The definition of ocean freight is products and goods (cargo) that are shipped by ocean vessel, typically in large quantities. Ocean freight transportation begins at a named port terminal, where the ocean freight company you’ve selected receives the cargo. It is then prepared and loaded onto the vessel.

Ocean freight is shipped in increments of 20-foot containers, called twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Twenty- or 40-foot containers are standard; additionally, ISOtainers (or International Organization for Standardization tank containers) are containers used to ship goods such as bulk commodities. In addition to containers, specialized cargo vessels transport crude items such as petroleum and coal.

What can be shipped by ocean?

While nearly anything can be shipped by ocean, three factors—size, expense and speed—tend to determine what must be shipped by this method. Here are some common goods shipped by ocean:

• Container cargo—anything from toys and clothing to furniture and electronics.
• Liquid bulk items, including fuel and crude oil.
• Break bulk—goods shipped in crates, bags, boxes, drums or barrels without the use of a container.
• Dry bulk and raw materials.
• Roll on/roll off goods, including machinery and vehicles.