Practical solutions for worldwide sea freight
A container left at a terminal for too long costs money. Choosing the wrong container can result in unnecessary transport costs or loading issues. Efficient sea freight therefore starts with proper preparation, not with the booking itself.
From Antwerp, PLS organises worldwide import and export shipments for companies looking for a freight forwarder with practical sea freight expertise. Every year, we coordinate hundreds of containers through the Port of Antwerp and other international ports. From standard FCL containers to breakbulk, IMDG cargo or machinery on a Flat Rack, we assess the cargo and organise the appropriate solution.
FCL or LCL sea freight: which option suits your shipment?
Not every shipment requires a full container. We assess the cargo, schedule and budget to determine which sea freight option is the most suitable.
FCL – Full Container Load
With FCL sea freight, the entire container is used exclusively for your goods. It is often the preferred option for larger volumes, heavy cargo or products that should undergo as little handling as possible.
PLS organises worldwide FCL shipments for cargo including:
- Steel products and coils
- Industrial machinery
- Chemical products
- IMDG cargo
- Food products
- General commercial cargo
We also advise on the most suitable container type. A 20-foot container may, for example, be more appropriate for heavy steel coils, while a 40-foot High Cube provides additional loading volume for bulky cargo.
LCL – Less than Container Load
Do you have insufficient cargo to fill an entire container? LCL sea freight may be the more economical option.
Your goods are consolidated with other shipments in one container. PLS organises weekly LCL shipments and, when this provides a better rate or schedule, works with specialised consolidation partners.
This allows you to pay for the loading space you actually use while retaining direct follow-up of your shipment.
Flat Rack and Open Top containers
Not every shipment fits inside a standard shipping container. Machinery, installations and steel structures may require specialised container equipment. PLS advises customers on the most suitable option based on the dimensions, weight and loading method of the cargo.
Flat Rack containers are used for wide, heavy or oversized cargo that exceeds standard container dimensions, such as industrial machinery, steel structures, large components or project cargo. Based on our experience with breakbulk and project cargo, we assess how the goods can be loaded, secured and shipped safely.
When cargo is too high for a standard container, an Open Top container may be the right solution. These containers can be loaded from above by crane and are suitable for machinery, high installations, tanks and other oversized cargo.
We do not simply accept the container type initially requested. If another option is more practical or cost-efficient for the cargo, we propose an alternative.
Container stuffing and stripping
Correct container loading is just as important as the sea transport itself. Incorrect weight distribution or insufficient cargo securing can result in damage, delays or additional costs during transport. PLS therefore pays close attention to loading preparation and cargo securing.
PLS carries out container stuffing and stripping every week for customers in industries including steel, chemicals, food and machinery. This practical experience allows us to identify loading risks before the container is closed.
We prepare clear loading instructions for the warehouse, including the loading sequence, weight distribution, cargo positioning and lashing requirements. Where necessary, we provide loading diagrams or technical drawings. These instructions can be used directly by the loading team during container stuffing.
During and after loading, we inspect the container carefully. A detailed photographic report provides a clear record of how the cargo was loaded before departure. For incoming sea freight, PLS can also organise container stripping, including damage checks and further handling of the goods according to your instructions.
Experience with complex sea freight
In addition to standard container shipments, PLS organises sea freight for complex and specialised cargo.
We regularly handle:
- Steel and steel coils
- Industrial machinery
- Breakbulk cargo
- Dangerous goods under IMDG regulations
- Lithium batteries
- Chemical additives
PLS has extensive practical experience with IMDG shipments and has completed an SQAS assessment. This allows us to identify transport requirements and documentation issues during the preparation of a sea freight shipment.
Why companies choose PLS for sea freight
Sea freight is not only about finding available space on a vessel. Container selection, loading preparation and the practical organisation of the shipment can have a direct impact on costs and handling.
Companies work with PLS for:
- Worldwide import and export through Antwerp and international ports
- Hundreds of containers handled every year
- FCL and LCL sea freight
- Flat Rack and Open Top containers
- Weekly container stuffing and stripping
- Experience with steel, coils, machinery and IMDG cargo
- Advice on container selection and loading strategy
- Extensive practical customs knowledge
- Direct communication with one point of contact
- Clear follow-up by email or telephone