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Sea freight

When cost matters and time is not an issue

Less-than-container load services

Our LCL services make shipping smaller volume cargo across the world simple, reliable and efficient.

Read about our LCL Services

Less-than-container load services

Sea freight meets peace of mind

Less is definitely more with LCL

For some, LCL is simply less container load.

But not for us. Our LCL services make shipping smaller volume cargo across the world simple, reliable and efficient. With our direct weekly departures, accessing hundreds of destinations, and our expert global Container Freight Station (CFS) teams consolidating and containerising your loads to hubs while guaranteeing capacity, it’s the streamlined and cost-efficient solution that ensures you only pay for your allocated space.

In fact, not only does sharing container space mean you can save on costs – our offering also saves you resources by eliminating the need to consolidate cargo yourself.

LCL shipping benefits

Secure cargo handling at every stage of the supply chain
Shipment visibility from the moment you place the order to destination delivery
Lower spend for smaller shipments
Global coverage with fixed weekly schedules – optimised routings ensure quickest transit time
Seamless processing with online booking, track & trace, reporting and billing
Cash-flow benefits by shipping less, more often

One size. Fits all.

Our LCL services are ideal for all industries. So whether automotive, heaithcare, retail , technology , or anything else, we can tailor bespoke solutions for your needs. In addition, we aren’t limited to any volume or turnover threshold – so equally suitable for companies of all sizes, whether small or global enterprise. And should cost savings or navigating disruptions be of the utmost importance, our LCL solution is ideal for converting air freight into ocean shipments, with ease.

Transporting break bulk cargo by sea

Specialised services for your major moves and non-containerised loads

Read about our break bulk services

Break bulk

Our expertise makes it easy

Non-containerised load

Specialised services for major moves and non-containerised loads

Our experienced team can help you manage the challenges of planning and coordinating efficient break bulk transport by sea. With staff in all major ports, we can take care of your shipment from pick-up to end destination.

Global network of intercontinental and short sea freight routes using premium carriers
Flexibility in arranging transport by scheduled or charter services
Complete project transport and logistics solutions from pickup and collection at your facilities, to safe stowage and packing, through to final delivery
Range of special equipment such as flat-rack or open-top containers, roll trailers and flatbeds
Qualified and trained staff in all major ports around the world, covering your shipments from origin to destination
Fast response and personalised service

Talk to our experts about customised solutions for your most complex transport needs.

What is break bulk?

Break bulk is a system of transporting cargo as separate pieces rather than in containers. This type of cargo is non-containerised and used for individual items that are oversized and overweight, e.g. construction equipment, oil and gas machinery, pipes, boats, turbine blades, ship propellers, generators, large engines and steel parts.

How break bulk shipping works

Break-bulk cargo is usually transported in bags, boxes, crates, drums or barrels, or as unit loads secured to pallets or skids. Specialist break bulk vessels come fitted with heavy-lift cranes that can manage heavy cargo safely and quicker than dockside cranes, which makes the process of loading/unloading faster and more efficient.

The term ‘break bulk’ comes from the phrase ‘breaking bulk’, where part of a ship’s cargo is extracted or unloaded. A break-in-bulk point is a place where goods are transferred from one mode of transport to another, e.g. docks where goods are transferred from ship to truck.

Non-containerised load

Your overweight or out of gauge shipments are in good hands with AK

We are experienced at handling overweight and out of gauge (O.O.G) shipments not suitable for standard containers. So whether you need flat rack or open top containers, mafi trailers, flatbeds or other types of special equipment, we can service your needs.

Premium sea freight carriers and proper equipment

We only use premium sea freight carriers, and we arrange for the proper equipment, ensure all necessary permits, and carry out blocking, bracing and packing. When the shipment arrives at the destination country, specially trained AK staff are prepared to accompany your shipment to its final destination.

For even more complex transportation needs, we offer customised solutions. Talk to our experts about a customized solution.

Sea freight services

Sea freight services

Secure and flexible intercontinental freight solutions

AK’s sea freight services support your needs for optimised, secure and flexible solutions

With the enormous volumes of freight that we ship and the multitude of carriers we work with, we can offer you frequent departures and the capacity you need – to and from every major port in the world. Whether your needs are complex or straightforward and whatever your goods, we can help you with you with end-to-end solutions across transport modes whether it be by sea, air, road or rail.

Local knowledge of local conditions
In every major port, we have experienced employees with detailed knowledge of local and international export and import compliance. Our staff can assist you in understanding each country’s requirements, as well as local pickup and last mile delivery. And if you need logistics support or warehouse management for your supply chain, we can handle that too.

Our sea freight services include:

Full container load
less than container load
Non-containerised load
Buyer’s consolidation services
Break bulk

Sea freight compliance

Moving cargo from A to B across the world’s seas can be challenging. Transport documents, regulations, country-specific compliance, local requirements and customs clearance are just some of the steps to be considered before your cargo can be dispatched to its final destination. Proper export documentation and import licenses and requirements are becoming increasingly important factors when transporting cargo. With years of experience in cargo shipment, our staff can support you in delivering your sea freight in full compliance with all requirements.

A network of trusted sea freight carriers

When you need the price advantage of sea freight, our agreements with all the major global and regional sea freight carriers will mean we can get you the best competitive combination of routing, carrier, price and departure and arrival times to suit your needs. You get the flexibility to ship your cargo when it suits you best.

Which shipping container is best?

Go to Sea Container types and dimensions

Sea containers

Types, sizes and dimensions

Dry container
Flat rack container
High cube dry container
Open top container
Platform container
Reefer container
Garment on hangers container

AK offers a variety of sea containers to meet your transportation needs.

AK offers a large and modern fleet of containers that include dry, containers refrigerated containers with temperature control and special purpose containers. Our team can advise on the right sea container that allows you to accumulate and transport your cargo safely and efficiently.

We recommend following the indications of the CSC board at the time of loading, as well as taking into account the regulations of each country regarding weight restrictions. The CSC plate is the license plate of the container, and indicates who owns it, as well as the maximum weight and cubic capacities allowed.

Dry container

Find sizes and capacity for our 20ft and 40ft shipping containers

What is a dry container?

Dry containers (DC) are the most used type of container in the world: 90% of goods shipped by sea are loaded in dry containers. The 20-foot and 40-foot cargo containers are made of aluminium or steel and are suitable for all types of cargo. Aluminium containers have a slightly larger payload than steel, and steel dry containers have a slightly larger internal cube.

Dry container size and capacity

The specific dimensions and capacities of dry containers may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. The specifications listed below are representative of the majority of containers available.

20′ dry container

Tare weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity	Internal length
2,300	25,000 kg	33.2 m3	5.9 m
5,071.5 lbs	55,126.9 lbs	1,172 cu ft	19.4 ft
Internal width	Internal height	Door opening width	Door opening height
2.35 m	2.39 m	2.34 m	2.28 m
Tare weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity	Internal length
7.7 ft	7.9 ft	7.7 ft	7.5 ft

40′ dry container

Tare weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity	Internal length
3,750	27,600 kg	67.7 m3	12.03 m
8,268.8 lbs	61,200 lbs	2,389 cu ft	39.5 ft
Internal width	Internal height	Door opening width	Door opening height
2.35 m	2.39 m	2.34 m	2.28 m
7.7 ft	7.9 ft	7.7 ft	7.5 ft

Flat rack container

Find specifications and dimensions for our 20′ and 40′ flat rack shipping containers

What is a flat rack container?

Flat rack containers are especially suitable for heavy loads and cargo that needs loading from the top or sides, such as pipes and machinery. You will find collapsible containers and non-collapsible containers with or without walls. Flat rack containers are manufactured from steel and come in 20′ and 40′ sizes.

Flat rack container dimensions

Specific dimensions and capacity of flat rack containers (fr containers) may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. The specifications below are representative for the majority of flat rack containers.

20′ flat rack container

Tare weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity	Internal length	Internal width	Internal height
2,360 kg	30,140 kg	32.7 m3	5638 mm	2.35 m	2.35 m
5,203.8 lbs	66,458.7 lbs	1,154.3 cu ft	19.5 ft	7.7 ft	7.7 ft

40′ flat rack container

Tare weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity	Internal length	Internal width	Internal height
5,000 kg	40,000 kg	62.2 m3	11660 mm	2.40 m	2.14 m
11,025 lbs	88,200 lbs	2,195.7 cu ft	39.8 ft	7.9 ft	7 ft

High cube dry container

Find dimensions and capacity for our 40′ and 45′ high cube containers

What is a high cube dry container?

High cube dry containers ensure that you gain an extra foot (12 inches, about 30cm) in height compared with dry containers. The high cube dry containers are ideal for light, voluminous or bulky cargo. These extra volume containers are made in 40′ and 45′ sizes in steel and aluminium.

High cube dry container dimensions

Specific dimensions and capacity of high cube dry containers may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. The specifications listed below are, however, representative for the majority of high cube dry containers.

40ft high cube dry container

Tare weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity	Internal length	Internal width	Internal height	Door opening width	Door opening height
3,940 kg	28,560 kg	76.4 m3	12.03 m	2.35 m	2.70 m	2.34 m	2.58 m
8,687.7 lbs	62,974.8 lbs	2,696.9 cu ft	39.5 ft	7.7 ft	8.9 ft	7.7 ft	8.5 ft

45ft high cube dry container

Tare weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity	Internal length	Internal width	Internal height	Door opening width	Door opening height
4,820 kg	27,860 kg	86 m3	13.56 m	2.35 m	2.70 m	2.34 m	2.58 m
10,628.1 lbs	61,431.3 lbs	3,035.8 cu ft	44.5 ft	7.7 ft	8.9 ft	7.7 ft	8.5 ft

Open top container

Find specifications and dimensions for our open top shipping containers

What is an open top container?

Open top containers have an open top covered by a tarpaulin instead of a solid roof. This enables oversized cargo such as timber and scrap metal to be loaded from the top. Open top containers normally also have end doors, like closed containers, to give flexibility for loading and unloading.

Open top container specifications

Specific dimensions and capacity of open top containers may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. The specifications listed below are, however, representative for the majority of open top containers.

20′ open top shipping container

Tara weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity
2,350 kg	28,130 kg	32.5 m3
5,181.8 lbs	62,026.7 lbs	1,147.3 cu ft

Internal			Door opening		Roof opening
Length	Width	Height	Width	Height	Width	Length
5.9 m	2.35 m	2.38 m	2.34 m	2.28 m	2.23 m	5.44 m
19.3 ft	7.7 ft	7.8 ft	7.7 ft	7.4 ft	7.3 ft	17.8 ft

40′ open top shipping container

Tara weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity
3,850 kg	26,630 kg	66.4 m3
8,489.3 lbs	58,719.2 lbs	2,343.9 cu ft

Internal			Door opening		Roof opening
Length	Width	Height	Width	Height	Width	Length
12.03 m	2.35 m	2.38 m	2.34 m	2.29 m	2.21 m	11.57 m

Tara weight	Payload capacity			Cubic capacity
39.5 ft	7.7 ft	7.8 ft	7.7 ft	7.5 ft	7.3 ft	38 ft

Platform container

Find specifications and dimensions

What is a platform container?

A platform container is a container without sides, ends or a roof. It is used for odd-sized cargo which does not fit on or in any other type of container.

Platform container dimensions

Specific dimensions and capacity of platform containers may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. The specifications listed below are, however, representative for the majority of platform containers.

20′ platform container

Tare weight	Payload capacity	Internal length	Internal width
2,740 kg	31,260 kg	6.06 m	2.44 m
6,041.7 lbs	68,928.3 lbs	19.9 ft	8 ft

40′ platform container

Tare weight	Payload capacity	Internal length	Internal width
5,700 kg	39,300 kg	12.19 m	2.44 m
12,568.5 lbs	86,656.5 lbs	40 ft	8 ft

Reefer container

Find dimensions and capacity for our temperature-controlled refrigerated shipping containers

What is a reefer container?

Reefer containers or refrigerated containers are used to transport goods requiring temperature-controlled conditions in transit. Products such as fruit, vegetables,dairy products and meat are typical goods to ship in this kind of shipping container. Reefer containers are fitted with a refrigeration unit which is connected to the electrical power supply on board the ship.

What are the dimensions and specifications of reefer containers?

The specific dimensions and capacity of reefer containers (refrigerated containers) may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. The specifications listed below are, however, representative for the majority of reefer containers.

20′ reefer container

Tare weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity	Internal length	Internal width	Internal height	Door opening width	Door opening height
3,080 kg	27,400 kg	28.3 m3	5.44 m	2.29 m	2.27 m	2.23 m	2.10 m
6,791.4 lbs	60,417 lbs	999 cu ft	17.9 ft	7.5 ft	7.5 ft	7.3 ft	6.9 ft

40′ reefer container

Tare weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity	Internal length	Internal width	Internal height	Door opening width	Door opening height
4,800 kg	27,700 kg	59.3 m3	11.56 m	2.28 m	2.25 m	2.29 m	2.26 m
10,584 lbs	61,078.5 lbs	2,093.3 cu ft	37.9 ft	7.5 ft	7.4 ft	7.5 ft	7.4 ft

40′ high cube reefer container

Tare weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity	Internal length	Internal width	Internal height	Door opening width	Door opening height
4,480 kg	29,520 kg	67.3 m3	11.58 m	2.29 m	2.40 m	2.29 m	2.57 m
9,880 lbs	65,080 lbs	2,380 cu ft	38.0 ft	7.5 ft	7.9 ft	7.5 ft	8.4 ft

45′ reefer container

Tare weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity	Internal length	Internal width	Internal height	Door opening width	Door opening height
4,850 kg	29,150 kg	67 m3	11.57 m	2.27 m	2.55 m	2.29 m	2.26 m
10,694.3 lbs	64,275.8 lbs	2,365.1 cu ft	38 ft	7.4 ft	8.4 ft	7.5 ft	7.4 ft

Garments on hangers container

Find specifications and dimensions for transporting your garments

What are Garments on Hangers containers?

Garments on hangers (GOH) containers are used for shipping high-quality garments. These containers give customers the option of using a string or bar system, or a combination of both. The GOH containers offer increased flexibility, greater internal load capacity and savings on transportation and handling costs. GOH containers are available in 20′ and 40′ sizes.

GOH container dimensions and specifications

Specific dimensions and capacity of garments on hangers containers may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. The specifications listed below are, however, representative for the majority of these containers.

20′ GOH container

Tare weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity	Internal length	Internal width	Internal height	Door opening width	Door opening height
2,300 kg	28,180 kg	33.2 m3	5.9 m	2.35 m	2.39 m	2.34 m	2.28 m
5,071.5 lbs	62,136.9 lbs	1,172 cu ft	19.4 ft	7.7 ft	7.9 ft	7.7 ft	7.5 ft

40′ GOH container

Tare weight	Payload capacity	Cubic capacity	Internal length	Internal width	Internal height	Door opening width	Door opening height
3,750 kg	28,750 kg	67.7 m3	12.03 m	2.35 m	2.39 m	2.34 m	2.28 m
8,268.8 lbs	63,393.8 lbs	2,389.8 cu ft	39.5 ft	7.7 ft	7.9 ft	7.7 ft	7.5 ft

Shipping textiles for retailers

Garment on hangers containers are used in the fashion and retail industries. Logistics for these industries need to move fast and be flexible. DSV offers many transport and logistics services tailored to your specific needs. Read more about how we can help businesses in the fashion and retailing industries here.