Ocean Freight Solutions:
Navigate the Global Canvas of Ocean Shipping!
Whether you’re looking for Full Container Load (FCL) solutions for large shipments, need the precision of Less than Container Load (LCL) for smaller cargo, or have a highly specific “connect-the-dots” project consignment, Shapiro’s services are custom-tailored to offer unparalleled flexibility, reliability, and transparency. Save time and money with our creative freight forwarding services while navigating the complexities of Customs regulations with our experienced compliance team. Together, we can transform your shipping experience into a true work of art.
Embrace the Artistry of Supply Chain
Unfortunately, there are new palettes of challenges for ocean freight: our brushes run dry in Panama, run red at the Suez, and are blanked on any ink at all on a weekly basis. Never has ocean shipping been less reliable, more unpredictable, and full of as much hype as an art show!
At Shapiro, you wield the brush of creativity and reign supreme in our world of supply chain logistics. Just as a master artist meticulously creates every hue and shade, we understand that your business requires flexibility, realism, and nuanced services from shipment to shipment.
Add depth and dimension to your shipping productivity with an array of services that add layers of value to your supply chain:
Get unparalleled visibility and control over your shipments with Shapiro 360°. Streamline the HTS classification process, forecast duty rates, easily access all your shipment documents, and know your shipment progress 24/7.
Optimize your supply chain and each ocean freight shipment with our easy-to-use, centralized platform that automates your existing freight booking and/or purchase order level requirements, adds exception tolerances, then applies them across your entire supply chain.
Shapiro offers custom-tailored cargo management services from origin warehouse to destination warehouse including Customs clearance, risk management, transportation, shipment tracking, and warehousing. Whether you need us for one step or the entire supply chain, we provide the same caring, customer-centric focus.
Navigating the Customs process can be difficult when there are thousands of regulatory headwinds. Our licensed customs brokers and experienced regulatory team will help you comply with government regulations and adapt to ever-changing rules and laws.
Get proactive with your Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) duty classifications. As a Shapiro customer, you have access to our Classification Advisory Module—a portal that connects you to live and licensed Customs brokers. This tool will help you streamline your classifications, provide landed-cost projections, ADD/CVD advisory services, and more!
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load (FCL) is one of the few shipping terms that sounds like what it is! With an FCL plan, you are booking the space of the entire container for your cargo alone. Your products won’t be sharing space (or playing video games while eating junk food) with any cargo from other companies.
Less Than Container Load (LCL)
Less-than-container load (LCL) can also be referred to as “groupage.” The goods you are shipping are combined with cargo from one or more other companies, so the entire shipping container is filled. If you’re a smaller company trying to move smaller shipments, or if you ship smaller consigments to customers in many destinations, then you may save money and total transit with LCL.
Our FCL + LCL services cover end-to-end shipping for all shipment sizes including:
- Full FCL + LCL Ocean Shipment Visibility
- Booking Management + Purchase Order Management
- Ocean Carrier Management
- Named-Account Service Contracts
- Cargo Insurance
- Sea-Air + Air-Sea Solutions
- Temperature Controlled
- Origin Consolidation + Destination Deconsolidation
- Integration with Warehouse Management Systems
What Are Incoterms?
Incoterms, short for International Commercial Terms, are globally recognized definitions/rules established by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers in international trade transactions. These standardized terms are crucial for the smooth operation of global trade, providing clear guidelines on the division of costs, risks, and responsibilities between the parties involved. By setting out who is responsible for the transportation, insurance, and customs clearance of goods, Incoterms help prevent misunderstandings, disputes, and legal complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Full Container Load freight charges are based on the size of the container, and its type. LCL freight charges are based on the volume in cubic meters (CBM) multiplied by a base rate. For help calculating the volume of your shipment, check out our guide here.
Cargo insurance is a type of policy that protects shippers against the loss of or damage to their goods while they are being transported. This coverage can apply to transportation by sea, air, and land, including transit by truck, train, or intermodal means. Cargo insurance policies can cover a range of incidents, such as theft, non-delivery, damage due to accidents, or environmental conditions like temperature fluctuations that could harm sensitive goods.
Freight forwarding is a service used by companies that deal in international or multi-national import and export. A freight forwarder, also known as a forwarding agent, acts as an intermediary between the client and various transportation services involved in getting products from a manufacturer to the final point of distribution.
Route optimization is the process of improving your shipment routing and timing to maximize efficiency and save on costs. We can work with you to determine timing and location to prioritize your needs on each shipment.
Big global events that rock the shipping industry are unavoidable and generally come out of the blue. What is avoidable, however, is not having a plan. Will you sleep better at night knowing you have a backup if the Panama Canal experiences a drought, or a ship decides to lodge itself in the Suez? Contact us today so you can get rid of those pesky nightmares.
More Than a Freight Forwarder
We give customers the feel of their very own logistics department. We’re not just here to serve the A to B needs of moving freight but also to learn about your supply chain and grow with you. Check out how below:
Elevate Your Freight Technology!
Full Party Alignment of Goals and Expectations
Access to collaborative brainstorms and meetings, as well as a plethora of educational training sessions for your team.
Streamlined Communications
One repository that captures full communications and shipment details, from supplier booking to delivery.
Exception Transparency
Visibility of issues that you have designated to be exceptions and worthy of your attention.
Full Supply Chain Visibility
Visibility of exams, testing, and any other shipment milestones that you deem important to your supply chain.
Performance Measurements
Important information and performance metrics that are tailored to your goals – from compliance to cargo specifics.
Transportation Modes
Clearer Skies Ahead
From the moment the wheels are up until they’re back on the ground, our Shapiro 360° technology suite offers customers complimentary cargo tracking, flexible reporting, booking management, and more!
