Spot on: Everything you need to know about Spot shipping with Maersk

What is Spot shipping?

Spot shipping is the “on-demand” option in ocean freight.

It is a way to book space on a cargo vessel for immediate or short-term needs. Unlike traditional contracts with predetermined rates and schedules, Spot freight shipping involves booking space on available vessels at the current market price.

Think of it like booking a last-minute flight instead of a pre-booked vacation package.

• Spot shipments are booked through online platforms (like Maersk) that connect shippers with available space on vessels about to depart. These platforms offer real-time quotes based on current market conditions.
• With Spot shipping, you’re not locked into long-term contracts. It offers flexibility, adaptability, and scalability for businesses of all sizes and across industries.

Who uses Spot shipping?

• Small and medium businesses (SMEs): Ideal for occasional or unpredictable shipping needs.
• Companies with fluctuating cargo volumes: Allows them to adjust their shipping capacity based on demand.
• Those looking for cost-effective options: Can potentially find competitive rates compared to contracts.

What factors to consider when shipping Spot freight?

• Market and rate volatility: Unlike fixed contracts, Spot shipping rates can fluctuate significantly depending on factors like fuel costs, demand for space, and specific routes. Be prepared for price variations with Spot freight shipping.
• Limited availability: Space on vessels can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Unlike a pre-booked contract, finding space with a carrier at the exact time you need isn’t always guaranteed.
• Less control: With contracts, you have more control over scheduling cargo on specific vessels, rates, and departure dates. Spot shipping offers less predictability on these aspects compared to a pre-booked contract.

Despite these considerations, Spot shipping can have great benefits.

Why choose Spot shipping?

• Faster booking: With Spot shipping, there’s no need for lengthy contract negotiations. You can secure space quickly based on current market availability and your needs.
• Fulfill immediate needs: If you have cargo that needs to move quickly and can’t wait for a pre-booked shipment on a contracted vessel, Spot shipping offers a viable solution.
• Better scalability: For businesses with variable demand peaks, Spot shipping allows them to scale their shipping needs up or down without fixed contract obligations.
• Handle seasonal fluctuations: It is also ideal for those with sporadic or seasonal cargo volumes or those looking to move goods quickly without a long-term commitment.
• Potentially lower costs: Spot rates can sometimes be lower than contracted rates, especially during periods of low demand.

How does Spot shipping work: A simplified process overview

Traditional ocean freight involves pre-booked contracts with fixed rates and schedules. But you have to ship your freight quickly (say, a container full of bicycles), and waiting for a pre-booked slot isn’t ideal.

1. Enter the Spot market: Spot shipping is like the “Uber” of ocean freight. Online platforms connect you with available space on cargo vessels about to depart.
2. Real-time quotes: Just like booking a ride, you get real-time quotes based on current market conditions for your shipping requirements.
3. Booking your Spot: If the price and timing work for you, you can book the available space for your container on the platform. It’s a quick and flexible process.
4. Getting your freight ready: Just like traditional shipping, you’d need to prepare your container for transport (packaging, labeling, documentation, etc.).
5. Delivering to the port: You (or your logistics service provider) will deliver your container to the designated port terminal for loading onto the vessel.
6. The journey begins: As your container sets sail on the booked vessel, you can track its progress using online tools provided by the carrier or platform.
7. Customs formalities: Once the vessel arrives at the destination port, your container will go through customs clearance. Having the correct paperwork is crucial here.
8. Pick-up at destination: After clearing the customs and releasing your cargo, your container is ready to be picked up by your recipient at the designated terminal.

Maersk Spot offers a seamless way to transport your Spot freight with its easy online platform and instant booking confirmation. Let’s explore more!

Maersk Spot simplifies booking space on Maersk vessels for your Spot freight, whether on land or the ocean. Here’s a glimpse into what we offer:

Get a host of features when booking freight on Maersk Spot!

• 24/7 booking platform: Maersk’s user-friendly online platform allows you to schedule your Spot shipment conveniently—anytime, anywhere.
• Real-time quotes: Get instant freight quotes based on current market conditions for your specific route and cargo details.
• Variety of options: Choose from various container types and departure dates to find the right fit for your needs and preferred sailing schedule.
• Fixed-price booking: The quoted price is the final price, with no hidden fees (excluding customs and terminal charges) and it comes with guaranteed cargo space.
• Equipment availability: You can be confident that Maersk has the necessary containers, personnel, and equipment to handle your cargo safely and securely.

Beyond bookings: More reasons to book with Maersk Spot!

• Guaranteed loading: Unlike some Spot markets, Maersk Spot offers guaranteed loading for your confirmed bookings. No last-minute surprises!
• Global network: Maersk’s extensive network provides access to a wide range of routes and destinations globally.
• Tracking and visibility: Maersk’s online tools allow you to track your shipment in real-time, ensuring you stay informed throughout your Spot freight’s journey.
• 24/7 support: Maersk customer service is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you might have about your Spot shipment.
• Cross-device availability: You can seamlessly access your Spot bookings on the web or download the Maersk App on your mobile phone (available on Android and iOS).

Did you know Maersk Spot has special expertise for shipping to and from the United States?

Maersk Spot offers a more convenient, predictable, and reliable way to book Spot freight. It provides peace of mind with a loading guarantee, live customer support, and real-time Spot freight tracking. Besides, it offers a plethora of other advantages like:

Roll your non-urgent cargo and get compensated

Save money on your non-time-sensitive cargo. Simply select ‘Rollable’ when booking, i.e., choose to allow it to sail on a later date than the one in the booking confirmation if needed. You also get a rollable compensation fee if your cargo gets rolled. Learn more about how rollable works!

Get ocean and inland transportation in one single booking

We offer ample options to ship your Spot freight from door-to-door, door-to-port, port-to-door, or port-to-port. And whether your container needs to take the road or not, before voyaging the sea—you can book both legs in a single booking under a single bill of lading (B/L). Discover more here.

Book vessel space early with Maersk Spot Alerts

You don’t need to spend hours searching for an open departure slot for your Spot freight. Simply download the Maersk App — and receive free alerts when we open for Spot bookings on your preferred routes. Secure vessel space for your Spot shipments with Maersk Spot Alerts.

Complete control and access over your freight bookings

Manage your bookings from any device, at any time, and from any place, offering full control over your Spot shipments. Made a mistake while submitting your shipment details? You can amend your bookings online — with instant confirmation and an upfront overview of the revised Spot rates and vessel availability. Explore our services.

Maersk’s integrated logistics capabilities offer a host of value-added services for your freight, making Spot shipping easy, economical, and efficient.

Experience hassle-free customs clearance with MyCustoms.

When shipping internationally, you need to manage processes like customs clearance and cargo release while ensuring local regulatory compliance. Our customs add-on includes services like customs and border compliance, in-depth trade analysis, HS code classification, customs strategy, and more to simplify customs clearance for your Spot shipment.

Explore Maersk Customs Service!

Manage D&D costs with freetime extension.

Worried about surging demurrage and detention charges for your Spot freight? Maersk Spot’s freetime extension allows you to extend the number of free days with multiple freetime slots and fixed, upfront prices—which can be purchased even when your freight is in transit. Did you know shippers who opted for freetime extension decreased their D&D by up to 80%?

Learn more about freetime extension!

Go beyond cargo insurance with Value Protect.

Accidents happen accidentally. You cannot plan for them. An add-on product to your standard freight insurance, Value Protect extends the coverage liability to include the terms not usually included in traditional policies, such as damage caused by fire or delays.

Experience simple claims process and higher recovery limits with Value Protect.

Weigh your containers with Maersk’s VGM services.

Your one-stop solution for VGM processing, we offer a hassle-free, value-added service to get your cargo/containers weighed and certified accurately at the designated location before we transport your freight to avoid any defaults in documents and get faster processing at customs.

Reduce errors and delays due to inaccurate weighing with VGM services.