What is a Shipping Agency?

For businesses in the logistics sector, the term shipping agency is certainly nothing new. According to Law No. 17 of 2008 on Shipping, a shipping agency is defined as a maritime transport company established specifically to carry out ship agency services.

The main role of a shipping agency is to represent the ship owner in handling all the vessel’s needs while it is at the port—before sailing, during docking, and up until departure.

Their presence is crucial, as every ship entering the port for loading and unloading requires an official representative.

Based on the scope of services, shipping agencies are divided into two types:

General agency for foreign ships - includes services for international shipping companies.

National shipping agency - focuses on serving ships from various regions in Indonesia.

In its operations, shipping agencies help Facilitate the loading and unloading process by following three main stages: pre-arrival, on-arrival, and departure.

4 Tips for Choosing the Right Shipping Agency

Choosing the right shipping agency is an important step to ensure that the logistics and shipping process by sea runs efficiently. Here are some things to pay attention to:

Choose an experienced and reputable company

Make sure the agent has a solid track record in the shipping industry. Look for recommendations from business partners or other companies who have used their services.

Pay attention to the type of services offered

Make sure you clearly understand the services available and tailor them to your business's operational logistics needs.

Cost transparency

Make sure you understand every component of the cost, including any additional fees that may arise during the service process.

Time and Cost Efficiency

Beyond competitive pricing, choose an agency that can process documents and handle vessel arrangements quickly to ensure smooth loading and unloading activities.

SELOG: A Trusted Shipping Agency and Logistics Service Provider

When selecting a logistics provider, reputation and credibility are key factors. SELOG, a business line of PT Serasi Autoraya (SERA) under the Astra Group, has extensive experience in the logistics and shipping industry.

With more than 20 years of experience in the logistics industry, SELOG is committed to meet the need for end-to-end logistics services, starting from Trucking, Shipping, Freight forwarding, Warehousing, and Project Cargo.

SELOG’s shipping services come in two options — shipping services and shipping agency — both designed to accommodate cargo shipments for domestic and international destinations.

There are several advantages to this service, including monthly shipments to manage ship schedules, 24-hour operational monitoring of the ship, as well as structural design, materials, and width of the ship's ramp door that can withstand large cargo loads.

Every SELOG’s services are supported by the latest digital technology including the Astra Fleet Management Solution (AstraFMS), which is not only convenient but also effective and efficient for businesses.

Thanks to the AstraFMS technology, SELOG can provide comprehensive, IT-based fleet and transportation management solutions in Indonesia.

For more information, go to www.selog.astra.co.id or contact (021) 26605333.

Don’t forget to follow SELOG’s social media in instagram @selog_astra and Linkedin SELOG for more information about logistic updates.