Sea freight: Common misconceptions and how to avoid them | A comprehensive guide

Sea freight is one of the oldest and most important means of commercial transport in the world. It is the backbone of international trade, through which millions of tons of goods are transported between continents daily.
Despite its great importance, there are many misconceptions about sea freight that are prevalent among traders and new importers, often leading to inaccurate decisions or unexpected losses.
In this article from Abdullah Shaheen Customs Clearance, we will correct the most prominent of these concepts and clarify the true picture of sea freight step by step.

Firstly: What is sea freight?

Sea freight is an international mode of transport in which goods are transported by ship from one port to another around the world.
It is commonly used to transport large quantities or huge volumes of goods, as it is one of the most economical and safest means of transport compared to air or land freight.

Second: Common misconceptions about sea freight

1. Sea freight is always very slow.

Many people believe that sea freight takes many months, but in reality it depends on the distance and the type of service.
Today there are fast and regular shipping lines connecting global ports, and shipments can arrive in just a few weeks, especially on major trade routes.

2. Sea freight is unsafe for goods.

This is one of the most common misconceptions. Sea freight relies on strict protection systems, and containers that are closed and secured against the elements.
Shipping companies also rely on securing and closely monitoring shipments from the port to their final destination.

3. Sea freight is very expensive

In fact, the opposite is true. Sea freight is the most economical option when it comes to transporting large quantities.
Its cost decreases as the quantity of goods increases, which is why it is the ideal option for large and medium-sized importers.

4. All types of goods can be shipped by sea in the same way

This is an inaccurate belief. Each type of cargo has a different method of packing and storing it inside ships, and some of them require special refrigeration or packaging, such as food or chemicals.

5. Sea freight does not require complicated customs tracking or clearance.

In fact, the shipping process is not complete without proper customs clearance.
This is where experts like Abdullah Shaheen Customs Clearance come in, handling the procedures professionally to ensure that goods arrive without delays or fines.

Third: Common mistakes made by importers in sea freight

• Failure to verify the conformity of the documents (invoice – bill of lading – certificate of origin).
• Neglecting marine insurance exposes goods to the risk of loss in the event of accidents.
• Choosing an unreliable shipping company solely because of the price.
• Lack of knowledge of customs laws in the destination country leads to delays in releasing shipments.
• Incorrect estimation of arrival times causes confusion in the supply or distribution chain.

Fourth: Tips to ensure the success of the sea freight operation

1. Deal with reliable shipping and customs clearance companies such as Abdullah Shaheen Customs Clearance.
2. Read the terms carefully before signing any shipping contract.
3. Make sure you get marine insurance, no matter how valuable the goods are.
4. Track the shipment electronically to see its progress at every stage.
5. Choose a suitable shipping line according to the destination and required speed.

Fifth: Frequently Asked Questions about Sea Freight

1. How long does sea freight usually take?

It varies by country, but in most cases it ranges from 10 days to 45 days, depending on the distance and type of service.

2. Can the shipment be tracked during its journey?

Yes, most shipping companies provide an electronic tracking system that allows you to know the location of the container in real time.

3. What is the difference between full container load (FCL) and shared container load (LCL)?

Full shipping means booking an entire container for your goods only, while shared shipping allows sharing space with other importers to reduce costs.

4. Is marine insurance mandatory?

It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended as it protects you from losses resulting from accidents or malfunctions during transport.

 

Sixth: What is a GT Dock and what is its role in maritime shipping?

The GT Dock, or Gateway Terminal Dock, is a key component in the modern marine shipping chain.
It is a key point within the port where containers are received and loading and unloading operations are organized, before they are loaded onto ships or after they are unloaded from them.

The GT Dock acts as a link between land transport companies and seaports, and aims to speed up the movement of cargo and coordinate schedules between ships and trucks.
Through it, container data is recorded, they are checked for security and customs purposes, and their readiness for loading is ensured without delay.

For importers, dealing with ports equipped with advanced GT Dock systems means reducing waiting times and avoiding port congestion, which directly impacts the speed of receiving goods and reducing storage costs.

conclusion

Understanding the nature of sea freight and avoiding misconceptions about it is a crucial step for the success of any import or export operation.
Every detail — from choosing a shipping company to customs clearance procedures — makes a big difference in the speed and security of your goods’ arrival.

If you are looking for a reliable partner in the world of sea freight and customs clearance, Abdullah Shaheen Customs Clearance is your ideal choice.
Our team guarantees that all procedures will be carried out with the highest level of professionalism, saving you time and money on every shipment. For more information about transportation in Saudi Arabia, contact the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.

📞 Contact us now to take your first steps towards a safe and efficient shipping experience.

• To contact Abdullah Shaheen Customs Clearance Company, you can register now to receive a free consultation.
• Contact us directly via WhatsApp for a quick response and immediate service. 966553307866+

Email us for full details and expert support. info@ashaheenco.com