The growth of international trade in recent decades has made calculating ocean transit times, as well as choosing the best routes, a headache for many people. It is no longer enough to just pick any shipping company and ship the cargo.
As experts in logistics, we, Nissin Transport GmbH Sucursal en España, are aware of the importance of understanding and knowing how to calculate sea transit times. Therefore, we explore the factors that affect it and detail the steps to estimate it and guarantee the delivery of the cargo in the right time.
What are maritime transit times?
Maritime transit can be defined as the period from the time cargo is loaded at the port of origin until it is unloaded at the port of destination. However, this time is not always the same and can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the specific route, the shipping company chosen and the logistical conditions at both origin and destination.
Factors that influence maritime transit time
Maritime transit time is affected by a number of important factors that can determine the efficiency and reliability of cargo delivery. What are these factors?
Choice of shipping company
Depending on the shipping company you choose, you can opt for different services and routes. Some of them may offer direct routes from the port of origin to the port of destination, which usually results in shorter transit times.
On the other hand, some shipping companies may choose to transship at intermediate ports, thus extending the delivery time. It is important to read reviews, do your research and take into account aspects such as reputation, frequency of service and reliability of the shipping line.
Container transshipment
This is a common practice in the shipping industry used to optimize space on vessels. The process requires the transfer of containers from one vessel to another at intermediate ports along the route.
While transshipment can help reduce operating costs and maximize vessel cargo capacity, it can also increase transit time. Transshipments have the disadvantage that they can lead to unforeseen delays and logistical complications that affect the timeliness of delivery.
External variables
Besides the factors controlled by shipping lines and port operators, there are a number of external variables that can affect maritime transit times. What are they exactly? These include adverse weather conditions, such as storms, hurricanes or snowfall, which can affect the seaworthiness of vessels, slow down port operations and cause delays en route.
In addition, port bureaucracy and customs procedures can add additional time to the delivery process, especially if there are problems with documentation or if additional security inspections are required. When planning and coordinating ocean shipments, it is very important that we consider these external variables to avoid surprises and reduce delivery delays.
How to calculate approximate sea transit time
Because there are so many factors that influence this calculation, determining the exact ocean transit time can become a complex process. However, by following a few fundamental steps, cargo delivery time can be estimated more accurately:
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Check with the shipping company
The first step is to contact the shipping company because they are the ones who can provide specific transit time estimates for your routes, based on experience and planning of their operations.
It is essential to consider that these estimates may change according to market conditions and external events. Therefore, it is recommended to verify the information regularly and maintain continuous communication with the shipping company to be aware of possible changes in the itinerary.
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Planning ahead
Booking space as far in advance as possible is an excellent strategy, especially during periods of high demand or peak season when capacity may be limited. By booking in advance, the cargo is prioritized and has a reserved space on the vessel, thus minimizing possible delays due to lack of space.
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Prepare the documentation
Having the documentation in order is a step that cannot be overlooked in order to speed up the customs clearance process and avoid delays in the transit of the cargo. It is important to make sure that all the necessary documents are in order and prepared in advance. These documents include commercial invoices, transport documents, certificates of origin and any other documents required by customs authorities.
Failure to have the correct documentation can cause significant delays in customs clearance, so it is important to be diligent in this regard. Sometimes even the authorities at ports of transshipment may request information depending on the type of cargo.
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Consider additional time
But the time specified by the shipping company is not everything. Additional time must be considered to complete customs clearance processes at both the port of origin and the port of destination. Customs clearance can be complex and subject to possible delays due to incomplete documentation, security inspections or other unforeseen factors.
Therefore, it is ideal to add an additional buffer time to ensure that the cargo can pass through customs processes smoothly because it is not uncommon for setbacks to arise. Hence, it must be considered possible delays in the logistics process, such as congestion at ports, operational problems at loading and unloading facilities, or delays in the delivery of cargo to port facilities. These delays can affect the total transit time and must be taken into account when planning the transportation of cargo.
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Communicate with your suppliers and freight forwarders
Maintaining close communication with suppliers, for example in China, and with local freight forwarders in the country of destination can make a difference by providing valuable information on transit times and procedures for successful delivery.
What information can each provide us with? For suppliers, they can provide details on the time required to prepare and dispatch cargo from their location. On the other hand, local freight forwarders can provide advice on available services, transportation options and transit times specific to the shipment.
In this way, a more complete understanding of the factors that can affect cargo transit time can be gained and measures can be taken to reduce the risk of delays.
Achieving a successful delivery
Were you aware of all the steps required to ensure a successful delivery? We know that doing so requires careful planning and choosing the shipping company that best suits your needs. In this way, we can be sure that sea transit times will be ideal and our cargo will arrive at its destination without suffering any setbacks.
We, Nissin Transport GmbH Sucursal en España, have a wide network of offices, logistics centers and warehouses that allow us to provide a wide variety of additional services and ensure a constant movement of goods. Guaranteed on-time delivery of cargo is our priority. If you are interested in learning more about our services, do not hesitate to contact us so that one of our experts can advise you.
