Port-to-port Shipping is a key component of international maritime logistics. It specifically refers to the movement of goods between a designated origin port and a destination port, with no inland transport included at either end. As the name suggests, this shipping model focuses solely on the ocean freight leg of the supply chain.
Here’s how it typically works: the shipper is responsible for delivering the cargo to the port of origin and completing all required export customs procedures. Once the goods are loaded into containers and placed aboard the vessel, the carrier—usually the shipping line or its agent—assumes responsibility for transporting them across the ocean.
The carrier’s responsibility ends when the vessel arrives at the destination port, and the cargo is unloaded. From that point on, the consignee is in charge. Their duties include arranging import customs clearance, collecting the cargo, and coordinating any inland transportation to the final delivery location.
Whether you opt for port-to-port or door-to-door shipping depends on your business needs, in-house capabilities, and budget.
You’ve got a good handle on customs clearance and inland transportation, and you’re keen to keep costs down and have more control over the whole shipping process. If that’s the case, port-to-port shipping might be a more cost-effective option. You’ll have the flexibility to arrange logistics service providers at both ends, but you’ll also need to take on the management responsibilities and risks that go with it.
Suppose you want to make things easier, streamline your logistics management, are new to the destination, or prioritize overall transportation efficiency. In that case, door-to-door shipping might be the best option. Sure, it might cost a bit more, but it makes things much easier by having experienced freight forwarders handle the logistics.
The port-to-port transportation process usually involves the following key steps:
