Ocean Freight Forwarder

Shipping containers overseas can be easy. Posey International takes care of ocean freight for businesses, handling everything from booking space on the ship to customs clearance.

What Is Ocean Freight?

Ocean freight is simply moving your products by ship in those big metal containers you see stacked at ports. Most are either 20 or 40 feet long. Ships follow set routes between ports, kind of like a bus route but across the ocean. It takes a few weeks, but for heavy shipments or when you’re not in a rush, nothing beats the price of ocean shipping.

Our Ocean Freight Services

Whatever you need to ship by ocean, we’ve got you covered with the right service and equipment.

We work with all the major shipping lines and know which ones actually deliver on their promises. After years of moving containers to Asia, Europe, and everywhere in between, we’ve learned what works. Your cargo gets there on schedule without the typical headaches that come with international shipping.

FCL (Full Container)

Book an entire container just for your products. This is great when you have enough to fill it up.

LCL (Shared Container)

Split container space with other shippers when you only have a few pallets. This saves money on smaller shipments.

Weekly Departures

Ships leave regularly to all major ports. We find space on the right vessel for your schedule.

Port Management

All that complicated port stuff? We handle it – paperwork, customs, loading, everything.

Shipping Documents

Bills of lading, packing lists, whatever the shipping line needs. We get it all ready.

Special Containers

Refrigerated for food products, flat racks for big machinery, tanks for liquids. Just tell us what you need.

Online Tracking

Check where your container is anytime. Our system shows you exactly where it is on the ocean.

Final Delivery

We arrange the trucking to get containers from the port right to your door.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started with Ocean Freight

FCL or LCL - What is better?

If you need to ship 10 pallets or more, FCL usually works better because you will have the entire container. If you have less than 10 pallets, then LCL is more economical, but transit time could be longer. Once it gets to the destination port, they will need to organize your cargo with the other shipments going to the same location. We will check the numbers so you can decide what works best.

How do I get started with a shipment?

Just give us the basics – what it is, how much it weighs, its dimensions, and where it needs to go. We’ll check what’s available and send you a few options with pricing. Once you pick one, we handle everything from there.

Can you handle equipment that's too big for containers?

Absolutely. We ship construction equipment, industrial machines, and anything oversized using special equipment or break bulk vessels. It costs more but we do it all the time.

Do you handle importing and exporting?

Both ways. Whether you’re bringing materials in from overseas suppliers or sending your products out to foreign customers, the process is basically the same. We handle either direction.

Paperwork and Regulations

What documents are required for ocean shipping?

The basics are your commercial invoice showing value, a packing list showing contents, and a bill of lading for the carrier. Different countries want different extras – we know what each one needs.

Can hazardous materials be shipped by ocean?

Yes. We are certified for dangerous goods. There is additional paperwork and specialized handling, but we routinely handle hazmat shipments. Everything is documented and reported as part of the safety process and procedures.

What about letter of credit requirements?

Banks are very strict with documents for Letters of Credit. One minor error and they will deny payment. We have handled hundreds of these and know what each bank will require. Every detail has to be correct.

What happens if customs chooses my container for inspection?

This is random and happens for about 5% of the containers they ship. We will handle any logistics for the examination of the goods. It typically adds a couple of days, but there is rarely an issue. If it does occur, you will be informed.

Should I insure my ocean shipments?

For valuable cargo, absolutely. Containers rarely get damaged or lost, but when problems happen, you want coverage. Insurance is cheap compared to losing a whole shipment.

Understanding Ocean Freight Costs

What am I actually paying for with ocean freight?

Your rate covers moving the container across the ocean. Then add trucking to and from ports, terminal fees, and documentation prep. We list everything out so there’s no confusion about costs.

Why do rates change so much throughout the year?

Supply and demand, basically. Late summer through fall gets crazy busy with holiday shipments, so rates jump. Fuel prices matter, too. Book early when possible for better rates.

What about those extra fees I hear about?

Yeah, ports charge for handling your container. If it sits too long, storage fees kick in. Customs exams cost extra. We let you know what might come up so you can budget for it.

Any ways to reduce shipping costs?

Ship more at once to fill containers. Book during slower seasons like February. If you ship monthly, we can lock in contract rates that beat the spot market. We look at your patterns and find savings.

Can I get a contract rate if I ship regularly?

Definitely. We negotiate agreements with carriers for customers shipping monthly or more. You get stable pricing for 3-6 months and avoid those peak season price spikes.

Tracking and Service

Can I make changes after booking?

Before the ship sails, usually, yes. After that, not much can change. The sooner you tell us about changes, the more options we have to help.

What if I need storage at the destination port?

No problem. Ports usually give you several free days. After that, daily storage charges apply. We can hold containers at port or move them to a warehouse – whatever works for your schedule.

Which shipping lines do you work with?

All the majors – Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd. Different lines excel on different routes. We pick based on reliability and price for your specific lane.

Can you reach smaller international ports?

Yes, through connections at major hubs. Your container goes to a big port, then transfers to a smaller vessel. This takes longer and costs more, but we can reach pretty much any port worldwide.

Why Choose Posey International

Looking for a logistics company that knows ocean freight inside and out? Posey International has been moving containers for Texas businesses long enough to know what actually matters – getting your cargo there safely, on time, and at a fair price. As a logistics company that treats your shipments like our own, we handle the ocean freight complexities while you run your business.

Strong relationships with all major ocean carriers
People who actually answer the phone and know your name
Clear tracking so you always know where your container is
Customs expertise at every major port
Solutions for everything from one pallet to project cargo

Reviews

Read our reviews from businesses like yours.

Global Service Areas

Posey International Logistics offers complete 3PL services while keeping the transportation network open on all major trade routes and commercial centers in the U.S.A. and beyond. Our network of strategic partners-from carriers to agents to expeditors-provides for a smooth round of logistics operation, whatever the starting point or final destination.

United States

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Contact Posey International

Need to ship containers overseas? Call (713) 672-1955 or send us your details online. Tell us your cargo size, destination port, and timeline. We’ll find the best sailing options and competitive rates.

As a trusted 3PL logistics company, we make ocean freight simple for your business. Our team works with all major shipping lines to secure space and track your containers.