·       Cost Sensitivity: Air freight remains significantly more expensive than ocean transport. As Latin American companies face tighter margins and inflationary pressures, many are opting for slower but cheaper ocean routes.

·       Post-Pandemic Adjustments: The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in air cargo capacity, prompting businesses to explore more resilient multimodal strategies.

·       Infrastructure Investments: Countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico are investing in port modernization and expanding container capacity, making ocean freight more viable.

·       Multimodal Logistics Growth: Companies are increasingly blending ocean, rail, and road transport to create flexible, cost-effective supply chains. This shift is especially pronounced during peak seasons like year-end holidays.

·       Risk Mitigation: Latin American logistics leaders are diversifying transport modes to reduce dependency on any single route or carrier. This includes shifting regulated and non-urgent goods to ocean freight to free up air capacity for time-sensitive shipments.

·       Environmental Goals: Ocean freight’s lower carbon footprint supports corporate sustainability initiatives, which are gaining traction across the region.

·       Port Congestion: Despite improvements, some ports still face bottlenecks and customs delays.

·       Weather & Political Disruptions: Natural disasters and political unrest remain risks for ocean logistics in certain countries.

·       International Maritime Regulations: Ensure compliance with IMO (International Maritime Organization) rules, including the IMDG Code for dangerous goods.

·       Customs Documentation: Ocean freight often requires more detailed paperwork, including Bills of Lading, Certificates of Origin, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

·       Licensing & Permits: Verify that your product is permitted for ocean transport and that all necessary import/export licenses are in place.

·       Country-Specific Restrictions: Some countries have stricter maritime import rules for regulated goods than for air cargo.

·       Durability for Longer Transit: Packaging must withstand longer exposure to humidity, temperature fluctuations, and rough handling.

·       Temperature Control: If your product is temperature-sensitive (e.g., vaccines, biologics), ensure availability of reefer containers and validated cold chain logistics.

·       Hazard Labeling: Ocean freight requires specific hazard labels and placards that differ from air freight standards.

·       Extended Lead Times: Ocean freight is slower, so plan for longer delivery cycles and adjust inventory buffers accordingly.

·       Shelf-Life Concerns: Products with short shelf lives may not be suitable for ocean transport unless cold chain is guaranteed.

·       Specialized Carriers: Choose carriers experienced in handling regulated goods and familiar with maritime compliance.

·       Transshipment Risks: More stops and handling points increase the risk of damage, delay, or regulatory issues.

·       Marine Insurance: Ensure coverage for loss, damage, and regulatory non-compliance during ocean transit.

·       Security Protocols: Ocean freight may be more vulnerable to theft or tampering—especially in high-risk ports.

·       Carbon Footprint: Ocean freight is more eco-friendly than air, which may align better with corporate sustainability targets.

·       Harmonized System (HS) code

·       Dangerous Goods classification (UN number, hazard class)

·       Applicable regulations (e.g., FDA, EPA, DEA, REACH, ADR)

·       Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

·       Certificate of Analysis (CoA)

·       Import/export licenses or permits

·       Product-specific handling instructions

·       Packaging type and compliance with IMDG Code

·       Temperature control requirements (e.g., cold chain, reefer container)

·       Tamper-evident seals or security features

·       Expiry dates and stability under extended transit conditions

·       Acceptable temperature/humidity ranges

·       Maritime-compliant hazard labels and placards

·       Country-specific labeling rules for ocean freight

·       Experience handling regulated products under IMDG, IATA, and local laws

·       Certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, GDP for pharmaceuticals)

·       Availability of specialized containers (reefer, insulated, ventilated)

·       Container tracking and monitoring systems

·        Estimated transit time and port schedules

·        Transshipment points and associated risks

·        Contingency plans for delays or disruptions

·        Marine cargo insurance coverage for regulated goods

·        Clauses for temperature excursions, contamination, or regulatory seizure

·        Assistance with customs clearance and regulatory paperwork

·        Electronic data interchange (EDI) capabilities for real-time updates

·        Chain of custody procedures

·        Port security measures and theft prevention