TGF Service
Sea Freight Thailand
Ocean freight import/export services connecting Thai ports to global trade lanes, covering both full-container and shared-container shipments.
Quick Answer
Sea freight moves cargo in and out of Thailand through ocean ports — primarily Laem Chabang and Bangkok Port for containerized cargo — using either a full container (FCL) dedicated to one shipper or a shared container (LCL) where cargo from multiple shippers is consolidated. It is generally the lowest-cost option per unit of weight/volume for cargo that isn't urgent, but transit is measured in weeks rather than days and shipments are exposed to port congestion, vessel schedule changes, and peak-season space shortages. TGF books space with ocean carriers, tracks vessel schedules, and coordinates the paperwork and inland trucking needed to move cargo from the port to its final destination — or vice versa for exports.
Ideal For
- Bulky or heavy cargo that isn't time-critical
- Regular importers with predictable order cycles
- Businesses prioritizing cost efficiency over speed
- Large-volume shipments where FCL economics work in the shipper's favor
Features
- FCL and LCL booking with multiple carriers
- Vessel schedule tracking
- Port handling coordination at Laem Chabang and Bangkok Port
- Container yard and CFS coordination
- Inland trucking to and from the port
How It Works
How It Works
- 1
Cargo & Incoterm review
Confirm cargo details, volume, and which Incoterm applies to the shipment.
- 2
Carrier & schedule selection
Compare carrier schedules and rates to fit the shipper's timeline.
- 3
Booking & documentation
Space is confirmed and shipping documents are prepared.
- 4
Port handling & loading
Container moves through port handling and is loaded onto the vessel.
- 5
Arrival, customs & final delivery
Cargo clears customs at destination and is trucked to its final delivery point.
Documents
Documents
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading
Certificate of Origin (if applicable)
Insurance Certificate (if purchased)
Cost Factors
- Container type/size, or CBM for LCL
- Origin and destination port handling fees
- Carrier surcharges tied to fuel or currency adjustments
- Peak-season space premiums
- Inland trucking distance
Risks to Plan Around
- Vessel schedule changes or rollovers during peak season
- Port congestion delays
- Incorrect container size choice leading to wasted capacity
- LCL consolidation delays while waiting for co-loaders
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between FCL and LCL?
FCL books an entire container for one shipper; LCL shares container space with other shippers' cargo and is priced by volume (CBM). See the dedicated FCL and LCL service pages for details.
Which Thai ports does TGF work through?
Laem Chabang and Bangkok Port are the main container ports used for sea freight, with the specific port depending on the route and carrier.
How long does sea freight take?
Transit is typically measured in weeks rather than days, and varies by route, carrier schedule, and port conditions. TGF confirms an estimated schedule at the time of booking based on the specific route.
Can I insure a sea freight shipment?
Cargo insurance can be arranged separately and is worth discussing for higher-value shipments, since ocean freight involves multiple handling touchpoints.
What causes most sea freight delays?
Port congestion, vessel schedule changes, and — for LCL — waiting on other shippers' cargo to complete a consolidation are the most common causes.
Freight Forwarder Thailand
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