| Of the many variables which can affect the costs of | | | | - Delays at ports with high amounts of traffic can |
| shipping goods by sea, two factors are the most | | | | lead to extra charges. |
| influential: the freight charged by the shipping | | | | - The exchange rate may change while your goods |
| company, and the costs involved with handling and | | | | are in transit, thereby affecting the price. |
| clearing at the port, otherwise known as port fees. | | | | - Changes in fuel prices for ships, otherwise known |
| These costs are factored according to the following | | | | as the BAF, or Bunker Adjustment Factor. |
| ways of shipping: | | | | - Random surcharges, such as quarantine or security |
| - Liner Vessel Shipping - Since liner vessels mostly | | | | costs, incurred by the port. Of course the most |
| operate on fixed routes with fixed schedules there | | | | economical way to transport goods is container |
| usually is a standard cost. It is possible that | | | | shipping. Since the actual shipping company charges |
| companies that ship frequently or very large | | | | per container, it is obviously most cost efficient. If |
| companies may be able to get lower rates. | | | | you do not have enough to fill up a container, the |
| - Charter Vessel Shipping - Charter vessels operate | | | | shipping company will probably consolidate your |
| entirely according to present demands. Therefore, | | | | shipment with other clients in order to fill up a |
| the costs involved can widely fluctuate according to | | | | container. This of course will be more costly |
| what the supply and demand conditions are at the | | | | Searching for the least costly way to ship your |
| moment. Sometimes it may be possible to get a very | | | | belongings or goods will take some time. International |
| good deal of up to 50% below a liner vessel. Most | | | | shipping costs will vary according to many factors. As |
| times the rates will be higher. Besides the two main | | | | with all things that cost money, do your research and |
| pricing issues listed above, there can be many other | | | | be careful to verify reputation on reliability of the |
| factors that can change the final cost of international | | | | company. Check to see if the destination of your |
| shipping. Such issues may include: | | | | cargo lies along frequented shipping route. That way |
| - Shipping companies may charge differently specific | | | | you can ship your goods on a liner vessel. |
| goods instead of general cargo. | | | | |