Whether you’ve found a new supplier, are trying out a different territory, or simply need an alternative logistics solution, sea freight can be an excellent way to transfer goods between Poland and the UK. It is one of the most cost-effective means of moving freight. And it particularly lends itself to the movement of large or heavy loads. But if you’ve not used sea freight before, you may have some questions. So, here’s what you need to know.
Sea Freight from Poland: What You Need to Know
How does sea fright work?
Sea fright is one of the most frequently used shipping methods. You will choose a container type suited to your goods. Then select a freighter capable of moving that container from pick up point to port A. Then from port B to its destination. Completing a door-to-door service. If you work with a reputable freight forwarder, they will manage your customs administration. Otherwise, you will need to ensure that all the relevant paperwork is in place yourself.
What are the benefits of using sea freight to send cargo from Poland?
There are several reasons why importers favour sea freight between Poland and the UK.
- Cost – As we’ve already mentioned, sea freight is one of the most effective means of moving cargo. Particularly if you’re working at high volumes. To give you a rough idea of the price differences, sea freight can be up to six times cheaper than air freight. Thanks mainly to the reduced VAT and duty levied on sea freight.
- Cargo weight and size – If you are moving larger or heavier goods, such as machinery, construction materials, vehicles, or industrial equipment, sea freight is the only real option. With 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot containers available, there aren’t many things that you can’t move by ship.
- Cargo types – Because shipping containers are so secure, sea freight is the best option for a wide variety of goods. From high value products to hazardous waste.
- Environmental impact – While no shipping method can be honestly said to be environmentally friendly, sea freight is known to have a lower carbon footprint than other methods. This is because ships use less fuels than the alternative methods.
Are there any downsides to using sea freight to send goods from Poland?
The main reason why sea freight might not be the best choice for your Polish freight is time. If you’re in a hurry, sea freight isn’t always the best choice. When shipping goods between Poland and the UK, sea freight will typically take between 14- and 21-days door to door. So, if you’re working to a fixed schedule, you may need to consider other freighting options.
If you are shipping freight from Poland to other locations, you may also have problems with connectivity. As not all ports have the facilities to handle large containers. When shipping to the UK from Poland, your goods will typically arrive in Calais. So, that needn’t be a concern.
How much does sea freight cost?
There is no simple to answer to that question. Every shipment is different. So, the cost of moving your goods from Poland to the UK will depend upon the size of your load, your final destination – Lands’ End to John O’Groats or anywhere in between – and the additional services you require. Other variables may include current fuel costs, currency fluctuations, and seasonal demands, depending upon your chosen logistics provider. Your best option is to get in touch with Plexus Freight to arrange a quote.
Sea freight pretty much powers the global logistics industry. It is the backbone of world trade. And the reason for that is because it enables businesses to move high volumes of goods at low transportation costs. And of course, it has its limitations – it’s undeniably slow, when you consider the alternatives. But if you’re not in a hurry and you’ve got a lot of goods to move, sea freight has to be a serious consideration.
Find out more about sending sea freight from Poland with Plexus Freight.
