smooth functioning of global supply chains,” noted Angela Gambell, our Director of Sales, Marketing and Operations at Stockwells. “We’re witnessing firsthand how localised disputes can have ripple effects globally, impacting everything from delivery schedules to consumer prices.”

In France, a significant development has unfolded: the National Federation of Ports and Docks (FNDP) has temporarily halted nationwide strikes originally scheduled to continue until late June. While this pause provides a brief relief, concerns linger as the FNDP plans to resume strikes on September 26-27. 

“In the midst of these strikes and their broader implications, we are closely monitoring the situation for potential impacts on shipment schedules, costs, and global trade dynamics in the coming months,” Angela Gambell added.

Challenges and vulnerabilities in global shipping networks

The disruptions coincide with existing challenges in global shipping: capacity constraints, logistical bottlenecks, and recent crises like the Red Sea shipping crisis. These factors intensify concerns over delays and inflationary pressures, complicating operations for businesses worldwide.

“Managing these disruptions requires agile responses and proactive planning,” Gambell said. “Every hour of delay at major ports translates into potential setbacks across the supply chain, impacting businesses and consumers alike.”

Already strained, shipping companies must now contend with potential disruptions in global networks, anticipating delays that could affect delivery schedules. This situation underscores the vulnerability of international trade to local labour disputes, highlighting the interconnected nature of the global economy.

Economic implications and strategic responses

“In response to the strikes, carriers are compelled to adjust shipping rates upwards,” explained Gambell. “These adjustments, though necessary, could further drive up prices for imported goods, ultimately affecting consumers globally.”

The strikes coincide with broader labour movements in Germany, where IG Metall, the country’s largest labour union, advocates substantial wage increases for millions of workers in the metal and electrical industries. This push reflects a wider economic climate marked by rising inflation and concerns over wage stagnation relative to cost-of-living increases.

“The labour movements are indicative of larger economic trends,” Gambell observed. “They underscore the need for sustainable wage policies that balance fair compensation with economic stability, critical for long-term growth.”

Navigating uncertainty and future considerations

The repercussions of the European port strikes extend beyond local shores, echoing throughout international trade routes. Concerns about the resilience and adaptability of supply chains in the face of unexpected disruptions are paramount, especially with the strikes preceding the European summer holiday season, amplifying anxieties about potential shortages and logistical gridlocks.

“As governments, businesses, and industry stakeholders navigate these challenges, the ongoing strikes highlight the fragility of global supply chains and the need for robust contingency planning in our interconnected world. Resolving these labour disputes will be pivotal in shaping global trade dynamics and economic recovery efforts in the months ahead.”

“The intensification of market volatility due to strikes and disruptions in the Red Sea calls for heightened vigilance in tracking movements and proactive consideration of extended lead times for shipping,” Gambell added. “Staying ahead of these challenges in planning has never been more critical for businesses reliant on global supply chains.”

With strikes scheduled across France in September, supply chains need to prepare for further disruptions in ports across Europe. If these issues coincide with similar strikes in other major European ports, cargo bound for Northern Europe could be redirected to alternative ports such as Antwerp and Rotterdam. This situation has the potential to exacerbate existing supply chain challenges, leading to heightened shipping delays and increased costs due to elevated spot rates for businesses.

“Given the current demand levels and the possibility of extended strikes, the shipping industry faces heightened uncertainty,” Gambell warned. “We must monitor these developments closely to gauge their impact on global shipping rates, potentially echoing the highs seen during the pandemic.”

Stockwells continues to offer strategic insights and support to businesses navigating these turbulent waters, emphasising the importance of adaptive supply chain management and proactive planning amidst evolving global dynamics. Get in touch with our team today.

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Here’s a look at the key shifts defining the sector: 

Geopolitical tensions and shipping challenges

Red Sea crisis: Ongoing hostilities in the Red Sea region continue to cause ripple effects across global supply chains, leading to increased ocean freight rates and disruptions in shipping schedules. Vessels are rerouting away from affected areas, impacting major trade routes like those between Europe and Australia. Businesses must brace themselves, anticipate longer lead times, and plan meticulously to steer through these turbulent waters.

Increased costs: Escalating shipping costs, largely driven by geopolitical tensions, underscore the importance of cost management and strategic planning. Embracing these challenges head-on and integrating them into financial planning will pave the way for smoother sailing ahead.

Supply chain management strategies

Planning and lead times: Longer lead times necessitate proactive planning to minimise the impact on inventory management and customer satisfaction. Anticipating delays and optimising supply chain processes are critical steps in mitigating disruptions.

Warehousing needs: Amidst unpredictable shipping schedules, there has been a notable rise in the demand for sufficient warehousing space. Many businesses are turning to third-party logistics providers to secure storage and fulfilment capacities, ensuring they can maintain flexibility and scalability in their operations. At Stockwells, we specialise in offering these crucial logistics solutions to support your business needs.

Consumer trends and market dynamics

Direct-to-consumer growth: Embracing the surge towards direct-to-consumer models is crucial, especially in today’s challenging landscape. Driven by consumer demands for seamless shopping and lightning-fast deliveries, businesses must elevate their e-commerce strategies and optimise supply chains for direct distribution channels.

Stock management: Effective stock management strategies are paramount in volatile market conditions. Businesses are encouraged to adopt agile inventory management systems and leverage data analytics to forecast demand accurately and optimise stock levels.

Sustainability initiatives in shipping

Recognising the urgent global need for sustainability, shipping companies are increasingly adopting carbon offsetting measures. These initiatives aim to mitigate the environmental footprint of shipping operations, providing businesses with opportunities to integrate sustainable practices into their logistics strategies. As we enter the new fiscal year and beyond, it’s crucial for businesses to prioritise sustainability, which is rapidly becoming a non-negotiable imperative.

Regulatory updates and economic implications

In response to Budget 2024-25, the Australian Government is eliminating 457 tariffs on essential goods, such as toothbrushes and clothing, to streamline trade and reduce costs by $8.5 billion annually. These changes, detailed in ACN 2024/17 by the Australian Border Force*, aim to enhance affordability and support economic growth. The adjustments in biosecurity and food import fees effective July 1, 2024, by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry**, highlight Australia’s commitment to maintaining rigorous standards. It is important to note this will also influence operational costs for stakeholders.

These updates present both opportunities and challenges for logistics professionals. While tariff removals promise enhanced market access and cost savings, managing increased biosecurity fees requires careful financial planning and operational adjustments. Staying informed and agile will be crucial for navigating these regulatory changes and seizing growth opportunities amidst evolving global trade dynamics in 2024.

Forward thinking

Throughout this financial year, businesses in the logistics sector must remain vigilant and adaptable amidst geopolitical uncertainties, evolving consumer behaviours, and regulatory changes. By prioritising strategic planning, leveraging technology-driven solutions, and embracing sustainable practices, businesses can navigate these challenges effectively and seize opportunities in the dynamic global marketplace.

Stay informed, stay proactive, and stay resilient—these principles will guide logistics professionals in driving success amid the complexities of 2024 and beyond.

Want to learn more? Reach out to our team of experts. 

Sources:

*Australian Border Force (ACN 2024/17)

**DAFF recently completed an annual review and indexation cycle to regulatory fees and charges for biosecurity and imported food regulatory activities. The complete table of Indexed fees and charges can be found here:

Fees and charges for biosecurity regulatory activity from 1 July 2024

Fees and charges for imported food regulatory activity from 1 July 2024

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The current impact of the logistics industry

The logistics industry traditionally relies on fossil fuels for transportation, producing substantial carbon emissions. According to recent studies, the transportation sector accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, with road freight being a major contributor. Inefficient packaging, excessive waste generation, and reliance on non-renewable resources further exacerbate the industry’s environmental impact.

Understand your impact: Take a self-assessment of the impact of your current logistics

Before implementing sustainable logistic practices, assessing your organisation’s current environmental impact is crucial. Conducting a self-assessment allows you to identify areas where improvements can be made and set realistic sustainability goals. 

Consider energy consumption, fuel usage, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. This assessment will serve as a foundation for developing an effective sustainability strategy.

Measures that can be implemented to assist with reducing your impact

Sustainable transport options: Explore eco-friendly alternative transportation methods, such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or vehicles powered by renewable energy sources. Optimise route planning to minimise mileage and fuel consumption, reducing costs and emissions.

Efficient packaging: Evaluate your packaging materials and aim to reduce waste by utilising recyclable or biodegradable materials. Implementing right-sized packaging solutions can minimise the use of excess materials and decrease transportation costs.

Optimise warehouse operations: Adopt energy-efficient practices in your warehouses, such as installing LED lighting, using automated systems to control energy usage, and optimising storage layouts to maximise space utilisation. 

Sustainable supply chain: Collaborate with suppliers and partners who share your commitment to sustainability. Encourage them to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as reducing their carbon footprint, optimising packaging, and implementing waste reduction initiatives.

Consult with the experts at Stockwells and how their sustainable initiatives are assisting clients

Stockwell International recognises the importance of sustainability in the modern business landscape. Angela Gambell, Director of Sales & Marketing, emphasises the significance of innovative and new projects that positively impact people, communities, and the planet. 

“It is easy to get lost and drawn into the many different debates on climate, environment and sustainability conversations. There is too much noise and too much debate about what is right, what it is and how to tackle it.

But as a Director, employer, mother and realist, I understand that there is no immediate fix, and by working on innovative and new projects that positively impact our people, our communities and our planet we will be contributing to the best of our abilities.

As Albert Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

Stockwell International strives to add value to the creation of sustainable supply chains globally. Protecting nature, inspiring staff, and supporting the community. We work closely with clients to develop sustainable logistics solutions that reduce environmental impact and drive long-term sustainability. By leveraging our expertise and extensive network, Stockwell can assists businesses in implementing eco-friendly logistic practices, optimising transportation routes, and adopting greener supply chain strategies.

The logistics industry is responsible for addressing its environmental impact and embracing sustainable practices. By understanding your organisation’s current impact, implementing measures to reduce emissions and waste, and collaborating with experts like Stockwell International, you can contribute to a more sustainable future. 
To find out how we can work together to build a greener, more sustainable logistics industry, contact our friendly team today.

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The Domestic Transport Portal acts as a vital bridge between shippers and carriers, facilitating the transportation of goods and handling tasks such as sourcing carriers, negotiating rates, managing documentation, and providing customers visibility throughout the shipment process.

Our new Domestic Transport Portal offers customers a wider network of carriers, increasing the chances of finding the most cost-effective and efficient transport solutions. Our existing line haul service typically involves fixed routes and carriers, the trucking brokerage taps into a larger network of carriers, ensuring more personalised and tailored shipment options. This flexibility allows us to find the most suitable options for each shipment, taking into account factors such as cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and specific customer requirements.

The benefits of Stockwell’s Domestic Transport Portal

Our customers are now able to gain access to a broader network of carriers, increasing the chances of finding the most cost-effective and efficient transportation solutions for their shipments. We’ve established strong relationships with trusted carriers both in Australia and around the world, ensuring the sourcing of the best options to meet specific needs.

We can also negotiate competitive rates on behalf of our customers, resulting in cost savings. By connecting customers with carriers offering favourable pricing, we can help your business allocate resources more efficiently.

Customers can leave the complexities of carrier selection, documentation management, and tracking to our dedicated in-house team. This saves valuable time and effort, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations while we ensure a smooth and efficient logistics process.

How does the Machship portal work?

The Domestic Transport Portal offers advanced tracking and reporting capabilities, providing valuable insights into logistics processes. This enables businesses to make data-driven decisions, identify areas for improvement, and optimise their overall supply chain efficiency.

So, how does the DTP work? The process is simple:

1. Provide shipment details: Customers can conveniently provide shipment details such as origin, destination, and cargo specifications through the Machship portal or by contacting the Stockwell team.
2. Advanced matching and carrier selection: DTP’s platform uses advanced algorithms to match shipment requirements with suitable carriers from Stockwell’s extensive network. The Stockwell team then negotiates rates and finalises carrier selection.
3. Quote confirmation: Once the carrier is selected, customers receive a quote for their shipment. After reviewing and confirming the quote, the shipment is ready to go.
4. Documentation, tracking, and communication: Throughout the transportation process, DTP manages the documentation, tracking, and communication, providing real-time updates and ensuring smooth coordination between all parties involved.
5. Detailed reporting and analytics: After the delivery is complete, customers receive comprehensive reporting and analytics, offering insights into their shipment history and performance.

We are excited about the positive impact the DTP will have on customers’ logistics operations. The portal provides a user-friendly self-service experience, empowering customers to manage their shipments, access real-time information, and perform various tasks related to logistics management from one central location.

Customers can trust Stockwell to handle their logistics while focusing on growing their business. Contact us today to get started!

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Described as a gold standard trade agreement, the A-UKFTA is hailed as a once-in-a-generation deal that strengthens the relationship between the two nations. With its comprehensive commitments and substantial tariff reductions, this agreement will create new import and export opportunities and aid in the post-COVID-19 recovery for both countries. 

Stockwell International welcomes this historic agreement and anticipates the numerous benefits it will bring to its clients and the Australian economy.

Tariff Elimination and Export Opportunities:

The A-UKFTA will eliminate tariffs on over 99% of Australian goods exported to the UK. This removal of tariffs will significantly enhance export opportunities for various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and manufactured products such as auto parts, electrical equipment, and cosmetics. 

This reduction in trade barriers can translate into cost savings and improved competitiveness for Australian businesses. Stockwell International can help businesses navigate the complexities of customs procedures and ensure compliance with import regulations, facilitating a seamless and efficient import process. Particularly during the upcoming changes.

Savings and Market Access:

With the elimination of tariffs on imports from the UK, Australian businesses can expect savings of approximately $200 million per year. After five years, all UK imports will enter Australia duty-free.

As tariffs are removed, the cost of imported goods decreases, which can positively impact the bottom line for businesses, particularly those relying on imported goods from the UK. Stockwell International can leverage its freight forwarding expertise to optimise logistics, and negotiate competitive shipping rates, to continue supporting businesses to reduce their logistics costs.

Expanded Market Access

The agreement also provides Australian businesses with expanded market access to a wider range of goods and services from the UK. With reduced trade barriers, businesses can explore new products and suppliers and access a larger consumer base. 

Streamlined Customs Procedures

The A-UKFTA also aims to simplify customs procedures, reducing hurdles and delays associated with importing goods from the UK. Stockwell International will continue to support businesses by handling the necessary documentation, customs clearance processes, and compliance requirements associated with imports from the UK. 

Stockwell would like to remind clients that some additional documentation is required under the FTA to ensure your goods meet the rules of origin. For more information on rules of origin and to see if your goods are eligible under the agreement you can view DFAT’s guide or visit the DFAT website.

As the implementation date of 31 May 2023 approaches, Stockwell International is ready to assist clients by continuing to provide outstanding customer service and knowledge leadership in logistics solutions.

If you’re a business or existing Stockwell customer with questions about the trade agreement or would like to know how these changes may affect your business, contact our friendly team at [email protected] 

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Benefits of Using a Freight Forwarder

A freight forwarder is a third-party logistics provider that manages the transportation of goods from one place to another. There are many benefits to using a freight forwarder, such as:

• Expertise: Freight forwarders have in-depth knowledge of transportation regulations, documentation requirements, and customs clearance procedures, which can help you avoid costly mistakes.
• Time-saving: A freight forwarder can handle all the logistics of your shipment, including booking cargo space, arranging pickup and delivery, and tracking your shipment’s progress. This allows you to focus on your core business activities.
• Cost-effective: Freight forwarders can negotiate better rates with carriers and find the most efficient routes to save you money.
• Risk reduction: Freight forwarders can help you purchase the right insurance for your cargo and handle any issues that may arise during transit.

Types of Freight Forwarders

There are three main types of freight forwarders: air, ocean, and multi-modal.

• Air freight forwarders are experts in transporting goods by air, providing swift and efficient delivery. They specialise in arranging the movement of your cargo from the warehouse to the airport, handling all necessary paperwork, and ensuring proper loading onto the appropriate flight.
• Ocean freight forwarders specialise in transporting goods by sea, ensuring reliable and timely delivery. They excel in organising the shipment of your cargo from the warehouse to the port, managing all required documentation, and overseeing the correct loading onto the suitable vessel.
• Multi-modal freight forwarders possess the versatility to handle shipments that require a combination of transportation modes, including air, ocean, rail, or road. In addition, they are skilled in coordinating the transportation of your cargo from the warehouse to the destination, selecting the most efficient and cost-effective modes of transport for optimal results.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Freight Forwarder

Choosing the right freight forwarder is crucial for the success of your business. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:

• Experience: Look for a freight forwarder with a proven track record in your industry. They should have experience handling the type of goods you are shipping and be familiar with the countries you are importing from or exporting to.
• Reputation: Do your research and read reviews from other businesses that have used the freight forwarder’s services. Check if the freight forwarder is licensed and registered with the relevant authorities.
• Services: Make sure the freight forwarder can provide the services you need, such as customs clearance, insurance, and warehousing.
• Pricing: Get quotes from several freight forwarders and compare their prices. But don’t just choose the cheapest option; consider the quality of service and the level of expertise offered.
• Customer service: Look for a freight forwarder that is responsive to your queries and concerns. They should be available to provide updates on your shipment and offer solutions to any issues that may arise.

Questions to Ask a Freight Forwarder

Here are some questions to ask a freight forwarder before choosing them:

• What types of goods do you specialise in?
• What countries do you have experience shipping to/from?
• Can you provide references from other businesses you have worked with?
• What services do you offer, and are there any additional fees?
• What is your pricing structure, and can you provide a detailed quote?
• How do you handle customs clearance, and are there any potential issues with my shipment?
• What is your process for tracking shipments, and can you provide real-time updates?

Why Work with Stockwell International?

If you are looking for a reliable and experienced freight forwarder, Stockwell International is an excellent choice. Here’s why:

• Experience: With over 50 years of experience in the logistics industry, our team of friendly experts can handle all aspects of your shipment, including customs clearance, insurance, and warehousing.
• Reputation: Stockwell International has a proven track record of providing high-quality services to businesses of all sizes. 
• Services: Stockwell can offer you assistance with a wide range of forwarding services, including air freight, ocean freight, multi-modal transport, customs clearance, insurance, domestic line haul and warehousing. Our friendly team can tailor services to meet your specific business needs.
• Pricing: We offer competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of service and can provide a detailed quote that includes all charges upfront so you know exactly what to expect.
• Customer service: Stockwell is committed to providing exceptional customer service. We have a dedicated on-shore team available to answer your queries and provide updates on your shipment’s progress.

Choosing the right freight forwarder is essential for the success of your business. Consider the factors mentioned above when making your decision, and don’t hesitate to ask questions before making your choice. If you are looking for a reliable and experienced freight forwarder, Stockwell International can provide high-quality services to ensure your shipments arrive safely and on time.

The Stockwell International FCL booking office provides our clients with suitable sea freight quote options for new FCL bookings and LCL bookings, on top of regular contract options. Our team can offer instant port-to-port rates and direct sea freight bookings to reduce the time it takes to book a container to less than a day.

Alternatively, with a well-established network of major airlines and a wide-reaching network of offices, we are well-equipped to offer competitive air freight forwarding rates with personalised service at optimum efficiency.

Get your free quote today! 

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Best regards,

Angela Gambell,
Director Sales & Marketing

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VIC/SA – Require 48 hours to organise dehire of container.  This time does not include public holidays or weekend.  Please also note that notifications made after midday are not considered same day.

NSW/QLD/WA – Require 72 hours to organise dehire of container.  This time does not include public holidays or weekend.  Please also note that notifications made after midday are not considered same day.

If you have any further questions, please contact [email protected] for more information.

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Chinese New Year will commence on January 22, 2023, and end on February 5, 2023. Nevertheless, many production sites will begin to decelerate and close down up to a month prior as this significant tradition is the only holiday where people get to spend extended time with their families.

As many ports, factories and production sites close, it can disrupt supply chains and impact the logistics of businesses. Preparing ahead of time will allow you to minimise the disruption of delays in your supply chain management system.

Challenges to expect

Factory closures halt goods delivered from factories to ports, and ports will function at a lower capacity due to the seasonal shipping rush from Chinese New Year closures. Ocean freight services may be full or overbooked earlier than usual, causing challenges in securing container space as carriers will be in high demand. As a result, this will increase rates for freight and other delivery services in and out of China. 

What you can do to avoid stressing your supply chain

If you want to avoid disruptions in your supply chain, placing orders well before the Chinese New Year is best. By preparing in advance and being mindful of deadlines, you can ensure your freight delivery runs smoothly.

Check-in with your manufacturer

Consult with your manufacturer and factories ahead of time on closures and final shipment dates to confirm that your supplies will reach you before the holiday. By booking your ocean freight at least three weeks in advance, you will have time to plan for any potential production delays and avoid disruptions in your supply chain. 

Organise your inventory to overcome delays or shortages

The ramifications of delays in shipping and manufacturing can be long-lasting. If you’re receiving shipments from China, it’s best to communicate closely with your supplier. The dates of these shipments can change in the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, as factories are working at full capacity. Ensure you have alternatives, such as organising inventory to avoid shortages due to delayed or slow shipments. 

With proper planning and communication, you can prepare your supply chain for the impacts of the Chinese New Year, ensuring that you can continue serving your customers during this time. By working with freight services providers, freight forwarders, port authorities and logistics experts, you can mitigate any potential disruptions and ensure seamless operations during this period of production closures.

Need to get your stock moving quickly? Talk to Stockwell about our air freight options.

Our connections with major global airlines provide us with a wide range of freight forward solutions allowing us to move cargo fast and efficiently. 

Get in touch with your logistics partner

Having a trusted and reliable logistics partner with the expertise and resources to help clear any complications during the Chinese New Year period will not only ease seasonal shipping stress but ensure that your products reach you and your customers on time. 

Get in touch with the Stockwell International team today, we can help with your freight booking needs, and the in-house booking office can arrange all your FCL movements in the lead up to and around Chinese New Year. 

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Air freight forwarding services can see your business’ supply chain perform at optimal levels through speed and efficiency, with reasonable freight rates and personalised service. The speed and flexibility of air freight are unparalleled by any other form of transportation.

Alternatively, sea freight forwarding services allow for the bulk transport of goods at the most cost-effective rates. Traditionally, sea freight is more cost-effective and beneficial for importers/exporters forwarding large-scale cargo and/or high volume cargo that is not particularly time sensitive and can arrive in weeks or months rather than days. 

Ultimately, the choice of whether you use air freight vs. sea freight will be dependent on your needs and personal situation. Factors such as cargo sensitivity, security, the urgency of delivery, size of goods, weight of the shipment, and budget must all be considered.

To make life easier, we’ve assembled a birdseye view of the advantages and disadvantages of air vs. sea freight for you.

The Advantages of Air Freight 

There is a range of advantages of air freight, including:

• Speed. The greatest advantage of air freight is the ability to move cargo across oceans and continents faster than any other shipping method. The traditional borders of land and sea no longer apply, and you can potentially have your cargo on the opposite side of the earth in less than a day. Cargo is also unlikely to get stuck “in port”, which is a potential risk with sea freight.
  
• Weekly Consolidations. Based on the relationships your freight forwarder has with airlines, air freight consolidation allows for multiple cargo consignments to be sent together. This can result in more competitive air freight rates.
  
• Real-Time Tracking. This provides reassurance and certainty to customers because you have complete visibility of all air cargo statuses in real-time. Stockwell offers a track-and-trace service where you have a personalised dashboard to view all consignments in one place.
  
• Insurance. Air freight is often used for high-value goods, such as luxury retail, electronics, urgent medical deliveries or other expensive items. Having full-risk or partial-risk insurance against damage or loss is an important consideration for anyone shipping high-value items. Even though the odds of a plane crash are minimal (estimated as 1 in 5.4 million), insurance provides peace of mind against all kinds of risks involved in air freight.

The Disadvantages of Air Freight

There is a range of disadvantages of air freight, including:

• Higher Rates. Air freight often attracts a higher freight rate because of additional handling and packaging requirements. There is also less cargo volume available generally, so the law of supply and demand dictates that air freight will always be more expensive than shipping. Whether the premium is worth paying often comes down to the urgency of the delivery.
  
• Restrictions On Hazardous or Dangerous Goods. Hazardous or dangerous goods can’t always be shipped via air freight due to the increased risk posed if something were to go wrong. For example, passenger flights often will not carry hazardous cargo. Some types of cargo are not permitted on air freight at all, and alternative arrangements will be needed.
  
• Restrictions On Size and Weight. As opposed to the gigantic metric volume of container ships, planes are significantly restricted by their dimensions. The restrictions vary depending on whether you use a passenger flight or a freighter flight. Passenger flights typically don’t accept cargo with a height greater than 159cm, length greater than 320cm, or weight above 4,000kg.

The Advantages of Sea Freight 

There is a range of advantages of sea freight, including:

• Flexible FCL Booking Options. Sea freight has the widest variety of options for an FCL booking. Without the need for consolidation and deconsolidation, FCL freight forwarding can result in more efficient transit times, and depending on the circumstances, your sea freight forwarder may secure you a more cost-effective shipping rate.
  
• Minimal Freight Rates for LCL. When you have less than a container load of cargo, cargo can be consolidated for transportation in a shared container. This is ideal for smaller consignments where you have the luxury of time.
  
• Move Large or Bulky Items. Some industries unavoidably require very large equipment for their operations, and this is one area where sea freight shines. Large, out-of-gauge project cargo (e.g. agricultural machinery or wind farm items) can be moved with the greatest efficiency, risk mitigation and competitive rates via sea freight.

The Disadvantages of Sea Freight

There is a range of disadvantages of sea freight, including:

• Greatest Risk of Loss. Of all the freight forwarding transportation options, shipping is the area most at risk of cargo loss. Though the probability is still very low, it remains the highest of all the global transportation methods. Storms and rough seas are the most common causes of lost containers.
  
• Environmental Impact. The shipping industry has traditionally been one of the biggest environmental polluters, owing to the huge quantities of oil consumed to power container ships. Up until 2016, the quality of the oil used in shipping was also very high in sulphur and contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Thankfully, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is continuing to reduce the harmful impacts of shipping on the environment.
  
• It’s Slow. Sea freight booking is typically used for moving goods in bulk, and with that comes a decrease in speed. Sea freight can also be impacted by the activities of local ports, whether at the export origin or import destination. Queueing, port backlogs, industrial action, and bottlenecks are the most common disadvantages of sea freight.

Our Options for Air vs. Sea Freight

Despite the ongoing challenges to the freight industry, Stockwell is making positive headway with our Australian-based, in-house booking office.

The Stockwell International FCL booking office provides our clients with suitable sea freight quote options for new FCL bookings and LCL bookings, on top of regular contract options. Our team can offer instant port-to-port rates and direct sea freight bookings to reduce the time it takes to book a container down to less than a day.

Alternatively, with a well-established network of major airlines and a wide-reaching network of offices, we are well equipped to offer competitive air freight forwarding rates with personalised service at optimum efficiency.

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