Sea Freight Booking Process Complete Guide

Sea freight booking involves requesting cargo space from a shipping line or freight forwarder. FCL booking requires specifying container type, cargo details, and desired sailing date. LCL booking consolidates multiple shippers' cargo into a shared container. The process includes submitting a booking request, receiving booking confirmation with vessel name and schedule, picking up the empty container, loading and sealing cargo, returning to the terminal before cutoff, and submitting all required documents including VGM. Cutoff times control the deadlines for cargo receipt, documentation, and container return. Missing any cutoff can result in rolling to the next sailing. VGM submission is mandatory and must match actual weight. Businesses should record all cutoff times immediately upon booking confirmation and align internal packing and document teams accordingly.