Ocean freight: International shipping by sea, through every major port
UWL is an FMC-licensed NVOCC and freight forwarder that ships FCL and LCL ocean freight, import and export, through all major U.S. and international ports. One team handles the booking, documentation, customs clearance and final delivery on a single file, with contracted space on the major steamship lines.
65+ years of carrier relationships behind every booking
Our history is rooted in deep relationships with ocean carriers. In the 1960s our parent company, World Shipping, got its start as a liner agency for vessels transiting the Great Lakes, representing more than 35 carriers over the span of 50 years.
Those long-standing relationships with the leading steamship lines give us the flexibility to choose the best carrier for your sea freight, room to move on pricing, and access to equipment where you actually need it.
Our national customs house brokerage licence, in-house service team and time-definite options for sensitive delivery requirements translate into a better return for your business.
With strategic carrier partnerships and a network operating across both major and remote trade lanes, we handle your cargo accurately and on time.
Door-to-door sea freight transportation
Everything the container needs between the shipper's floor and the consignee's dock — handled by one team, on one file.
Full container load (FCL)
Contracted space with the major steamship lines across all main trade lanes.
Less than container load (LCL)
Consolidation for volumes that do not justify a full box, without losing visibility.
Import & export services
Both directions, including documentation, filing and cargo insurance.
Customs house brokerage
Our own licensed team, so clearance is not handed to a third party.
Chemical & bulk liquid logistics
Regulated and hazardous cargo with dedicated handling procedures.
Flexitank equipment & logistics
Bulk liquids in standard dry containers, kosher certified.
Drayage & intermodal rail
Port and rail moves, including cross-border service into Mexico and Canada.
Supply chain visibility
Milestones, documents and analytics through WorldScope.
Frequently asked questions
What ocean freight services does UWL offer?
UWL offers full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) ocean freight, for both imports and exports, through all major U.S. and international ports. As a licensed NVOCC, UWL controls the shipment from booking to final delivery, and also provides in-house customs brokerage, cargo insurance, drayage and intermodal services.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?
FCL (full container load) means your cargo has a container to itself. It usually suits larger volumes and moves with less handling. LCL (less than container load) consolidates your cargo with other shippers' cargo in a shared container, so you pay for the space you use. UWL offers both and keeps visibility on LCL consolidations.
Is UWL an NVOCC?
Yes. UWL is a full-service, licensed NVOCC (Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier) and Ocean Transportation Intermediary, licensed by the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. As an NVOCC, UWL issues its own house bill of lading and buys space from the ocean carriers, which gives shippers flexibility on carrier choice and pricing.
How quickly does UWL confirm an ocean booking?
UWL's booking confirmation turnaround is two hours, and shipping documentation is issued within 48 hours of departure.
Which ocean carriers does UWL work with?
UWL has contracted space with the major steamship lines on all main trade lanes. The relationships go back to the 1960s, when its parent company, World Shipping, began as a liner agency for vessels on the Great Lakes. For over 65 years, it has represented more than 35 carriers. This lets UWL choose the best carrier for each shipment.
Can UWL clear customs and deliver the container after it arrives?
Yes. UWL has its own, in-house licensed customs brokerage team, so clearance is not handed to a third party. After release, its drayage and intermodal rail network moves the container inland, including cross-border service into Mexico and Canada. The ocean, customs and trucking legs run on the same file.
How can I track my ocean shipment?
Every UWL shipment is visible in WorldScope, UWL's proprietary supply chain platform. It gives real-time container, booking and bill-of-lading milestones, documents and analytics. You can also enter a container or booking number in "Track a shipment" at the top of shipuwl.com.
How do I get an ocean freight quote?
Request a quote at shipuwl.com/uquote with your origin, destination, cargo and volume, or call UWL at +1 440-356-5353. A UWL specialist replies with the options for your shipment.
Need the container moved after it discharges?
Our nationwide network of trusted transportation partners finds the trucks to move your containerized cargo when and where you need them. Road and rail integrate with the ocean file, so the move stays multimodal and door-to-door rather than becoming somebody else's problem at the terminal gate.
UWL is a full-service, licensed Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC), Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI), licensed and bonded freight forwarder, and is C-TPAT compliant and certified.
Importing or exporting ocean freight? Let's talk.
Call 440-356-5353 or send the form and a member of our team will get back to you.
UWL does not handle shipments of personal effects for private individuals. As a C-TPAT certified company, UWL is prohibited from doing business with truck brokers per C-TPAT regulations.
Request a quote
Tell us about the shipment and we will get back to you.
