Sea Freight

Your goods, delivered by the waves.

Our Sea Freight Capabilities

Less Than Container Load

Concerned about freight costs or lacking sufficient cargo for a full container load (FCL)? At GSI Cargo GmbH, we’ve got you covered as consolidators for groupage cargo in Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments from worldwide destinations to India ports and CFS’s, and vice versa. This mode of transport offers a much more cost-effective solution for moving your commercial shipments or personal effects.

We always advocate for booking LCL shipments for import cargo through local freight forwarders to avoid hidden charges by co-loaders. With GSI Logistics, you can trust in our transparent and efficient services for importing or exporting goods via LCL mode. Let us be your best choice for seamless and hassle-free transportation solutions.

Break Bulk & Out-of-Gauge Cargo

Break Bulk and Out-of-Gauge (OOG) Cargo services offer specialized logistics solutions tailored for transporting heavy machinery, project cargo, and items with non-standard dimensions that cannot be containerized. These shipments often require careful planning, customized equipment, and coordination with ports, carriers, and regulatory bodies to ensure safe and efficient handling.

From construction equipment to industrial components, our expertise ensures that every piece—regardless of size or shape—is moved securely and delivered on schedule. We provide end-to-end support, including route planning, permits, lifting gear, and on-site coordination, making us a trusted partner for complex cargo movements.

Full Container Load

At GSI Cargo GmbH, container availability is never a concern. Whether you need a 20′, 40′ GP, or 40′ High Cube container, we’ve got you covered. Count on us to provide the best quotes and transit times for every container you book with GSI.

Leveraging our expertise and strong connections with shipping lines and NVOCCs, we offer competitive prices for worldwide destinations coupled with the best transit times in the industry. With GSI Logistics, your cargo travels swiftly and seamlessly to its destination, ensuring peace of mind and satisfaction every step of the way.

Port-to-Port & Door-to-Door Options

Our Port-to-Port and Door-to-Door shipping options provide flexible solutions tailored to your logistics needs—whether you require basic terminal-to-terminal service or comprehensive end-to-end transportation. With Port-to-Port shipping, we handle the efficient movement of cargo between designated seaports, ensuring seamless coordination at both loading and discharge terminals.

For clients seeking a more integrated solution, our Door-to-Door service extends beyond the ports, covering inland transportation to and from your specified locations. This means we manage everything from pick-up at the origin to final delivery at the destination, including terminal handling, customs clearance, and trucking. Our goal is to provide you with complete control and convenience throughout the entire supply chain.

Cross-Trade Shipping

Cross-Trade Shipping refers to the seamless coordination and movement of cargo between two foreign countries without the goods passing through Germany or the country where your business is based. This service is ideal for companies with international supply chains looking to streamline operations and reduce transit times by avoiding unnecessary stops.

We manage the entire process—from arranging transportation and handling documentation to ensuring compliance with international regulations—allowing you to operate efficiently across global markets. Whether you're sourcing products from Asia to deliver directly to clients in Africa, or moving equipment from the U.S. to the Middle East, our cross-trade solutions ensure reliable and transparent shipping from origin to destination.

Transparent Scheduling & Tracking

Our Transparent Scheduling and Tracking services are designed to give you complete visibility and control over your shipments from start to finish. We ensure timely vessel bookings by working closely with reliable carriers and planning ahead to avoid delays. Through intelligent route optimization, we help reduce transit time and costs, while ensuring the most efficient and secure path for your cargo. Throughout the journey, you receive continuous status updates at every key milestone—whether it's departure, transshipment, or arrival—so you're never left in the dark. With real-time tracking and clear communication, you can plan your operations with confidence and respond proactively to any changes along the way.

Global Reach at the Best Value – Sea Freight Solutions for Every Scale

At GSI Cargo GmbH, we offer flexible and cost-effective sea freight services that keep your supply chain steady and your costs under control. Whether it’s full container loads, partial shipments, or oversized cargo — we handle complex maritime transport with precision.

Value Added Services

We partner with reliable ocean carriers, trusted port agents, and European terminals to ensure that your goods arrive safely — on time and on budget. GSI Cargo GmbH– navigating global trade with experience, compliance, and control.

Customs clearance & Port Documentation

Cargo Consolidation & Deconsolidation

Container Stuffing / Unstuffing

Inland haulage & rail integration

Bonded warehousing options near key ports

Frequently Asked Questions

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Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments are consolidated by shipping companies, combining cargo from various clients into one container. Ocean freight rates are calculated based on CBM, with cargo often routed through hubs before reaching the final destination.
CBM stands for Cubic Meter, which defines the space capacity for the transit by sea freight or air freight containers. It is a standard unit for calculating ocean freight for Loose Container Load (LCL) shipments.
To calculate CBM, you need the dimensions in centimeters of all the packages and the total number of packages for the shipment.
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is required to ensure the correct weight of the cargo and container tare weight. It can be done through re-weighting after the container is stuffed and sealed or by separately weighing the consignments along with the container tare weight.
This depends on the cargo’s final packaging and nature. Accurate calculation of stacking helps maximize cargo capacity. Discuss with freight forwarding companies about the cargo stuffing capacity as per the available dimensions.

A Bill of Lading is a legal document for the shipment in transit. It is an important ownership document of the goods. The shipper must submit this document to the bank if the shipment is under a Letter of Credit or to the consignee to release the cargo upon presenting the original Bill of Lading to the carrier or authorized shipping agent. It carries information about the shipper, consignee, quantities, description of goods, port of loading, port of discharge, final destination, and freight terms.
A Switch Bill of Lading is issued by an agent upon consignee instructions to deliver goods to another buyer on their behalf. The consignee must surrender the original Bill of Lading to the issuing agent or carrier and apply for a Switch Bill of Lading to deliver goods to another consignee at the destination.
A Delivery Order is issued by the shipping line or its agent at the final destination, allowing the consignee to release the goods from customs.
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is required to ensure the correct weight of the cargo and container tare weight. It can be done through re-weighting after the container is stuffed and sealed or by separately weighing the consignments along with the container tare weight.
IGM stands for Import General Manifest. Gateway IGM is filed by carriers for the manifestation of the vessel arriving in the country, while Local IGM is filed by freight forwarding agents to the carrier about the actual consignee, packages, and weight as per the Bill of Lading for the final destination.
Shipping Instructions (SI) are detailed guidelines provided by the shipper to the freight forwarder or carrier, outlining the requirements for transporting the cargo. These instructions include information on the consignee, destination, handling preferences, and any special conditions to ensure the shipment is processed accurately and efficiently.
Shipped on Board (SOB) indicates that the cargo has been loaded onto the vessel and is ready for transportation. This status is often marked on the Bill of Lading.
Breakbulk cargo refers to oversized or overweight cargo that cannot be stuffed into standard containers. General cargo includes all types of cargo that do not require special conditions in transport and can be stuffed in standard-sized containers.
To issue a Bill of Lading, the carrier needs complete shipping details from the shipper, including cargo description, quantity, weight, dimensions, consignee details, and any special instructions. The carrier then prepares and issues the Bill of Lading, which serves as a receipt and contract for the shipment.
A Telex Release Bill of Lading allows the consignee to take delivery of the cargo without presenting the original Bill of Lading. The shipper surrenders the original document at the origin, and the carrier or agent sends a telex message to the destination port, authorizing the release of goods.
Telex Release allows the consignee to receive the cargo without the physical original Bill of Lading by using an electronic authorization. Bill of Lading surrender requires the consignee to present the physical original Bill of Lading to the carrier or agent at the destination to release the goods.
An e-Bill of Lading (eBL) is a digital version of the traditional paper Bill of Lading. It provides the same legal and functional purposes, such as serving as a receipt, document of title, and contract of carriage, but in electronic form, facilitating easier and faster processing.
Yes, a Letter of Credit (L/C) is a crucial financial document used in international trade. It guarantees payment to the exporter upon presenting the required shipping documents, ensuring security for both the buyer and seller.

Full Container Load (FCL) means booking an entire container for your cargo. It is like hiring a private taxi for your shipment, where only your cargo will be transported as per your customized requirements. You pay freight charges based on the container’s size.
LCL shipments involve consolidators or shipping companies occupying an FCL from carriers and developing consolidation shipments from various clients. They sell ocean freight rates based on CBM, club cargo from various destinations, and segregate it for final destinations. Major ports often have direct services from consolidators.
Standard shipping containers include:

20FT General Product (GP) Container

20FT High Cube Container

40FT General Product (GP) Container

40FT High Cube (HQ) Container

Special containers include:

20FT Open Top

40FT Open Top

20FT Flat Rack

40FT Flat Rack

20FT Reefer (Temperature Controlled)

40FT Reefer (Temperature Controlled)

20FT Tank Containers

40FT Tank Containers
Flat rack containers are used for oversized cargo that cannot fit into dry containers. Cargo can be loaded from either side, and freight quotes are subject to carrier approval based on the weight and dimensions of the cargo.
Dry containers, also known as GP or General Product containers, are the most commonly used for transporting goods.
Open top containers do not have a roof and are useful for over-height cargo or cargo that cannot be loaded through the doors. Freight quotes are subject to carrier approval.
Reefer containers are refrigerated containers used to maintain a specific temperature during the transit of goods that require temperature control.
Breakbulk cargo refers to oversized or overweight cargo that cannot be stuffed into standard containers. General cargo includes all types of cargo that do not require special conditions in transport and can be stuffed in standard-sized containers.
The weight capacity of 20FT and 40FT dry containers varies and is subject to approval by carriers. This is an estimation and may differ based on specific cargo requirements.
For a 20FT GP container, a 40FT GP container, and a 40FT HQ container, the CBM space varies based on the size of the cargo and the stuffing plan. Team GSI always guides customers to suitable options for their cargo planning.
The height of 40FT High Cube containers is greater than that of 40′ Dry Containers. 40FT High Cube containers are more commonly used for transporting garments or cargo requiring bulky space.
Lashing and choking prevent cargo from damage. It is recommended to use hard packaging material for long transits. Wooden palletization or packaging also helps prevent losses.
Factory stuffing involves loading cargo into containers directly at the factory premises, ensuring greater control over the loading process and minimizing handling. Dock stuffing, on the other hand, occurs at the port or a designated dock, where the cargo is loaded into containers by port workers, often resulting in additional handling but offering convenience for certain logistics setups.
SOC (Shipper Owned Container) refers to containers owned by the shipper, offering flexibility in container usage and reducing dependency on carrier-owned equipment. COC (Carrier Owned Container) are containers provided by the carrier, often simplifying logistics and reducing the shipper’s responsibility for container maintenance and return.

Yes, sea freight transport can include pre-carriage or post-carriage by road or rail to transit goods from landlocked destinations to seaports. These bonded transits can be arranged by the carrier or logistics companies.
This innovative logistics model reduces transit time and costs by consolidating cargo at a hub with fixed sailings to the final destination. It helps avoid high costs due to delays and can also dispatch cargo by feeder vessels to the hub as an option by road or rail movement for small shipments.
MTO stands for Multimodal Transport Operator, a logistics provider that arranges the transportation of goods using multiple modes of transport, such as sea, road, rail, and air, under a single contract, ensuring seamless and efficient delivery.
NVOCC stands for Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier. An NVOCC is a company that organizes shipments for individuals or corporations without operating their own vessels. They lease space on ships, consolidate cargo, and issue their own bills of lading.
Carrier operators are companies that own and operate the vessels, airplanes, trucks, or trains used to transport goods. They are responsible for the actual movement of cargo from one point to another.
The Port of Loading (POL) is the port where the cargo is loaded onto a vessel for transportation. It is the initial departure point in the shipping process.
The Port of Discharge (POD) is the port where the cargo is unloaded from the vessel upon arrival at its destination. It is the endpoint of the ocean leg of the shipment.
The final destination is the ultimate delivery point where the cargo is transported after being discharged from the vessel. It could be a warehouse, distribution center, or consignee’s address.
The Port of Discharge (POD) is where the cargo is unloaded from the vessel, while the final destination is the actual location where the cargo is delivered after any additional transportation by road, rail, or air.
A Buyer Consolidation Program allows multiple suppliers to consolidate their shipments into a single container for a buyer. This program optimizes shipping costs, reduces handling, and ensures better control over the supply chain.

Yes, it is always recommended to evaluate charges with freight forwarder companies since many consolidators are involved during transit, which can increase costs for the shipper or consignee
Yes, sea freight is the most economical mode of transport with exceptions for very small shipments that may be better suited for courier or air freight, small distances where road or rail transport is cheaper, multiple transit hubs that can increase costs and time for small shipments, and time-critical shipments requiring careful planning.
Applicable origin and destination charges are involved along with sea freight. These charges, which can be prepaid or collected, are charged based on Incoterms and should be evaluated with logistics companies.
Sea freight should be avoided in cases of time-critical shipments, restrictions by state or war zones, small shipments better suited for air or courier modes, and perishable cargo in LCL shipments.
IGM stands for Import General Manifest. Gateway IGM is filed by carriers for the manifestation of the vessel arriving in the country, while Local IGM is filed by freight forwarding agents to the carrier about the actual consignee, packages, and weight as per the Bill of Lading for the final destination.
Marine insurance provides coverage for loss or damage of goods during transit by sea. This insurance ensures that your cargo is protected against various risks, including theft, damage, and accidents during shipping, giving you peace of mind and financial security.
Origin charges are fees incurred at the origin of the shipment, including costs for documentation, handling, packaging, and loading. These charges are typically borne by the shipper.
Destination charges are fees incurred at the destination port or terminal for unloading, handling, customs clearance, and delivery of the cargo to its final destination. These charges are typically borne by the consignee.
Demurrage charges are fees levied by the shipping line when cargo is not cleared and picked up within the allowed free time at the port. These charges compensate the carrier for the use of their containers or space.
Detention charges are fees imposed for the late return of empty containers to the designated depot after the free time has expired. It compensates the carrier for the loss of use of their containers.
The free detention period is the time allowed by the carrier for the consignee to return the empty container without incurring detention charges. It usually starts from the day the container is picked up for delivery.