Services Details

Sea freight shipping to Kenya

Sea freight shipping to Kenya is your go-to shipping solution for those who wish to save big on importation.
 
Sea freight is transport by water. It takes up to 40 days. It is ideal for transporting large items like machinery, furniture and medical equipment. 
 
Some of the machinery includes massive facility in the engineering and agriculture industry. Salihiya offers both Full container Load shipping (FCL) and Less than Container shipping (LCL).
 
When you items can’t fill a container we send them using LCL.  Read on the difference between FCL and LCL here.
 
To request for a quote fill the form on the contact page.

Types of sea freight shipping to Kenya

Full Container Load (FCL)

We are able to negotiate reasonable freight rates and acquire enough space for Full container load from each place we serve because to our network of first-class carriers. Speak with us to receive a detailed quote that takes into account customs clearance.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

Clients with comparatively modest shipments that do not fill an entire container might choose this option. We don’t currently offer it everywhere we provide service. It is offered in China, India, Dubai, and Turkey. For more information, please contact Us.

Get in touch

We’d love to hear from you. Reach out and we’ll respond promptly.

contact us

+254 722 111 167

Do you have any question?

What transport methods are used to move merchandise across international borders?

There are several transport methods used in international trade, including sea freight, air freight, road freight, and rail freight. The best method depends on the shipment size, cost considerations, and how urgently the cargo needs to be delivered.

The importer or exporter should consider:

  • The size and volume of the shipment

  • The total shipping cost

  • The urgency of delivery

  • Customs procedures and documentation requirements

For shipments coming from outside of Europe, sea freight is often the most cost-effective option.

FCL stands for Full Container Load. It is booked when a shipper reserves an entire container for their cargo.


All goods inside the container typically belong to one shipper and are not combined with cargo from other businesses.

No. Even if the container is only partially filled (for example, half or a quarter full), it is still considered FCL as long as it is booked by a single shipper as one shipment.

As a general guide:

  • A 20-foot container can hold up to 10 standard pallets

  • A 40-foot container can hold up to 21 standard pallets

Yes. One challenge with LCL shipments is that destination charges may not always be clearly communicated in advance.

While the freight cost may seem low, additional fees such as:

  • Terminal handling charges

  • Documentation fees

  • Port handling fees

may apply at the arrival port if not discussed beforehand.

The LCL market can sometimes lack transparency. Although initial freight rates may appear competitive, additional charges at the destination can increase the overall shipping cost if they were not previously agreed upon.

It is always recommended to clarify all origin and destination charges with the shipper before booking.

What are the advantages of FCL?

FCL offers several benefits:

  • Faster delivery compared to LCL

  • Less handling of cargo

  • Lower risk of delays

  • Reduced chance of customs issues caused by other shipments

  • The container does not need to be unpacked before final delivery

LCL stands for Less than Container Load. It is used when a shipper does not have enough cargo to fill an entire container.

In this case, the shipment is combined with goods from other shippers in a shared container.

A consolidator:

  • Collects cargo from multiple shippers

  • Combines them into one full container

  • Ships the container to the destination

  • Separates the shipments for individual delivery

Before customs clearance and delivery, all cargo must be unloaded and sorted.

LCL is more expensive per unit of freight compared to FCL. However, it is more affordable for importers and exporters with smaller shipments because they do not have to pay for an entire container.

LCL costs are usually based on:

  • CBM (Cubic Meter measurement)

  • Weight of the shipment

The higher value between volume and weight is typically used to calculate freight charges.