Sea Freight

Sea Freight is the most cost effective method for shipping products and also produces the least carbon emissions

90% of world trade is carried by sea so it is the most important method of transportation. The relatively recent invention of shipping containers and the subsequent standardisation has really made shipping goods by ocean freight economic and efficient.

A large amount of New Zealand’s exports are food products, so reefer (refrigerated) containers are immensely important to us, but it does lead to a large imbalance of reefer vs general containers, and this is made worse by the fact that our export peak season is in the first six months of the year (harvesting of agricultural products) and the import peak season is in the second half of the year (peaking at Christmas and then again at Chinese New Year). 

NZ Freight are experts in sea freight shipping, and with our years of experience can quickly ascertain if you are using the best freight services for your company. We have relationships with all the shipping lines and our team negotiates very competitive rates and space commitments. 

With sea freight there are many variables including transit times, rates, equipment (container) availability at origin, schedules and the consistency of each shipping line keeping to these schedules. But don’t worry! NZ Freight has you covered. Our relationships with the local shipping lines and quality world wide agents means that we can provide you the very best options.

Containerised freight is not the only mode of sea freight that we handle. We also have many years of experience working with special equipment such as flat racks, MAFI’s, break bulk and RoRo (Roll on Roll off) services. We can also assist you with any out of gauge (OOG) cargo as we have handled many projects, large and small, up and down the country.

The final factor that affects import containers is the ATF (Approved Transitional Facility) program that is run by MPI. All sites in New Zealand must be approved to receive containers and also have an approved person on site. If you are not yet approved NZ Freight can help you manage your import containers by either directing you in becoming ATF approved or to apply for temporary approval, or we can unpack your containers for you and deliver loose at discounted rates.

If you are currently are looking to review your sea freight shipments please contact us to see the many ways in which we can help.