Sea freight companies play a crucial role in Australia’s thriving import and export industry, providing the backbone for international trade across key global routes.
From bulk commodities to containerised goods, Australian businesses depend on reliable shippers to move cargo efficiently and cost-effectively across oceans and seas. Whether you're shipping from China, India, the UK or the US, choosing the right provider leads to smoother logistics and stronger supply chain performance.
This guide highlights the top sea freight partners servicing the Australian market, helping importers, exporters, and logistics managers make informed decisions.
Here’s a snapshot of the top-performing sea freight companies servicing Australian ports and trade lanes:
Each provider offers unique advantages, helping Australian businesses select the right partner for their sea freight needs.
Couriers & Freight provides Australian businesses with unified access to the world’s leading sea freight companies, all in one easy-to-use platform.
Whether you’re a first-time shipper or managing a complex supply chain, our system helps you:
With global carriers like Maersk and MSC, and trusted local operators, Couriers & Freight simplifies how you manage international shipping.
Maersk is one of the most established sea freight companies globally, with extensive coverage across key trade routes. For businesses managing sea freight from China to Australia, Maersk offers frequent sailings, transparent scheduling, and real-time tracking.
They typically deliver in 25-35 days. Maersk supports both SMEs and multinational supply chains through scalable services and digital tools that integrate ocean freight, inland transport, and customs clearance.
Services:
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) operates a fleet of over 900 vessels and delivers highly consistent sailing schedules, especially for sea freight from India to Australia.
MSC has added strategic calls at Indian ports like Ennore, Visakhapatnam, and Kamarajar to support its Australia Express Service, enhancing export connections and easing transhipment congestion.
As the world’s largest container line, MSC maintains high schedule reliability and prioritises container availability, even during peak season or challenging market conditions.
Services:
OOCL is a top choice for sea freight from Singapore to Australia. Their eco‑conscious fleet includes biofuel‑powered vessels and dual‑fuel ships, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 84% through their OOCL Green initiative.
The company also pioneers digital transformation with its FreightSmart online platform, paperless booking, real-time tracking, and blockchain‑based electronic Bill of Lading. This combination of eco-innovation and tech efficiency makes OOCL ideal for the Singapore-Australia route.
Services:
Saco Shipping provides flexible and reliable solutions for sea freight USA to Australia for volumes of all sizes. As a neutral NVOCC, they prioritise personalised service. You speak directly with their team for tailor-made transport.
Saco is ideal for businesses moving hazardous goods, project cargo, or consolidated freight. Their digital systems and certified team ensure smooth customs processes and enhanced shipment transparency.
Services:
Ocean Network Express (ONE) is a major player in sea freight from the UK to Australia.
Formed in 2017 by merging K Line, MOL, and NYK, ONE now operates over 260 vessels, covering more than 165 global services and connecting the UK’s main ports, Southampton, London Gateway, and Felixstowe, to Australia.
They emphasise operational efficiency, transparent pricing, and end-to-end visibility, supported by sustainable initiatives like biodegradable fuel on UK-Australia rail links.
Services:
Toll Group is one of Australia's most established logistics providers, offering end-to-end sea freight solutions for both domestic and international cargo.
With services spanning coastal shipping, global forwarding, and warehousing, Toll uses its iCON digital platform for 24/7 visibility and efficient coordination. Their scale and integration make them ideal for businesses seeking one partner across multiple modes.
Services:
Consol Alliance is Australia’s largest independent consolidator, specialising in sea freight from NZ to Australia. Their LCL solutions are tailored to SMEs and small-volume importers seeking reliable and cost-effective shipping.
With access to over 600 global ports, Consol ensures that even small shipments receive high-priority service backed by scale advantages and local customer support.
Services:
Choosing the right freight partner is essential for smooth logistics, timely delivery, and cost control. Whether you're shipping full-container loads from India or consolidated cargo from New Zealand, the sea freight companies in this guide offer dependable service across Australia's key trade routes.
Get a quote today with Couriers & Freight to compare top carriers and simplify your international shipping.
MHP
No Surcharge*
$16.50
$14
$15.50
$0
$15.50
$14.75
$0
$0
$0
$0
MHP Large Item
No Surcharge*
$16.50
$75
$62
$62
$60.10
$14.75
$0
$0
$0
$0
Residential Pickup
No Surcharge*
$6
$0
$9
--
$9
$10.60
$0
$0
$0
$38.50
Reidential pick up 30-99kgs
No Surcharge*
$63
$0
$9
$0
$9
$74.15
$20
Won't carry
Won't carry
$38.50
Residential pick up 100kgs+
No Surcharge*
$198
$0
$9
$0
$9
$158.87
$50
Won't carry
Won't carry
$38.50
Residential Delivery up to 29kgs
No Surcharge*
$6
$0
$9
--
$9.00
$10.60
$0
$0
$0
$38.50
Residential Delivery up 30-99kgs
No Surcharge*
$63
$0
$9
$0
$9
$74.15
$20
Won't carry
Won't carry
$38.50
Residential Delivery 100kgs+
No Surcharge*
$198
$0
$9
--
$9
$158.57
$50
Won't carry
Won't carry
$38.50
Tail Lift Pick up 50-99kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$45
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Pick up 100-299kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$85
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Pick up 300-499kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$120
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Pick up 500kgs + Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$250
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Delivery 50-99kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$45
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Delivery 100-299kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$85
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Delivery300-499kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$120
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Delivery 500kgs + Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$250
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Dead weight over 32KGS carton freight
No Surcharge*
$16.50
$75
$70
$70
$70
$14.75
$0
Won't carry
Won't carry
$0
Oversize Surcharge 1.20 - 1.54
No Surcharge*
--
$0
$0
$0
$0
$5.40
$10
$15
Won't carry
$0
Oversize Surcharge 1.55 - 1.85
No Surcharge*
$17
$20
$0
$0
$0
$11.93
$10
$15
Won't carry
$0
Oversize Surcharge 1.86 - 2.20
No Surcharge*
$37
$40
$0
$0
$0
$11.93
$10
Won't carry
Won't carry
$0
Pallet Surcharge
No Surcharge*
--
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Won't carry
Won't carry
$0
Hand Unload Fee Carton
No Surcharge*
--
$0
$70
$70
$70
$47
$0
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Western Australia Regional Surcharge
No Surcharge*
%10
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
*Surcharges may apply to areas/deimensions not listed
**Prices correct of 16th September 2024
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