Compare rates between different ocean shipping companies Check multiple companies in order to find the lowest cost or the fastest time for shipping. Some shipping companies still require you to contact them directly for rate, but others have set up web applications so you can check anytime.

I recommend:  Start pricing use a web application to get a nice baseline for your shipping rate comparisons. Ocean Freight USA has a detailed application that lets you price out their shipment rates in fine detail. After registering with their site, FreightQuote will give you the rates from several different waterborne carriers.

Pick the best waterborne freight carriers for your needs Many dry goods shippers are flexible with what they ship so whether you need a container vessel or break bulk, you can use one company. In case your shipper doesn't allow a specific type of shipment, it is good to know multiple companies.

I recommend:  Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics is an industry leader in static cargo shipping. They also handle stowage and movement for their irregular cargo. When shipping dry bulk goods such as raw materials or bulk grains, Genco Shipping and Trading Company can handle many types of products. For standard ocean shipping look at Freight Dynamics; they provide a wide range of dry shipment services.

Use an ocean shipping company with a large fleet for the most options Tankers are highly specialized; shipping crude oil takes a completely different ship than naphtha. Finding a tanker company that handles multiple products will allow your company options should you need them in the future.

I recommend:  B+H Ocean Carriers, Ltd. is a small carrier that handles several different types of liquid product. If you need a larger, more established company, then look at Maersk Tankers. They maintain a huge fleet and carry many different liquid goods all around the world.