Sea Freight

In today’s deeply interconnected global economy,Sea Freight serves as the cornerstone of the international supply chain, enabling the vital flow of goods between nations and territories.

With over 15 years of experience, PTN Logistics stands as a leading and trusted partner in the logistics industry, delivering comprehensive, flexible, and exceptionally professional sea freight solutions. Let’s explore our premier shipping services to find the optimal solution for your business.

An overview of sea freight

With a long and storied history, sea freight has long been the backbone of global commerce, driving trade, connecting economies, and opening up new markets.

When people think of sea freight, they envision a mode of transport renowned for its ability to handle massive volumes, its cost-effectiveness, and its extensive global reach.

Vietnam’s long coastline and strategic seaports make it a key country for maritime transport and logistics. As one of today’s leading freight forwarders, PTN Logistics is proud to be a reliable partner, accompanying our clients on every sea shipment to ensure their cargo is always safe and delivered on time.

What is Sea Freight?

Sea freight is the method of transporting goods by sea-going vessels along international or domestic maritime routes. It is widely regarded as the optimal method for shipping large-volume, bulky, or hazardous goods that require the highest safety standards.

Furthermore, sea freight significantly reduces costs compared to air freight while ensuring flexible transport capabilities on a global scale.

Common types of goods shipped by sea

With fewer restrictions than air freight, sea transport offers businesses greater flexibility and opportunity. Apart from goods prohibited by law, almost any type of cargo can be shipped by sea.

Packaged goods (containerized – FCL/LCL)

The most common sea cargo. Typically packed carefully in boxes, crates, pallets, or containers:

• Consumer goods: apparel, footwear, electronics, homewares, furniture, toys, etc.
• Packaged foods: spices, tea, coffee, grains, flour, dry foods, canned goods, etc.
• Parts and components: auto/motorbike parts, electronic components, machinery, etc.

Bulk cargo

This refers to unpackaged goods loaded directly into a ship’s hold. Bulk cargo is typically shipped in large quantities and has a low value per unit.

Dry bulk:

• Minerals: coal, iron ore, bauxite, sand, cement.
• Agricultural: grains (wheat, rice, corn), cashews, coffee, pepper, cassava and derivatives.
• Construction materials: cement, sand, stone, steel (bars, coils).

Liquid bulk:

• Oil & petroleum products: crude oil, gasoline, diesel, lubricants, bitumen.
• Liquid chemicals: industrial chemicals, solvents, liquid fertilizers.
• Liquefied gas: LNG.
• Food-grade liquids: juices, wine, beer, milk, edible oils.

Oversized & Overweight cargo (Project cargo)

These are items whose dimensions or weight exceed standard limits, making them unsuitable for other transport modes or requiring specialized vessels.

• Industrial machinery & equipment: generators, turbines, large engines, gantry cranes, plant components.
• Vehicles: cars, trucks, motorcycles, heavy equipment, construction machinery.

Refrigerated goods

These products require a controlled, low-temperature environment to maintain their quality throughout the shipping process. They are transported in refrigerated containers (reefer containers).

• Fresh perishables: meat, fish/seafood, fresh produce.
• Dairy & processed: milk, yogurt, ice cream.
• Pharma & vaccines: items requiring strict temperature ranges.

Dangerous goods (DG)

These are goods that could pose a risk to people, the environment, or property during transport. They require special packaging, handling, and shipping protocols.

• Chemicals: acids, bases, flammables/explosives.
• Gases: LPG, industrial gases.
• Radioactive materials.

Sea freight is the optimal solution for goods that need to be shipped in large quantities, are not time-sensitive, and require a cost-effective approach.

Pros & Cons of sea freight

Sea freight plays a crucial role in the global supply chain, offering many significant advantages. However, it also has certain limitations that customers should consider to select the most suitable transport solution for their needs.

Advantages of sea freight

This mode of transport allows for the carriage of massive cargo volumes at a competitive cost, particularly when compared to air freight. Sea freight also possesses the unique ability to transport bulky and overweight goods that are difficult for other transport methods to handle.

Furthermore, sea routes are more diverse and extensive, helping to directly connect major seaports and minimize intermediate transit steps.

Notably, sea freight is also more environmentally friendly, with lower greenhouse gas emissions per ton of cargo than other forms of transportation.

Disadvantages of sea freight

Despite its significant advantages, this form of transport has notable limitations, such as its relatively slow transit speed, which makes it unsuitable for goods that require urgent delivery.

In addition, the shipping process is complex and heavily impacted by weather and natural conditions like storms and high waves, which are inherent weaknesses that can affect both the timing and safety of the cargo.

Customs procedures can also cause delays if not handled efficiently; therefore, selecting a reputable and professional sea freight provider is critically important.

When speed and maximum safety are paramount, explore our air freight services.

Sea freight services offered by PTN Logistics

PTN Logistics provides a diverse range of high-quality sea freight services, meeting nearly every shipping need, from standard containerized and refrigerated cargo to complex project and oversized shipments.

Full container load (FCL) sea freight

Our FCL service is ideal for larger volumes requiring a dedicated container for privacy, safety, and efficient packing/handling at ports. As a strategic partner of leading carrier alliances, we ensure reliable schedules at competitive costs.

Less than container load (LCL) sea freight

For customers whose cargo volume is not large enough to fill an entire container, our LCL service is the optimal choice. It offers significant cost savings while ensuring that goods are handled professionally and consolidated systematically. We closely manage the cargo consolidation process to prevent any damage or loss.

Refrigerated (Reefer) sea freight

This specialized service requires a dedicated cold chain infrastructure, including warehouses, transport, and vessels equipped with strict temperature control systems.

We provide shipping services for frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive goods, ensuring their quality is perfectly maintained throughout the journey.

Bulk sea service Freight

We offer specialized sea freight services for bulk commodities such as coal, ore, grains, and cement. With a fleet of dedicated vessels and an international-standard handling process, we ensure safety, save time, and reduce costs for our clients.

Project cargo sea freight

Project cargo typically involves large, heavy, and specialized equipment, machinery, or materials that demand meticulous planning and close coordination among all parties to ensure safe and timely delivery.

With years of experience, PTN Logistics has successfully executed numerous complex projects, providing clients with optimal transport solutions.

Oversized & Overweight cargo

Moving oversized/heavy-lift cargo is technically demanding—requiring specialized gear, strict procedures, and permits. We provide these services with seasoned field teams and modern equipment.

Dangerous goods (IMO) transport

Dangerous goods, as classified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), must be transported according to stringent safety standards. PTN Logistics is fully equipped and certified to handle the declaration, packing, processing, and shipping of these items, ensuring full compliance with all international and Vietnamese regulations.

Domestic sea freight

In addition to international transport, we offer domestic container shipping services, connecting major ports all across Vietnam. With a dedicated fleet of container trucks and an experienced ground team, we guarantee your cargo will be transported safely, on schedule, and at the most competitive price.

Explore end-to-end transport services from PTN Logistics to optimize your supply chain!

PTN Logistics’ domestic and international sea freight network

We have built an extensive shipping network, connecting major domestic ports to over 100 countries and territories worldwide.

Our sea routes include:

🛳️ Vietnam – Southeast Asia (Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia),

🛳️ Vietnam – China, South Korea, Japan,

🛳️ Vietnam – Europe (Germany, Netherlands, UK),

🛳️ Vietnam – North America (USA, Canada),

🛳️ Vietnam – Middle East & Africa.

Domestic coastal services are tightly integrated, linking major ports with industrial hubs and production/export zones—speeding cargo flows efficiently. A safe, economical solution for your business!

Combine flexibly with road transport for fast door delivery.

Why choose our sea freight services?

When you partner with PTN Logistics, you receive high-quality transport solutions packed with tangible benefits designed to optimize your entire supply chain.

Comprehensive, Flexible, and Reliable services

PTN offers an end-to-end logistics service chain, providing a seamless, single-source solution so you don’t have to coordinate with multiple vendors. Our services include:

• Multimodal transport: We handle all Sea Freight types—FCL, LCL, reefer, and dangerous goods—to meet specialized needs.
• Customs & domestic moves: Full support from customs clearance and domestic trucking to door delivery for smooth, convenient processes.
• Warehousing & distribution: Storage, packing, consolidation, and distribution—optimizing your supply chain and minimizing intermediaries.

With PTN Logistics, you work with a single point of contact, minimizing complex procedures and saving valuable management time.

Deep market knowledge and operational expertise

Our team possesses years of hands-on experience in the logistics and import-export industry, delivering exceptional professionalism and efficiency.

• Mastery of key trade lanes: We have in-depth experience with crucial shipping routes to Southeast Asia, China, Europe, and the Americas, allowing us to optimize transit times and routes.
• Procedural proficiency: Our experts are well-versed in customs processes, documentation, quarantine regulations, and all related permits, ensuring swift clearance and minimizing risks.

This deep understanding saves our clients significant time and prevents unexpected issues, guaranteeing a smooth customs clearance process for your cargo.

Competitive and transparent pricing

We offer highly competitive pricing with total transparency:

• Direct relationships: Strategic, direct partnerships with carriers, agents, and port authorities—reducing intermediaries.
• Clear quotations: No hidden fees or off-contract charges—ideal for SMEs optimizing supply-chain costs.

Dedicated service with 24/7 support

Customer satisfaction is our highest priority, reflected in our attentive and dedicated service.

• Proactive customer care: Every shipment is closely monitored by our professional customer service team.
• Constant updates: We provide regular updates on your cargo’s status and offer flexible support, even outside of standard business hours. This gives you complete peace of mind about the location and condition of your goods, anywhere in the world.

With over 15 years of industry experience, PTN Logistics has successfully served more than 2,000 individual and corporate clients, handling over 3,000 sea freight shipments.

Our team consists of over 100 dedicated professionals supported by a modern warehouse system. We have also established strong collaborations with over 50 reputable international shipping partners, creating a resilient and flexible global transport network.

Our sea freight process

Honed through the successful execution of over 3,000 shipments, the PTN Logistics sea freight process is professional, systematic, and transparent. It follows these key steps:

• Step 1: Receive request and advise suitable services.
• Step 2: Plan routing in detail – choose vessel, container.
• Step 3: Handle import/export customs procedures.
• Step 4: Port handling – loading/unloading and stowage.
• Step 5: Sea transit per schedule with online tracking.
• Step 6: Import formalities at destination port.
• Step 7: Door delivery per customer request.
• Step 8: Post-shipment support and documentation close-out.

Trong mọi bước của quy trình đều có đội ngũ chuyên môn giám sát, đảm bảo chất lượng dịch vụ và sự hài lòng tối đa của khách hàng.

Key regulations and compliance in sea freight

At PTN Logistics, we strictly adhere to all legal regulations and transport standards to ensure every shipment is safe, secure, and efficient.

Compliance for transport vessels

All sea freight vessels must meet the rigorous technical and safety standards stipulated by Vietnamese and international law. Our partnered fleets undergo regular inspections and maintain all valid operating licenses.

Regulations for cargo

Cargo must be packed, stowed, and classified according to standard regulations, with special protocols for dangerous, refrigerated, or oversized goods. All related documents, such as the Bill of Lading and Certificate of Origin, must be valid and accurate.

Responsibilities of the freight forwarder

As a licensed and registered freight forwarder, we are fully responsible for ensuring cargo safety and managing any incidents that may arise during the entire transit process.

Responsibilities of the shipper (Cargo owner)

The shipper must provide complete, accurate, and transparent information about the cargo. They are also responsible for complying with all packing requirements and cooperating with us throughout the shipping process.

Commitment to maritime safety

We strictly follow international maritime safety conventions to protect the vessel, cargo, crew, and the marine environment during every voyage.

Factors that affect sea freight transit times

The transit time for sea freight shipments is influenced by a variety of factors, both controllable and uncontrollable. These factors must be anticipated and managed effectively to avoid unexpected costs and risks.

Impact of weather and natural conditions

Adverse weather conditions such as storms, strong winds, and high waves can delay vessel schedules, directly impacting delivery times. Ports affected by severe weather may also face operational restrictions or even temporary closures.

Complex customs procedures

Slow or inaccurate handling of customs clearance can lead to extended storage times at the port, causing cargo congestion and incurring additional demurrage and storage fees.

How can sea freight transit times be improved?

To minimize shipping time, businesses can opt for premium/express shipping lines, utilize end-to-end door-to-door services, streamline customs procedures, and maintain close coordination with all parties involved.

Ultimately, choosing a reputable and professional transport provider like PTN Logistics is the most effective way to save significant time and money.

Don’t miss our in-depth transport articles curated by PTN Logistics.

Important Notes for International Sea Shipping

When shipping goods internationally by sea, clients should pay close attention to these important points:

✅ Prepare full documentation per export/import customs rules.

✅ Choose reputable, experienced carriers for special cargo.

✅ Inspect cargo carefully before dispatch – especially perishables and dangerous goods.

✅ Negotiate clear transport contracts defining all parties’ rights and obligations.

✅ Monitor shipments closely and be ready to address issues promptly.

Contact us now for tailored sea solutions for your business.

With PTN Logistics, you can rest assured—no need to worry about notes, regulations, or external factors. Contact us for the most optimal, fast, and effective Sea Freight solution for your needs.

Contact information

• Hotline: 1900 2197 – 0935 333 999
• Email: nam.nguyen@ptnlogistics.com