In the current wave of globalization, international ocean shipping undoubtedly stands as the cornerstone of the international trade realm. With its remarkable advantages of large – volume transportation, low costs, and a vast network of sea – lanes spanning the globe, international ocean shipping shoulders over two – thirds of the global trade volume. In China, this proportion reaches approximately 90% of the total import and export freight volume.

It serves as an invisible yet robust bond, closely connecting countries worldwide and driving the vigorous development of the global economy. The significance of international ocean shipping is self – evident. It permeates every aspect of global trade and is a crucial force in promoting economic globalization.

Diverse Classifications of International Ocean Shipping

Classification by Cargo Volume

Less – than – Container – Load (LCL) Shipping: Specifically designed for customers with limited cargo volumes, LCL is an important mode in international ocean shipping to meet the transportation needs of small – quantity goods. Typically, three or more consignments of goods are jointly assembled in one container. This approach enables multiple customers to share the container space, effectively reducing costs and opening up an economical and convenient avenue for the transportation of small – batch goods. It fully demonstrates the flexibility of international ocean shipping in meeting diverse freight requirements.

Full – Container – Load (FCL) Shipping: Suited for scenarios with sufficient cargo volumes, FCL is the mainstream choice in international ocean shipping for transporting large quantities of goods. The shipper can rent an entire container independently. Whether it’s one – consignment – one – container or one – consignment – multiple – containers, this ensures the independence and safety of the goods during transportation, greatly reducing the risk of damage.

At the same time, it gives the shipper more autonomy and flexibility in loading, unloading, and transportation arrangements, highlighting the efficiency of international ocean shipping in ensuring large – scale cargo transportation.

Classification by Cargo Nature

Break – bulk and Bulk Cargo Shipping: Primarily serving bulk goods such as coal, ore, grain, as well as special goods like large – scale engineering equipment, machinery, and vehicles, break – bulk and bulk cargo shipping holds an indispensable position in international ocean shipping. The schedules of break – bulk and bulk carriers are relatively irregular, and the routes offer greater flexibility.

However, this also means that the timeliness of transportation is more difficult to precisely control. Nevertheless, for goods that cannot be transported in containers due to their size, weight, or characteristics, break – bulk and bulk cargo shipping is an irreplaceable option, showcasing the diversity of international ocean shipping in handling special cargo.

Container Shipping: Using standardized international containers, such as 20 – foot containers and 40 – foot containers, as carriers, container shipping is the core mode of modern international ocean shipping. Its standardized operation processes significantly improve the efficiency of cargo loading, unloading, and transshipment. Moreover, it can provide good protection for goods and is widely applicable to the transportation of various piece – goods, powerfully promoting the efficient circulation of global trade. It has become a typical example of the efficient and convenient transportation in international ocean shipping.

Special Container Shipping: Aimed at large – scale equipment that is extra – long, extra – heavy, or extra – high, as well as goods with special environmental requirements such as temperature and humidity, like refrigerated goods and insulated goods. Common special containers include open – top containers, flat – rack containers, and refrigerated containers. Special container shipping requires professional ship equipment and operational techniques to ensure the safety and stability of special goods during transportation, demonstrating the professionalism of international ocean shipping in meeting the transportation needs of special goods.

Billing Methods of International Ocean Shipping and Charging Criteria for Common Services

Scenarios of Billing by Volume

Most LCL shipments in international ocean shipping are billed by volume, with cubic meters (CBM) as the billing unit. This is a common billing method for light – volume goods in international ocean shipping. Goods such as furniture and textiles, although light in weight, occupy a large volume. Therefore, billing by volume can more reasonably reflect their transportation costs. Under various common service types in international ocean shipping, as long as LCL is involved, the volume of the goods is basically the main billing basis.

Of course, the actual freight is also affected by various factors such as the busyness of the route and the shipping schedule, reflecting the flexibility and rationality of the billing methods in international ocean shipping.

Scenarios of Billing by Weight (kg)

For goods with a high density and heavy weight, such as metal products and stones, billing by kilogram (kg) is usually adopted. This is the main billing mode for heavy goods in international ocean shipping. In the weight – based billing mode, a minimum chargeable weight standard is generally set. If the goods do not reach this standard, they will be charged according to the minimum weight.

In common service types related to FCL and some break – bulk and bulk cargo shipping, such as FOB, CIF, DDU, DDP, and DAP, when the goods are heavy, the ocean freight will be priced based on the actual weight of the goods, combined with factors such as the transportation distance and route characteristics, demonstrating the adaptability of the billing methods in international ocean shipping to the characteristics of different goods.

Calculation Rules for Volumetric Weight

The calculation of volumetric weight follows a specific formula: Volumetric Weight = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 6000, or it can be converted according to the ratio of 1CBM = 167kg. However, it should be noted that different routes may have differences in volumetric weight conversion standards. For example, the mainstream conversion standard for European routes is 1CBM = 750kg, while some aggressive carriers on the US routes adopt a standard of 1CBM = 500kg.

Regardless of which international ocean shipping service type is used, once the volumetric weight of the goods is inconsistent with the actual weight, the shipping company or freight forwarder usually compares the two values and selects the larger one as the chargeable weight. This rule is of great significance in the billing process of international ocean shipping, ensuring the fairness and scientific nature of billing.

Detailed Charging Rules for Common Service Types

FOB (Free on Board): Under this term, the buyer is responsible for chartering the ship, booking the shipping space, and paying the freight. This is one of the common trade terms in international ocean shipping. The calculation of ocean freight depends on the actual situation of the goods and the regulations of the shipping company, which may be based on weight or volume.

Once the goods cross the ship’s rail at the designated port of shipment, the risk is transferred to the buyer. The buyer also needs to bear all subsequent costs and risks. If the goods are light – volume goods, they are likely to be billed by volume; if they are heavy goods, they will be billed by weight, clarifying the way of freight calculation and risk transfer under the FOB term in international ocean shipping.

CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): The seller is responsible for chartering the ship, booking the shipping space, paying the freight from the port of shipment to the port of destination, and handling and paying for the freight insurance. This is another important trade term in international ocean shipping. The ocean freight is borne by the seller, and the charging is usually based on the weight or volume of the goods, combined with factors such as the route and shipping schedule for comprehensive pricing.

The CIF service also determines whether to bill by weight or volume according to the weight characteristics of the goods. At the same time, the seller also needs to accurately calculate and pay the insurance premium, clearly explaining the cost – bearing and service content under the CIF term in international ocean shipping.

DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): The seller is responsible for transporting the goods to the designated destination in the importing country but is not responsible for handling the import customs clearance procedures and paying the import duties. This service type is also commonly used in international ocean shipping. The ocean freight is borne by the seller, and the billing method is similar to that of FOB and CIF. It is based on the nature of the goods, either by weight or volume. The buyer then needs to bear the relevant costs of import customs clearance, clarifying the division of responsibilities between the buyer and the seller in international ocean shipping under the DDU term.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The seller assumes all risks and costs of transporting the goods to the designated destination in the importing country, including handling the import customs clearance procedures and paying the import duties. It is a service type with greater responsibility for the seller in international ocean shipping. The charging covers all costs in the entire transportation process of the goods. The ocean freight is billed by weight or volume, and in addition, it includes insurance premiums, customs clearance fees, duties, etc. The charging of DDP service is the most comprehensive and complex, requiring comprehensive consideration of many factors, elaborating on the comprehensive service content and charging composition under the DDP term in international ocean shipping.

DAP (Delivered at Place): The seller is responsible for transporting the goods to the designated destination and handing them over to the buyer for disposal, bearing the risks and costs during the transportation but not responsible for import customs clearance. This is another important service type in international ocean shipping. The ocean freight is paid by the seller, and the billing is determined according to factors such as the weight, volume, and transportation distance of the goods.

The buyer bears the import customs clearance costs. Its ocean freight billing method is also calculated according to the actual situation of the goods, either by weight or volume, clearly defining the responsibilities and cost – bearing of the buyer and the seller in international ocean shipping under the DAP term.

Double – Clearance and Duty – Paid Service: The freight forwarder or logistics company is responsible for handling the export customs clearance, import customs clearance procedures of the goods, and paying all taxes and duties including tariffs. This is a one – stop service in international ocean shipping that provides convenience for customers. The charging comprehensively considers various factors such as the weight, volume, transportation route, type of goods, and the difficulty of customs clearance at the port of destination, and gives a total price including all costs.

This one – stop service charging mode provides great convenience for customers who are not familiar with the customs clearance process or who hope to simplify the logistics process, highlighting the unique advantages of the double – clearance and duty – paid service in international ocean shipping.

FBA Head – haul Shipping: Specifically designed for Amazon sellers, it is responsible for transporting goods from the domestic area to Amazon warehouses. It is a characteristic service in international ocean shipping for e – commerce sellers. The charging of ocean FBA head – haul shipping is generally based on the weight or volume of the goods to calculate the ocean freight.

At the same time, it may include additional service fees such as customs declaration fees, pick – up fees, and warehousing fees. The specific charging details vary depending on the freight forwarder and service content. Its charging basis revolves around the weight and volume of the goods, combined with additional service items for pricing, reflecting the targeted service of international ocean shipping in meeting the logistics needs of e – commerce.

Inquiry of Ocean Freight and Tracking of Ocean Bill of Lading Number

Information Required for Ocean Freight Inquiry

When inquiring about ocean freight from a freight forwarder, detailed cargo information needs to be provided, including the name, weight, volume, packaging form, and number of pieces of the goods; transportation – related information, such as the port of loading, port of destination, and estimated shipping time; trade terms, such as FOB, CIF, etc.; and special requirements of the goods, such as whether refrigeration is required or if the goods are hazardous. The more accurate and comprehensive this information is, the more precise the ocean freight quote provided by the freight forwarder will be. This is an important part of the ocean freight inquiry process in international ocean shipping, ensuring the accuracy of freight calculation.

Tracking of Shipping Status through the Ocean Bill of Lading Number

Generally, the ocean bill of lading number can be queried through the website of the freight forwarder or the official website of the shipping company. This is a common way to track the shipping status in international ocean shipping. By entering the ocean bill of lading number on the corresponding query page, the real – time shipping status of the goods can be obtained, including whether the goods have been loaded onto the ship, the estimated arrival time, and the current port of location.

In addition, some third – party logistics information platforms also provide the service of querying the ocean bill of lading number, providing customers with a more convenient and comprehensive way to understand the shipping dynamics of the goods, improving the transparency of international ocean shipping services and the customer experience.

Main Route Layouts of International Ocean Shipping

• The US Route: As an important passage connecting Asia and the Americas, the US route covers routes from Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea to major ports on the west coast of the United States, such as Los Angeles and Long Beach, and on the east coast, such as New York and Miami. Due to its connection of two major economies in the world, the US route has become one of the busiest ocean shipping routes globally, carrying a large volume of trade. It holds a pivotal position in the international ocean shipping route network.
• The Europe Route: Usually referring to the route starting from Asia, passing through the Strait of Malacca, crossing the Indian Ocean, entering the Mediterranean Sea, and finally arriving at European ports such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp. The Europe route is a key link in Asia – Europe trade, playing an irreplaceable role in promoting economic exchanges and cooperation between the East and the West. It is an important economic artery in international ocean shipping connecting the Asian and European continents.
• The Mediterranean Route: Connecting Asian countries with ports along the Mediterranean coast, such as Genoa in Italy, Barcelona in Spain, and Istanbul in Turkey. This route plays an important role in promoting trade development in the Mediterranean region and regional economic integration. It is an important manifestation of international ocean shipping serving regional economic development.
• The Middle East Route: Primarily responsible for the transportation of goods between Asia and the Middle East region, including ports such as Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Dubai in the UAE, and Doha in Qatar. The rich oil resources and active trade activities in the Middle East region have made the Middle East route an important route for the transportation of energy materials and various commodities, highlighting the crucial role of international ocean shipping in energy transportation and regional trade.
• The Southeast Asia Route: Closely connecting China and other Asian countries with Southeast Asian countries, such as Port Klang in Malaysia, Bangkok in Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. The rapid economic development of the Southeast Asian region has made this route play an increasingly important role in regional trade and economic cooperation. It is a typical example of international ocean shipping serving regional economic growth.
• The Africa Route: Including routes to ports on the east coast of Africa, such as Mombasa and Dar es Salaam, and on the west coast, such as Lagos and Lomé. With the continuous growth of China – Africa trade, the strategic position of the Africa route has become increasingly prominent, providing strong support for promoting economic exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa. It demonstrates the positive contribution of international ocean shipping to promoting China – Africa trade.
• The Central and South America Route: Leading from Asia to ports in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Chile in South America, as well as countries in Central America such as Panama. This route has built a bridge for trade between Central and South America and Asia, promoting exchanges and cooperation in economic, cultural, and other fields between the two sides. It reflects the important significance of international ocean shipping in promoting inter – continental trade.
• The Australia and New Zealand Route: Connecting Asia with Australia and New Zealand, such as Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand. It is crucial for the transportation of agricultural products, minerals, and other materials, strengthening the economic ties between Asia and the Australia – New Zealand region. It is an important route for international ocean shipping to promote resource circulation and economic cooperation between regions.

Summary

International ocean shipping in 2025, like a huge engine of global trade, with its rich and diverse transportation classifications, sophisticated billing systems, flexible service types, and criss – cross route networks, efficiently promotes the smooth flow of global goods.

In terms of transportation classifications, whether it is LCL suitable for small – volume goods, FCL for large – volume goods, or break – bulk, container, and special – container shipping for special goods, international ocean shipping precisely meets the transportation needs of various goods. In terms of billing methods, billing by volume or weight and the unique calculation method of volumetric weight are both scientific and reasonable, taking into account the characteristics of different goods. Common service types, from FOB and CIF with clear – cut responsibilities to the one – stop double – clearance and duty – paid service, provide diverse options for all parties in trade, meeting the needs of different trade scenarios and customers.

The clear – cut information required for ocean freight inquiry and the convenient tracking function of the ocean bill of lading number further enhance the transparency and controllability of international ocean shipping services. And the numerous main routes, such as the US route, the Europe route, etc., are like economic veins, closely connecting all parts of the world and strongly supporting the booming development of global trade.

A deep understanding of these key elements of international ocean shipping is of great help for trading enterprises to accurately plan logistics costs, reasonably select service types, and thus enhance their competitiveness in the global market. For freight forwarders, it enables them to better optimize business processes and improve service quality, standing out in the fierce market competition.

With the continuous evolution of the global economic landscape, international ocean shipping will surely continue to innovate and optimize to adapt to new market demands, and will continue to play an irreplaceable core role on the global trade stage. The future of international ocean shipping is full of challenges and opportunities, and it will continue to play a vital role in the development of the global economy.