There are two main options when shipping from Thailand to Indonesia – Air or Ocean freight. For most commercial applications, people find that ocean freight is the most cost effective and efficient way to get their goods from Thailand to Indonesia.
Today, over 90% of the worlds freight, measured in weight, is shipped via ocean going container ships. Ocean freight is slower, but the geographic closeness of Thailand and Indonesia, coupled with the myriad of available ports, makes this mode of transport the preferred way to move goods between these two countries.
If you are planning to ship cargo from Thailand to Indonesia, either on a one time basis or as a regularly scheduled delivery, here are a few things to consider:
- Be sure you understand and are familiar with regulations regarding your type of cargo. Generally speaking, there are fewer restricted items for ocean freight than for air freight. Your freight forwarding agent will be able to advise you for specific items.
- Depending on the size of your shipment, you may wish to ship either as a FCL, or “Full Container Load” or LCL when you shipment is not large enough to fill either a 40 ft. or 20 ft, container. While the cost of LCL is higher per unit of weight, the economies of scale need to be calculated by someone familiar with pricing schedules. Additionally, LCL shipments typically take a bit longer to deliver as your goods will need to be unpacked and processed along with other individual shipments traveling in the same container.
- Another important consideration is proper and complete documentation. Nothing will cause more delay in a shipment than if an item is missing from the inventory list of the goods packing slip. To avoid documentation errors, it is important that you and your freight forwarder can work closely together to ensure that all packing lists and duty calculations are accurate and truthful.
- With over 17,000 individual islands and over 150 ports, Indonesia’s ocean freight infrastructure is complex and sophisticated. Not all of the aforementioned ports is capable of handling containerized cargo, so it is important to work with a trusted and experienced freight forwarder to identify the most efficient route and port to use when shipping to Indonesia from Thailand.
At Eagles Air & Sea Ltd., we have a long history of working with trusted commercial freight handlers at various ports of call in Indonesia. We will be happy to consult with you on a no fee basis to understand what your logistics needs are when considering transport between Thailand and Indonesia. With over 30 years of experience in the freight forwarding industry, we are fully equipped to make your transportation needs as seamless and cost effective as possible.
To get a free analysis of your shipping needs to Indonesia, call us at+66 (02) 790 4599 or email to sales@eaglesthai.com to talk to one of our multi-lingual shipping professionals.
Frequent Asked Questions
What are the important things to know when shipping to Indonesia?
The number one thing to make sure of is that whatever you are shipping is not on a restricted list for entry into Indonesia. The other issue to be aware of beforehand is the tax rate you will need to pay for the goods you are shipping into Indonesia. These two issues can best be advised and handled by a professional freight forwarder.
What are the pluses of shipping by air versus sea to Indonesia?
Of course, the obvious reason is speed of delivery, but if your package or cargo is lighter and not too bulky, the cost differences between air and sea might be less than you might think. Also, transiting through customs tends to be a bit simpler and faster via air freight.
What is the right way to package my cargo?
Again, it is best to have a trusted freight forwarder to handle the packaging for you. Air vs. ocean cargo will often dictate the type of packaging to use. Additionally, if your cargo is vulnerable to breakage, it is important to pack it securely as “fragile” and “handle with care” labels will not often prevent breakage by themselves.
