How Does Freight Shipping Work?
International trade depends largely on the use of global shipping routes to connect world markets. For example, the International Maritime Organization reports that almost 90% of the products of the world are moved by sea. Air, over ground, and rail also contribute greatly to the freights around the globe.
Shipping lanes are quite literally the backbone of international freight. Some routes are busier or more prominent depending on the trade corridors they support. Whether you are shipping
internationally or simply have questions about freight logistics, you have most certainly come to the right place. Simply use the selections to indicate your origin and destination for immediate access to crucial information on minimizing costs and times of transit.
Billions of goods are moved around the world every year by enormous cargo ships. Indeed, the global economy depends on such vessels reaching their correct destinations efficiently and on time. Specifically designed shipping lanes are charted for huge ships to cruise on and economize time and energy. Below, you will see a map showing some key global shipping routes that move goods across continents. These lanes form very important connections between countries across the globe; without them, international trade would shut down.
Feel free to peruse our listing of shipping routes for the route that best suits your needs.
Global Shipping Routes
Where are you shipping from? Pick an origin or keep scrolling to see all international shipping routes.
Shipping from Canada
Having one of the highest shipping port networks, Canada is a big player in international trade, sending roughly 75% of its goods to the United States. The largest and most significant port is the Port of Vancouver, which serves as the major entry point for merchandise originating from Asia, particularly shipments to do with China to Canada. It represents over US$200 billion in trade each year and is one of the most important export and import centers. Other major ports, such as Halifax, Montreal, and Prince Rupert, supplement Vancouver and are important contributors to Canada’s trade infrastructure. The movement by these facilities ranges from finished consumer goods to raw materials and positions Canada for sustained leadership in international trade but, in particular, with respect to its trade with China.
Shipping from Japan
Shipping from Malaysia
Malaysia is home to six major international sea ports, which are led by Port Klang, the largest and the busiest. The port handles in excess of 11,000 vessels annually and is a major shipping and industrial center in Southeast Asia. The cost of shipping from Malaysia depends on various factors: the size, weight, and nature of goods that you import and the type and route of shipment. We will collect the cost and transit time more precisely by considering your destination and shipping requirement. Check on the options to ensure seamless and smooth logistics from Malaysia.
Shipping from Singapore
It plays an important role in the two main port terminals in Singapore: PSA Singapore and Jurong Port. Yet, the most exciting development is yet to arrive. Keppel-based Tuas Mega Port will come into operation between 2025 and 2027. This terminal, when fully implemented, will be the world’s largest container terminal, with an astonishing capacity of 65 million TEUs every year. Prices for shipment from Singapore also vary, dependent on many factors that include, but are not limited to, commodity type, weight, and size, apart from seasonal demand. It is always best to compare several freight quotes before making a shipping decision.
Shipping from South Korea
Shipping from Taiwan
When shipping goods from Taiwan, freight rates have been quite competitive and were mostly dependent on the size and weight of delivery, type of shipment, method of transportation, and seasonality. Over 40% of all Taiwanese export volumes are shipped to mainland China or Hong Kong, while about 15% of its cargo is shipped to the US. It has eight major ports in Taiwan in which the largest and most important to the international trade is Kaohsiung port, that is situated on the south western coast. Proper planning with regard to knowledge of these variables will ensure a smooth and cost efficient shipping process from Taiwan.
Shipping from Thailand
The cost of shipping from Thailand varies for a multitude of different reasons. The most important of those is the shipping method that one uses. Generally speaking, the options come down to air and sea shipping. Air shipping, while more expensive, usually has a much faster transit time-in the ballpark of a few days. Sea shipping may take anywhere from several weeks upwards and is generally better for bulk shipments or items where there is less need to get them to their destination in a timely manner. The major container ports in Thailand include Laem Chabang and Bangkok Port, both of which are very instrumental in international trade and ensure that there is efficiency in logistics. Understand these options to pick up the best way of shipment that would suit your needs.
Shipping from the United Kingdom
A testament to the fact that the United Kingdom relies on ocean freight cargo for imports and exports is the mere fact that 95% of all the UK’s imports and exports use it. Based in Suffolk, Felixstowe is the UK’s largest port, and a huge 48% of the UK’s container traffic flows through it. Ranked as the eighth busiest port in Europe, it has 3.8 million TEUs annually. First of all, if shipment is sent from the UK to other various places in the world, then all the details about the shipment should be gathered in advance and then only the correct mode of transportation and route can be selected. This will make a big difference in determining the final charge for the international shipment, and as such, it can be processed without any obstacles.
Shipping from the United States
The United States is the world’s largest economy with high import volumes and is also the second-largest exporter in the world. Major US ports by TEU volume are Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, Port of New York and New Jersey, and the Port of Savannah. Various factors play a part in determining how long shipment from the US will take and thus, ultimately cost. Comparing offerings from various logistics providers makes certain that one can plan and secure the best rate, thus making for generally efficient and cost-effective shipping.
Shipping from Vietnam
Since then, Vietnam emerged as the fastest-growing economy in Asia after China, boasting remarkable volumes of export. Hai Phong is one of the biggest ports in Northern Vietnam; in addition, it acts as a regional hub for the electronics, automotive, and precision machinery industries. Other major ports include Da Nang in Central Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City. The major hubs for air cargo shipments are Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). These provide easy and smooth connectivity not only within the country but also around the world. Clearly, understanding the shipping infrastructure in Vietnam is going to be one part of the successful planning of logistics for this burgeoning global player.
