Importing large shipments
To ensure your cargo arrives on time and without unnecessary delays, sea freight delivery follows several clearly defined stages:
Stages of sea freight delivery
Cargo consolidation
Goods are collected at the partner’s warehouse and loaded onto the vessel once the shipment batch is formed.
Document preparation
All accompanying paperwork is prepared and checked for customs clearance.
Export clearance
Customs formalities are completed in the country of origin in compliance with local regulations.
Container loading
Cargo is packed, sealed, and loaded into the sea container.
Sea transportation
Shipment is transported by sea to the designated port of arrival in Ukraine.
Customs clearance and delivery
Goods are cleared through Ukrainian customs and delivered to the consignee.
We maintain control at every stage to ensure your cargo arrives safely and on schedule.
Types of sea freight services
FCL (Full Container Load)
A shipping method where the entire container is allocated to one shipper. This is the most cost-efficient option for large shipments starting from 34 m³. Ideal for manufacturers and major importers, it eliminates the need for consolidation and ensures the fastest delivery times.
LCL (Less than Container Load)
A sea freight option for consolidated cargo, where you pay only for the space you use. Suitable for smaller volumes starting from 50 kg, it’s the perfect solution for small and medium-sized businesses that regularly import goods in smaller batches.
Benefits of sea freight delivery
High cargo capacity
Sea transport enables the movement of large volumes of goods in a single shipment, making it especially advantageous for bulk purchases, manufacturing, or wholesale imports. A single container can hold dozens of cubic metres of products, helping to lower the cost per unit, streamline logistics, and reduce the need for frequent dispatches or consolidations. Sea freight is ideal for stable businesses with planned deliveries, while smaller importers often choose air freight from China for a faster turnaround.
Cost efficiency
Shipping goods by sea is one of the most budget-friendly ways to transport large consignments internationally. The main advantage is the ability to move bulk volumes at an optimal freight rate. Thanks to savings on vessel chartering, sea freight is more affordable compared to air or land transport. On average, delivery takes 45–55 days, making it ideal for products that do not require urgent transportation.
Extensive route options
By choosing Wingo’s sea freight services, you gain access to the world’s largest markets — including China, South Korea, and many other key hubs in global trade. Through partnerships with leading ports and transport networks, we ensure fast, reliable, and secure delivery to Ukraine. The key ports we work with feature advanced infrastructure, helping to optimise logistics processes and control costs — an important factor for any business.
Sea freight costs
One of the main advantages of sea transportation is its cost-effectiveness. Sea freight is significantly cheaper compared to other shipping methods, especially for large consignments. This makes it an ideal solution for businesses aiming to optimise logistics expenses, reduce the overall cost of goods, and increase profit margins.
What determines the cost?
The freight rate depends on several factors, including:
- Type of cargo: Rates can vary based on the nature of the goods. Special cargo may require additional safety measures, which can affect the final price.
- Volume and weight: Since international sea container shipping accommodates large volumes, costs can be calculated based on either weight or cargo dimensions. Larger shipments usually benefit from a lower cost per unit, helping reduce total logistics expenses.
- Container type: Different container options are available — standard, refrigerated, or specialised — each with its own pricing based on storage and transport requirements. Choosing the right container type can impact the overall service cost.
- Route and distance: Freight costs depend heavily on the countries of origin and destination. Longer routes may require more time and resources, while certain trade lanes may be in higher demand or offer more competitive rates.
- Seasonal fluctuations: As with other transport modes, rates can change depending on the season. During peak shipping periods, higher demand may lead to slightly higher tariffs. Flexible scheduling can help optimise costs.
- Additional services: The total freight cost may include extra services such as cargo consolidation, customs clearance, insurance, and warehousing. These services provide greater control and protection for your goods but can also influence the final transportation price.
How to calculate the shipping cost
To determine the cost of sea freight, you need to know the cargo volume in cubic metres (length × width × height in metres) or its weight — the higher value is used for billing. Next, our manager selects the delivery type (FCL or LCL) and the most efficient international route. Based on this information, the rate is calculated per cubic metre or per container. The final price is confirmed after an individual consultation.
Key international sea freight routes
Wingo provides sea freight services from major global trade regions, including South Korea, China, India, Vietnam, the USA, EU countries, and Turkey. We work with reliable carriers, leading ports, and proven routes to ensure stable transit times (45–50 days) and competitive rates starting from $195/m³.
