Top 7 Sea Freight Companies in Australia

Jun 23, 2025
Top 7 Sea Freight Companies in Australia

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.

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Quick Summary: Best Sea Freight Companies in Australia

Here’s a snapshot of the top-performing sea freight companies servicing Australian ports and trade lanes:

  1. Maersk: Best for Global Shipping Integration
  2. MSC: Best for Container Availability and Port Access
  3. OOCL: Best for Eco-Friendly and Tech-Smart Solutions
  4. Saco Shipping: Best for LCL/FCL and Hazardous Goods
  5. Ocean Network Express (ONE): Best for Port Coverage
  6. Toll Group: Best for Domestic + Global Integration
  7. Consol Alliance: Best for Consolidated Sea Freight

Each provider offers unique advantages, helping Australian businesses select the right partner for their sea freight needs.

Why Use Couriers & Freight for Sea Freight Bookings

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:

  • Get instant quotes from multiple providers
  • Book sea freight services online
  • Track cargo in real time
  • Compare pricing and service levels with ease

With global carriers like Maersk and MSC, and trusted local operators, Couriers & Freight simplifies how you manage international shipping.

7 Best Ocean Freight Companies in Australia

1. Maersk: Best for Global Shipping Integration

Alt text: Maersk homepage

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:

  • Full-container (FCL) and less-than-container (LCL) shipping
  • Online booking and live cargo tracking
  • Customs brokerage and inland transport integration

2. Mediterranean Shipping Company: Best for Container Availability and Port Access

Alt text: Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) homepage

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:

  • Port-to-port and door-to-door services
  • Reefer and special cargo handling
  • Fast turnaround on the India-Australia route

3. OOCL: Best for Eco-Friendly and Tech-Smart Solutions

Alt text: OOCL homepage

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:

  • Paperless booking and real‑time tracking
  • Carbon‑reduced shipping options
  • Singapore–Australia route specialisation

4. Saco Shipping: Best for LCL/FCL and Hazardous Goods

Alt text: Saco Shipping homepage

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:

  • LCL/FCL shipping from the US to Australia
  • Hazardous and oversized cargo handling
  • Electronic waybills and customs support

5. Ocean Network Express (ONE): Best for Port Coverage

Alt text: Ocean Network Express (ONE) homepage

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:

6. Toll Group: Best for Domestic + Global Integration

Alt text: Toll Group homepage

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:

  • Coastal and international ocean freight
  • Warehousing and distribution
  • Real-time tracking via iCON platform

7. Consol Alliance: Best for Consolidated Sea Freight

Alt text: Consol Alliance homepage

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:

Get the Right Sea Freight Partner for Your Business

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.

Compare the Best Sea Freight Companies Instantly

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robert lynch headshot

Robert Lynch

Founder of Australia’s largest outside hire company Couriers & Freight, Robert Lynch is a seasoned business leader in the shipping industry with over 20 years of experience. His expertise spans from outside hire, taxi truck, and last-mile services to freight management, freight forwarding and warehousing. 

Robert has also incorporated technology into his business through custom software to enhance growth and efficiency. Robert is a valuable resource for business owners looking to improve their logistics operations.

Connect with Robert Lynch on LinkedIn.

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$70

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$47

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**Prices correct of 16th September 2024

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