Shipping from Kenya to America through sea freight is an affordable and secure solution for companies and individuals seeking to move significant amounts or heavy shipments. This guide offers a complete summary of the sea freight process, from preparation to shipping modes, documentation, and delivery, to assist you in simplifying international shipping.

What is Sea Freight?

Sea Freight from Kenya to USA , or ocean freight, refers to shipping by sea on cargo ships. It's best suited for:

Bulk shipments: High volumes of goods.

Heavy or oversized goods: Machinery, vehicles, industrial equipment.

Non-urgent deliveries: Shipments with no time constraint.

Cost-effective shipping: Lower cost than air freight for high volumes.

Documents Needed

Accurate documentation is essential for hassle-free customs clearance and delivery. Essential documents are:

Commercial Invoice: Describes the sale between seller and buyer, with goods' descriptions, quantities, and values.

Bill of Lading (BOL): An agreement between the carrier and shipper, acting as a receipt for freight and document of title.

Packing List: Provides a list of items in each package, with weight and dimensions.

Export Declaration: Submitted to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to export goods.

Insurance Certificate: Covers damages or loss in transit.

Customs Documentation: Contains Single Administrative Document (SAD) and permits or certificates, if required.

Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN), which is required by most of the countries in Africa for export, needs to be validated prior to arrival at the vessel.

Overview of Shipping Process

  1. Transport and Booking

Freight Booking: Book with a freight forwarder to secure cargo space with a shipping company.

Port Selection: Select the port of departure in Kenya (e.g., Mombasa) and the destination port in the USA (e.g., Los Angeles, New York).

Haulage: Plan inland haulage to transport commodities to the port.

Containerization: Determine container size (20ft or 40ft) depending on cargo capacity.

  1. Customs Clearance

Export Clearance: Present required documents to KRA for export clearance.

Destination Customs: Hire a licensed customs clearing agent in the USA to deal with import formalities.

  1. Delivery and Transit

Loading at Vessel: Goods are loaded onto the vessel once customs procedures are done.

Transit Time: Generally around 35 to 50 days, subject to the route and shipping company.

Arrival and Unloading: Goods are unloaded from the destination port and delivered to the final destination.

Shipping Options

Full Container Load (FCL)

Ideal for: Large shipments that occupy a full container.

Benefits:

  • No shared space with direct route.
  • More control over delivery timing.
  • Ideal for large-volume shipments.
  • Less than Container Load (LCL)

Best used for: Small shipments not needing the full container.

Benefits:

Economical for small quantities.

Shared space per container among multiple shippers.

Ideal for companies with fluctuating shipment sizes.

 Estimated Transit Times

Route

Estimated Time

Mombasa (Kenya) to Miami 

~35 days

Mombasa (Kenya) to Los Angeles

~40 days

Mombasa (Kenya) to New York

~45 days




Note: Transit times are subject to change depending on shipping line, route, and port congestion .

Cost Considerations

A few aspects control sea freight cost:

Shipping Line: Various shipping lines have various rates and services.

Container Type: FCL is usually cost-saving for big consignments; LCL is suitable for small cargo.

Distance and Route: Distances further away and round-the-world routes can be more expensive.

Fuel Surcharges: Variable fuel prices can affect shipping costs.

Customs Fees: USA import duties and taxes.

Tip: Get quotes from a few freight forwarders to compare rates and services.

Packing and Labeling Guidelines

Effective packing and labeling guarantee the safety and conformity of your shipment:

Packing:

  • Use robust materials to shield merchandise
  • Ensure products are well-packed to avoid movement in transport
  • Consider climate and handling conditions.

Labeling:

  • Mark packages clearly with handling instructions (e.g., "Fragile," "Keep Dry").
  • Attach consignee and consignee contact details.
  • Utilize standardized symbols for worldwide recognition.

Incoterms Defined

Mastering Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) is crucial in defining buyer-seller responsibilities:

  • FOB (Free On Board): Seller ships goods to port of shipment; buyer takes responsibility thereafter .
  • CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight): Seller pays for cost, insurance, and freight to destination port; buyer takes responsibility upon delivery .

Select the Incoterm that suits your shipping requirements and responsibility.

Tracking and Visibility

  • Be updated on your shipment status:
  • Tracking Systems: Use tracking tools offered by shipping lines or freight forwarders.
  • Communication: Stay in touch with your freight forwarder regularly for updates.
  • Documentation: Have copies of shipping and customs documents handy for reference.

Customs Duties and Taxes

When arriving in the USA, goods are liable for:

  • Import Duties: Depending upon the value and classification of goods.
  • Taxes: Sales tax or other taxes that apply.
  • Processing Fees: Paid to customs authorities.
  • Hire a licensed customs broker to deal with the intricacies of U.S. import regulations.

Environmental Considerations

Sea transport is usually more environmentally friendly than air transport because:

  • Less Carbon Footprint: Ships release less CO₂ per ton-mile than aircraft.
  • Green Practices: Most shipping companies are embracing green technologies and practices.
  • Think Green while deciding on your mode of shipping.

 Last-Minute Shipping Tips for Success

Plan Ahead: Provide sufficient time for documentation and customs clearance.

Select the Correct Incoterm: Match responsibilities with your business strategy.

Choose a Reputable Freight Forwarder: Make sure they specialize in Kenya-USA shipments.

Stay Up-to-Date: Stay informed of any updates on shipping rules or tariffs.

Conclusion

Shipping products from Kenya to the USA using sea freight is a practicable option for most companies and individuals. Learning the process, having the relevant documentation, and making the right shipping choices will help you achieve a seamless and affordable shipping experience. Always use knowledgeable experts to deal with the intricacies of international shipping and remain in compliance with all standards.