Ocean Freight

How ocean freight works with MC Cargo

1. Planning and quote: you send the product, quantity, weight and supplier details. We return a full breakdown of freight, port charges, duty and taxes, so you know the total cost before you commit.
2. Supplier coordination: we arrange pickup, packing and documents with the supplier, and check that the documents match before the goods leave.
3. Shipping and tracking: booking space on the vessel and tracking the container until it reaches Israel.
4. Customs clearance: classification, the import declaration and payment of taxes on your behalf. We prepare the release before the ship arrives.
5. Release and delivery: release from the port and trucking to your warehouse or home.

What makes up the cost of ocean freight?

• Sea freight: in a full container (FCL) you pay per container. In a shared container (LCL) you pay by volume or weight, whichever is higher (one cubic metre against one tonne).
• Origin charges: pickup from the supplier and loading. Who pays depends on the delivery terms, for example EXW or FOB.
• Charges in Israel: port and handling fees, and for LCL also unpacking at the terminal.
• Duty and taxes: duty by product classification, purchase tax on some products, and 18% VAT.
• Trucking from the port to you.

Container sizes

The usable volume is lower than the internal volume because cartons and pallets never fill every centimetre. There are also special containers: refrigerated units for food, and open-top or flat-rack containers for tall or long equipment.

How long does ocean freight take?

From China, sailing takes about 25 to 35 days. For other origins we give an estimated transit time with the quote. On top of the sailing time, allow for pickup from the supplier, waiting for the vessel and release at the port in Israel.

Documents you will need

• Commercial invoice with an exact product description, quantity and price
• Packing list: number of packages, contents, weights and dimensions
• Bill of lading
• Certificate of origin, when the goods come from a country Israel has a trade agreement with, such as the EU, the UK or the US. It can reduce or remove the duty
• Standards approval or import licence, for regulated products

What happens when the container arrives?

1. The vessel is unloaded and the container is registered in the customs system.
2. We file the import declaration, usually prepared before the ship arrives.
3. Customs decides whether to release immediately, ask for more documents, send the container for scanning or inspect it physically.
4. Products that need approval, for example from the Standards Institution or the Ministry of Health, are released only once the approval is in place.
5. The taxes are paid and the container goes out to you. LCL cargo goes to an unpacking terminal first.

Customs duty is calculated on the CIF value: the goods plus shipping and insurance to Israel, according to the product’s classification in the customs tariff. Purchase tax applies to some products only, and VAT of 18% is charged on the total. How customs duties are calculated

Before you order: what to check

• Delivery terms: with EXW you are responsible from the factory. With FOB the supplier loads the vessel and the responsibility passes to you. With CIF the supplier pays the freight, but you usually have no control over the charges waiting at the port in Israel.
• Insurance: the shipping line’s liability is limited. Cargo insurance covers the actual value of the goods.
• Time at the port: after a few free days, storage charges start, and for FCL also demurrage on the container. Fast release saves money.
• Standards: electrical goods, toys, food and baby products need approval before release. Check this before you order, not when the goods are already at the port.

Packing and loading

• Strong, wrapped pallets at a height that fits the container. A pallet that does not fit the height wastes space.
• Heavy goods at the bottom, with bracing so the load does not shift at sea.
• For LCL, exact dimensions and weights on the packing list. The price is set by the warehouse measurement, and if it is higher than declared you pay the difference.
• Moisture-sensitive goods need sealed packing and desiccants. Long voyages bring temperature changes and condensation inside the container.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ship a small quantity by sea?

Yes. In a shared container you pay only for the volume your goods take up, which is how many importers start.

What is the difference between ocean and air freight?

Ocean freight is much cheaper per unit, especially for heavy or bulky goods, but takes weeks. Air freight takes days and suits urgent, light or valuable goods. You can also split a shipment: the urgent part by air and the rest by sea.

Do you also handle customs?

Yes. We are a licensed customs broker (licence no. 31161) and handle classification, the import declaration and payment of taxes. Customs brokerage in Israel

How do I get a price?

Send us the product details, volume, weight and supplier location. Request a quote