Shipping Strategy: Perishable, General & Project Cargo

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Choosing the Right Route Based on Cargo Type: Perishable, General, and Project Cargo

In Indonesia’s dynamic maritime logistics landscape, determining the right shipping route is not merely about connecting point A to point B. Each type of cargo—whether perishable goods, general cargo, or project cargo—has distinct characteristics that require specific shipping strategies. PT SPIL, as a leading player in Indonesia’s shipping and logistics sector, offers tailored services for each cargo type through flexible sailing schedules and a wide range of container options.

1. Perishable Goods: Speed and Temperature Control Are Essential

Characteristics: Highly perishable, sensitive to temperature and transit time. Examples include fruits, vegetables, seafood, and pharmaceuticals.

Shipping Strategy:

Sailing Schedule: Choose frequent sailings with the shortest transit times. PT SPIL operates weekly services connecting major ports such as Surabaya, Makassar, and Jayapura—ideal for fast rotation of fresh goods.
Container Choice: Use reefer containers (refrigerated) to maintain stable temperatures. PT SPIL offers reefers equipped with real-time temperature monitoring via the mySPIL app, ensuring product integrity throughout the journey.
Transit Consideration: Direct routes with minimal transshipment are prioritized to reduce delay risks.

2. General Cargo: Flexible, But Requires Efficiency

Characteristics: Consumer goods, industrial supplies, and retail items such as electronics, apparel, or FMCG products.

Shipping Strategy:

Sailing Schedule: Take advantage of high-capacity, regular services. PT SPIL offers frequent routes between major hubs and secondary ports, such as Surabaya–Ambon or Jakarta–Pontianak.
Container Choice: Standard dry containers (20’ or 40’) are typically used. For goods sensitive to humidity, ventilated containers or dry containers with desiccants may be preferred.
Cargo Consolidation: For cost efficiency, shipments can be done via LCL (Less than Container Load) or consolidated at the SPIL E-Commerce Hub—ideal for SMEs and online retailers.

3. Project Cargo: Large, Heavy, and Planning-Intensive

Characteristics: Oversized or heavy cargo not suitable for standard containers—such as factory machinery, heavy equipment, or structural components.

Shipping Strategy:

Sailing Schedule: These shipments are non-regular and depend on port readiness. Coordination with SPIL Project Logistics is crucial. Shipping schedules are tailored to cargo and destination port readiness.
Container & Mode: Often shipped using flat racks or open-top containers, or even breakbulk on conventional SPIL cargo vessels for non-containerizable cargo.
Custom Route Planning: Requires feasibility studies, terminal handling analysis, and ground access checks. SPIL’s technical team supports everything from transport planning to on-site execution.

Strategic Choices for Optimal Efficiency

Choosing a route and shipping method isn’t just about picking the fastest or cheapest—it’s about making the right choice for your cargo. PT SPIL offers an end-to-end logistics solution—from scheduled vessel services and advanced tracking via mySPIL Reloaded, to a variety of container types ready to meet today’s complex shipping demands.

By understanding the urgency and nature of your goods, businesses can streamline their deliveries and keep supply chains reliable and efficient.


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Gain New Insights

1. Perishable Goods: Speed and Temperature Control Are Essential

2. General Cargo: Flexible, But Requires Efficiency

3. Project Cargo: Large, Heavy, and Planning-Intensive

Strategic Choices for Optimal Efficiency