N. America West (5 ports)
Space on the US West Coast tightens ahead of the year-end retail season and rates tend to move up. When port labour negotiations or inland rail congestion coincide, inland costs move as well as the ocean freight.
N. America East / Gulf (3 ports)
Rates to the US East Coast and Gulf are affected by conditions at the Panama Canal. Reduced transit slots because of drought can bring surcharges, and the cost gap against West Coast discharge plus rail also moves.
Latin America (4 ports)
Latin America services involve transhipment, so costs accumulate leg by leg. Space is limited on some legs, and in peak season securing it at all affects the cost.
Europe (4 ports)
Conditions at the Suez Canal move Europe rates the most. A diversion around the Cape of Good Hope adds sailing days and fuel cost, which is passed through into the freight. Bunker prices and currency also have an effect.
Middle East / Med (4 ports)
Middle East and Mediterranean services mostly route via hub ports, and the sailing frequency keeps them relatively stable. They are still exposed to bunker prices and conditions at the Suez Canal.
Africa (6 ports)
Few carriers and services serve Africa, so the scarcity of space feeds directly into rates. In peak season securing space at all can be difficult, and booking early tends to keep the cost down.
South Asia (4 ports)
Congestion at the transhipment hub affects both cost and transit time for South Asia. Surcharges can apply in periods when hub space is hard to secure.
SE Asia (7 ports)
South East Asia is a short haul with frequent sailings, so rates are comparatively stable among the routes we list. There is competition between carriers, which also means comparison produces real differences.
East Asia (2 ports)
East Asia is short haul and high frequency, making it the most competitive of the routes we list. Short-term movement is small, though supply and demand for space and bunker prices still have an effect.
Oceania (3 ports)
Space to Oceania tightens when the agricultural export season coincides. Biosecurity-related costs apply separately, so comparing on the all-in figure rather than the ocean freight alone matters.
Destinations not listed here
The ports listed are the ones we handle most often. We can often handle ports that are not listed, so please tell us your ports of loading and discharge and the nature of the cargo. SOC containers and cross trade are also supported.
Frequently asked questions
Can you ship to ports not listed here?
The 42 ports listed are the ones we handle most often. We can usually handle ports that are not listed, so tell us your ports of loading and discharge and the nature of the cargo. We will check what services are available and come back with the possible routings and an estimate.
Which Japanese ports can I load from?
We cover the main ports including Yokohama, Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka/Kobe. Tell us where your cargo is and we will propose which port is most advantageous on an all-in basis including pick-up. Feeder services from regional ports can also be combined.
How reliable are the transit times shown?
They are a guide for representative services and are not a guaranteed arrival. They move with weather, port congestion, omitted calls and canal conditions. For cargo with a fixed deadline we recommend allowing a few days to a week on top of the guide. Confirmed schedules are provided with your quote.
Should I choose a direct or a transhipment service?
Direct suits you if transit time is the priority; transhipment suits you if cost and securing space matter more. Transhipment involves a transfer and takes longer, but sailings are more frequent, space is easier to obtain and the freight can be lower. Tell us your priority and we will put both sets of conditions side by side.
Can you arrange containers other than 40HC?
We focus on 40HC but can also quote 20ft, 40ft dry and other sizes. Send us the volume and weight of your cargo and we will advise which container suits, together with an estimate.
What is an SOC container and when would I use one?
It is a container owned by the shipper, with no need to return it to the carrier. It is effective for inland destinations with nowhere to return the box, or where detention against a return deadline is likely. We handle everything from sourcing to loading.
What is the process from quote to shipment?
Send us your cargo details through the contact form and we will compare rates across carriers and present them. Once you are happy we proceed to booking, then guide you through the documents, load the cargo and issue the B/L. With an account you can quote, book and track progress from My Page.
Are quotes free? How can I pay?
Quotes are free. We accept credit cards (VISA / Mastercard / American Express / JCB). Paying by card lets you book without straining your cash flow.
Transit times are a guide for 40HC from the main Japanese ports and are not a guaranteed arrival. Delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls. Confirmed schedules are provided with your quote.
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