Advantages of sea freight consolidation with Röhlig Logistics
- Lower costs than traditional LCL service, as ocean freight and destination charges, are calculated per container and not for each individual shipment.
- Flexible solution that allows you to change the mode of transport before departure if necessary - for example from sea freight to air freight.
- All our consolidation solutions are tailored to your specific needs and the individual project - there are no standard solutions!
How does sea freight consolidation work?
From the perspective of the more commonly represented buyer's consolidation (see graphic), the process works as follows: First, shipments from different suppliers are transported to a Container Freight Station (CFS) for a single buyer. At the CFS, the shipments are consolidated and loaded into a shipping container to then travel by ship to the destination. Seller's consolidation involves loading multiple shipments from one source into a full container. At the destination, the unloaded goods are shipped to different consignees.
FAQ - Sea Freight Consolidation
What data is needed to create consolidation solutions?
In general, the more data available about the shipments, the greater the chance of finding the ideal configuration for consolidation. The data elements include:
- Shipment frequency per shipper
- Average shipment volume per shipper
- Average shipment weight per shipper
Is consolidation always cheaper than conventional LCL?
Not necessarily, because the costs depend very much on the consignment frequency, the consignment origin, and the size of the consignments. At Röhlig Logistics, we thoroughly analyse customer data and make recommendations as to which consignments should be included in consolidation and which should be sent by traditional general cargo.
Can the mode of transport be changed at the last minute?
Yes, most consolidation concepts include the option to switch the transport mode to air freight. As part of our customised transport solutions, you can choose this option if required!
Can dangerous goods be part of a sea freight consolidation?
Yes, generally dangerous goods can be included in the consolidation, however, depending on the region, there are also specifications for mixed loading that must be taken into account. On some trade lanes, it is not advisable to include dangerous goods in consolidations, as disproportionately high additional costs are incurred.
What is the difference between buyer's consolidation and seller's consolidation?
In buyer's consolidation, LCL consignments are bundled from different suppliers who have a common consignee. The originally separate shipments are collected at a consolidation center, loaded into a shipping container and sent to their destination as FCL (Full Container Load).
In seller's consolidation, several shipments of the same origin are loaded into a container by the supplier or seller as FCL. The container is then sent to the destination port, where the individual consignments are deconsolidated and sent to different recipients or buyers.