Ocean Freight
The most popular kind of transportation used by importers and exporters is ocean freight. A full 90% of everything is shipped by ocean freight and sea freight. It can be scary and confusing to transport products abroad because there are so many different factors to consider, including the type of shipping container to use, the documentation needed, and the laws of the foreign countries involved. To make your experience with ocean freight shipment as straightforward as possible, GDS Freight, a tech-driven, all-encompassing international freight service provider, wants to simplify these problems and offer a clear, step-by-step method.
International Air Freight Made Easy

What is Ocean Freight?
Ocean freight is the method of transporting large quantities of goods using cargo ships. These goods are packed into large containers and then loaded onto these ships. Once loaded, these ships embark on a journey across the sea to deliver goods from one international port to another. GDS Freight, with its local representation in over 40 countries and warehouses and consolidation hubs in all major cities, ensures a premium “on the ground” service for your ocean freight needs.
Why Choose Ocean Freight?
There are several reasons why businesses choose ocean freight over other forms of transportation:
- Cost-Effective: Ocean freight is often significantly cheaper than air freight, especially for heavy items or bulk shipments. No matter how far or complicated your shipment may be, GDS Freight makes an effort to get your company the most affordable shipping prices.
- Capacity: Ships can carry large quantities of goods at a time, making ocean freight a good choice for large or heavy shipments.
- Environmental Impact: Ships have a lower environmental impact compared to air freight, making ocean freight a more sustainable choice.
- Global Reach: Ocean freight has a wide reach, with the ability to deliver goods to ports all around the world. GDS Freight’s global presence ensures that no matter where you’re based or where you’re shipping to, you’re guaranteed a premium service.

Services Offered in Ocean Freight by GDS Freight
GDS Freight aids and facilitates all of your import and export needs at affordable prices. This also includes taking care of any warehouse, consolidation, and storage needs.
Customs Clearing: GDS Freight guarantees proper completion of all shipment papers and compliance, ensuring you have a simple time clearing customs.
Charter Service: GDS Freight can provide you a charter service, providing you exclusive use of the ship at your discretion, if your company has to carry a significant amount of cargo from point A to point B in the shortest amount of time.
VAT Registration & Compliance: If your business requires a VAT or GST registration anywhere in the world, GDS Freight offers a complete service. This is led by a team of compliance specialists who manage all periodic statutory declarations on your behalf.
By claiming import VAT and remaining fully compliant with all local VAT requirements, your company can reduce shipping expenses by up to 40%.GDS Freight helps you in this process.
Shipment Value Protection: GDS Freight sets up shipment protection, which protects your freight from loss or damage due to any external source up to the full value of the products.
Technology in Ocean Freight
Modern ocean freight services are supported by technology, which offers several benefits:
- Live Tracking: You can track and get status updates of your shipments in real-time.
- Online Client Portal: A dedicated online client portal allows you to manage your shipments, get immediate quotes, and prepare your imports and exports in just minutes.
- Live Chat: Live chat functionality allows you to get immediate assistance and answers to your queries.
All these technology services are provided by GDS Freight to make your shipping experience more seamless and user-friendly.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between ocean freight and air freight?
A: The main difference between ocean and air freight lies in transit time, cost, and environmental impact. Ocean freight is slower but more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, making it suitable for heavy or bulky shipments. Air freight is faster but more expensive and has a higher environmental impact, making it suitable for time-sensitive or high-value shipments.
Q2: How is the cost of ocean freight determined?
A: Several variables, including the size and weight of the consignment, the travel time between the origin and destination, and any extra services like insurance or customs clearance, affect the price of ocean freight. No matter how far or complicated your shipment may be, GDS Freight always tries to provide your company the most affordable shipping prices.
Q3: How can I track my ocean freight shipment?
A: Most modern freight forwarders like GDS Freight provide online tracking services. You can use these services to track your shipment in real-time and get status updates.
Q4: What is a freight forwarder?
A: A freight forwarder is a company that arranges the import and export of goods. They provide services such as booking cargo space, negotiating freight charges, preparing documentation, and arranging customs clearance. GDS Freight is a freight forwarder that provides a tech-driven, holistic international freight service.
Q5: What is customs clearance?
A: Customs clearance is the process of getting approval to import or export goods across international borders. This involves preparing the necessary documentation, paying duties and taxes, and meeting any other customs requirements. GDS Freight makes sure all shipping paperwork and regulations are performed properly, ensuring you have no trouble clearing customs.
Q6: What is VAT reclaim?
A: VAT reclaim is a process where businesses can claim back the VAT they have paid on certain goods or services. This can help businesses save up to 40% of their shipping costs. GDS Freight assists businesses in this process to ensure they stay 100% compliant with all local VAT laws.
Q7: What is shipment value protection?
A service called shipment value protection protects your freight from loss or damage resulting from any outside source. It ensures that you are compensated for the full value of the goods in case of any mishaps. GDS Freight arranges shipment protection for your freight.
Q8: How does technology help ocean freight?
A: Technology plays a crucial role in modern ocean freight services. It allows for real-time tracking of shipments, online management of imports and exports, immediate quote generation, and live chat support. GDS Freight provides these technology services to make your shipping experience more seamless and user-friendly.