Sea Freight
Sea Freight Imports to Australia
Fastrak Logistics has offices in Australia with an agency network globally. To/from these areas we utilise our internal network of offices to support our customers international freight requirements. Fastrak Logistics has a worldwide network of agents with expertise across all areas of freight forwarding and logistics and will select the right agent overseas depending on the scope of the shipment and the customer’s requirements. Working with agents gives us an agile advantage; we are quick to tailor our solution to better suit individual business requirements.
We can offer our customers services from simple operations (loading/unloading and buyers’ consolidations) to value-added services (pick and pack, QC, labelling and more).
We have specialised knowledge and skills in all sectors, including:
- Purchase order and vendor management
- Supply chain development and refinement
- Customs consultancy including classification and tariff concessions, duty drawbacks
- Offshore consolidation services
- Feasibility studies and route development
- Lead logistics services
- Carrier management
Sea Freight Exports from Australia
Fastrak Logistics is your reliable partner in the world of export sea freight. With our dedicated global export team, we have the knowledge and capabilities to offer independent export logistics solutions tailored to fit specifically with your cargo and clientele requirements. Let us bring your valuable cargoes to the world.
We have specialised knowledge and skills in all sectors, including:
- Supply chain overview specifically dedicated to partner with your cargo and clienteles requirements.
- Resourceful and accountable export solutions
- Knowledge across all cargo types and commodities
- Up to date experience on trading terms and global export requirements
- Dedicated commodity based personnel
- Documentation services and accreditations
FCL or LCL: Which Is Right for You?
FCL – Full Container Load
You book a whole 20-foot or 40-foot container for your goods only.
- Best for larger shipments
- Lower cost per cubic metre at higher volumes
- Container sealed at origin and opened only at destination
LCL – Less than Container Load
Your goods share a container with other shipments, consolidated at origin.
- Best for smaller shipments
- Pay only for the space you use
- Charged on weight or measure (1 m³ = 1,000 kg)
How Importing by Sea Works
- Quote: send us your cargo volume (CBM), weight, origin and Incoterms.
- Booking: we book space with the shipping line and coordinate with your supplier.
- Origin: our overseas agents collect and consolidate your goods if needed.
- Shipping: we keep you informed until arrival.
- Customs and biosecurity: we prepare your documents, our licensed customs broker partners lodge your entry, and we manage any inspections. See customs clearance.
- Delivery: to your door, or into storage until you need it.
Incoterms Made Simple
Your Incoterm, agreed with your supplier, decides who pays for each stage of the journey:
- EXW (Ex Works): you arrange everything from your supplier’s premises.
- FOB (Free on Board): your supplier delivers to the vessel at the origin port; you pay from there.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): your supplier pays freight and insurance to the Australian port.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): your supplier pays everything to your door, including duty.
Not sure which suits you? Ask us before you agree terms with your supplier.
Documents You’ll Need
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- Packing declaration (for FCL and FCX containers)
- Any certificates required for your goods, such as certificates of origin or treatment certificates
Check biosecurity import conditions on the BICON database.
Related Services
- Clearing your imports: customs clearance
- Urgent shipments: air freight
- Holding stock after arrival: warehousing and storage
- Selling online: inventory management and 3PL fulfilment
- Final delivery: domestic freight and transport
Sea Freight FAQs
How long does sea freight take?
Transit times vary depending on the mode of transport and service used, such as FCL or LCL, as well as the origin and destination ports, the shipping line’s schedule and how quickly customs and biosecurity clearance is completed. We will confirm the expected transit time with your quote.
Should I ship FCL or LCL?
LCL usually suits smaller shipments, because you only pay for the space you use. As a rough guide, once a shipment reaches around 13 to 15 cubic metres, a full 20-foot container is often more economical. We can quote both so you can compare.
How is LCL sea freight charged?
LCL is charged on weight or measure, whichever is greater, with 1 cubic metre treated as 1,000 kg. Our online quote form calculates the total volume for you.
What is a packing declaration?
Australian biosecurity rules require a packing declaration for full container (FCL and FCX) shipments, confirming how the goods were packed and what packaging was used. You can download the packing declaration form from our website.
Do you handle sea freight exports?
Yes. Our dedicated export team handles documentation, bookings and delivery to the overseas port for all cargo types and commodities.
Need It Delivered After Arrival?
Once your container clears customs, we can deliver it anywhere in Sydney, NSW or interstate. See our domestic freight & transport services across Australia.
Get a Sea Freight Quote
Send us your cargo details and we’ll come back with a competitive FCL or LCL quote. Call 1300 816 433.
