Sea Freight Services
Reliable and cost-effective ocean freight solutions for UK imports and exports worldwide.
Service Overview
ASA Logistics offers comprehensive sea freight services for businesses importing and exporting goods globally. Whether you need a Full Container Load (FCL) or are sharing container space with a Less than Container Load (LCL) shipment, we provide end-to-end ocean freight solutions with full documentation support and customs coordination. Our experienced team handles everything from supplier collection to final UK delivery.
Coverage Area
Worldwide ocean freight — all major global ports. UK import handling via Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway, Liverpool, and more.
Key Features
Ideal For
Importers from Asia and beyond
Exporters to global markets
Retailers sourcing overseas goods
Manufacturing businesses
Oversized or heavy freight
Regular container shipments
Available Vehicles
20ft Standard Container
Up to 25,000 kg
40ft Standard Container
Up to 28,000 kg
40ft High Cube Container
Up to 28,500 kg
LCL Consolidation
Any size from 1 CBM
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Technical Handling Capabilities
Detailed specifications for our specialist freight handling — compliance, equipment, and operational standards.
Reefer & Perishables Handling
- 20ft and 40ft reefer containers available at -25°C to +25°C with ±0.5°C accuracy
- Pre-trip inspection (PTI) of reefer units carried out before stuffing
- Continuous temperature data logging via remote monitoring throughout voyage
- Controlled Atmosphere (CA) containers available for fresh produce (adjusted Oâ‚‚/COâ‚‚ levels)
- Port plug-in confirmed at transhipment hubs to maintain cold chain
- Reefer vents set to commodity-specific requirements (e.g. bananas, avocados, cut flowers)
Hazardous Goods (IMDG Code Compliance)
- All IMDG classes accepted — explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive, radioactive, and environmental hazards
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) required for booking
- Correct UN number, packing group, and EMS fire/spillage codes verified
- Segregation rules applied for incompatible substances across all container loads
- Ventilated containers used for Class 4.3 water-reactive goods where required
- IMO certified stowage positions confirmed with the shipping line before loading
Specialist Container Types
- Open Top containers for cargo exceeding standard height (crane-loaded machinery, coils)
- Flat Rack containers for out-of-gauge project cargo with over-width or over-length dimensions
- Tank containers (ISO tanks) for bulk liquids including food-grade, chemicals, and fuels
- Bulk containers for grain, mineral, and powder shipments
- High Cube 45ft containers for high-volume, lightweight cargo
Hazardous Goods (IATA DGR Compliance)
- AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) status — recognised by HMRC as a trusted trader
- Electronic cargo release via e-B/L where available (reduces risk of document fraud)
- Container seal numbers recorded and verified at each stage of transit
- UK customs entry submitted via CDS (Customs Declaration Service) with tariff classification verified
- ISF (Importer Security Filing) submitted for US-bound cargo as required
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FCL and LCL sea freight?
FCL (Full Container Load) means you hire an entire container exclusively for your cargo — typically a 20ft or 40ft box. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares container space with other shippers’ goods, and you only pay for the space you use. FCL is more cost-effective for larger volumes and provides more control; LCL suits smaller shipments where you don’t have enough cargo to fill a container.
How long does sea freight from China take to reach the UK?
Direct services from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen) to Felixstowe or Southampton typically take 25–32 days. Via transhipment hubs it can be 30–40 days. Add 3–7 days for UK port handling and customs clearance. For LCL, add an extra few days for consolidation and deconsolidation at both ends. We provide estimated arrival dates when booking.
What documents are needed for a sea freight shipment?
The standard documents are: Bill of Lading (B/L) or Sea Waybill, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and your EORI number for UK customs entry. Depending on the goods and origin, you may also need a Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, or import licence. We handle the UK customs declaration and guide you on what’s needed at origin.
What UK ports do you work with?
We handle arrivals at all major UK container ports including Felixstowe (the UK’s busiest), Southampton, London Gateway, Liverpool, Tilbury, Bristol, and Immingham. We can arrange haulage from any port to your premises or warehouse across the UK.
Can you ship oversized or out-of-gauge cargo by sea?
Yes. Oversized cargo that doesn’t fit in a standard container can be shipped on flat rack, open top, or platform containers. We handle the booking, specialist lashing, and any port or route permits required. Please provide dimensions and weight when requesting a quote so we can source the correct equipment.
How is sea freight priced?
Sea freight rates are based on the container size (FCL) or cubic metres / weight (LCL), plus origin charges, destination port handling, UK customs clearance, and haulage. Rates fluctuate based on global shipping demand and carrier capacity. We provide a full, itemised quote so you can see exactly what you’re paying for — no hidden surcharges.