Current sea freight rates: compare & book directly
Whether you're just starting to import and bringing in a single pallet (LCL), or shipping full containers every week (FCL): for reliable and transparent sea freight rates, you're in the right place at Cargoplot. We match your shipment directly with the right carrier for the best option.
Direct insight into sea freight prices
Choice and transparency are at the heart of Cargoplot. You see each carrier's performance and price breakdown directly. That way you always choose who you ship with based on current data, not a quote that turns out differently later.
How sea freight rates are built up
Importing goods is often made unnecessarily complex by opaque quotes. On paper, sea freight costs can look low, until the final invoice arrives with 'forgotten' surcharges such as Terminal Handling Charges (THC) and clearance costs. At Cargoplot we open up that black box:
- Direct comparison: you see current sea freight rates at a glance.
- All-in costs: no surprises afterwards, you see the total landed cost and the individual line items, including customs and delivery.
- Reliability: don't choose on price alone, filter on carrier speed and reliability too.
- Our own margin visible: we also show our own margin, so you know for certain you're paying a fair rate.
Sea freight cost per cubic meter
Not shipping a full container, but a pallet or a few boxes? Then you don't pay for space you don't use. For LCL shipments we show the sea freight cost per cubic meter clearly, so even with a small volume you know exactly where you stand before you book, not only once the invoice arrives.
| From | To | Shipment Size | Booked |
|---|---|---|---|
Request Sea Freight Rates Quickly
From the World to Your Warehouse in a Few Clicks
Request rates
Tell us where you're shipping from, what you're shipping, and when. Within minutes you'll see every available carrier, sailing date and price.
Create and compare quotes
Powered by AI, you get instant prices for shipments between all major ports in Asia, North America and Europe. Compare sea freight rates, transit times and reliability scores to make the best choice.
Book in a few clicks
Found a good option? Booking is as easy as ordering a plane ticket. We only need a few details to get started, and then lock in the rate for your preferred date right away.
Manage your shipment and get support
Tracking, customs, forwarders: you manage it all through the Cargoplot platform. Your own account manager and our operations specialists are also always ready to help.
“Before it was also always a little bit dodgy… you get prices but you don't know with whom they're booking it exactly. Cargoplot gives you that transparency.”
Frequently asked questions about sea freight rates
Frequently asked questions about sea freight rates: from cost breakdown and booking to cost per cubic meter.
What's the difference between a quote and a booking?
A quote gives you a current rate based on your input (port, container type, weight), but doesn't commit you to anything yet. Only once you book do you actually reserve space with the carrier at that rate. With Cargoplot you compare quotes without obligation and book only once you've found the right option.
How often do sea freight rates change?
Sea freight rates can change weekly, sometimes even daily, due to shifts in supply and demand, fuel prices and carrier capacity. A rate you saw two weeks ago may no longer be accurate. That's why the Cargoplot platform always shows the current rate at the moment you request a quote.
What does sea freight cost per cubic meter (LCL) compared to a full container (FCL)?
With LCL you only pay for the space you actually use, calculated per cubic meter. With FCL you pay a fixed rate for the whole container, regardless of how full it is. Past a certain volume, FCL usually becomes cheaper than LCL, but for smaller shipments LCL is typically the more affordable option. The tipping point sits around 20 CBM on average, heavily dependent on your goods, container prices and expert advice. Beyond that, FCL offers lower cost per unit, more security and faster delivery.
How fast can I request and book a sea freight rate?
You enter your shipment details and see the current sea freight rates for your route within a couple of minutes on the platform. You can book right after, without a separate quote process over email or phone.
