Global Sea Shipping Solutions
Sea Freight Forwarding: FCL & LCL
We provide comprehensive sea freight services, including FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments, with flexible door to door delivery options. Our expertise covers standard cargo as well as project and out of gauge shipments that require careful planning and handling.
Sea Freight Services We Offer
Main UK Ports
Known Origins
Key Capabilities
Global shipping routes
Strong coverage from the Far East to the UK, Europe, and other major trade lanes
Booking and space management
Checking space and equipment availability against the shipment readiness date
Documentation and compliance
Bills of lading, customs documentation, and shipping line coordination
Origin and destination handling
Loading, unloading, storage, and final delivery
Tracking and updates
Full visibility at every stage, with updates to help customers plan around schedule changes
Our team coordinates closely with ports, shipping lines, and local agents to ensure smooth handling and reliable transit.
Choosing FCL or LCL
A full container load gives your shipment a dedicated container. Less than container load freight shares space with other consignments and adds consolidation and destination handling. Compare the complete landed transport cost rather than the ocean rate alone: a small LCL shipment can incur minimum handling charges, while an FCL shipment still needs haulage and unloading. ASL checks cargo volume, weight, packing and delivery requirements before recommending an option.
Supplier terms and control of the shipment
Agree the named place and Incoterm with your supplier before booking. EXW, FCA, FOB and CIF divide costs and risk differently; CIF does not mean that destination charges or UK delivery are included. For container cargo handed to a carrier at a terminal, FCA may fit the handover better than FOB. ASL can compare the transport scope and explain which charges are included in its quotation.
Port selection, release and UK delivery
The cheapest ocean rate does not necessarily give the lowest delivered cost. Compare the carrier routing, arrival port, inland transport, equipment return and free time. Prepare commercial documents before arrival, confirm customs and shipping-line release, and book unloading with the receiving site. An estimated vessel arrival is not a confirmed warehouse delivery date.
Frequently asked questions
How long does sea freight take?
The origin, carrier routing, transhipment and sailing date affect transit. ASL confirms the current schedule when quoting and separates port arrival from customs release and final delivery.
What details do you need for a container quote?
Send origin and destination, supplier Incoterm, commodity, readiness date, pieces, dimensions and weights. Include the required container type and unloading arrangements if known.
Can you move oversized cargo by sea?
Yes. ASL assesses open tops, flat racks, RoRo, breakbulk and charter options against the cargo dimensions, weight, lifting and securing requirements. Carrier acceptance is checked before booking.
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