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Logistics Optimization — Co-Freight, Cargo Lightering & Dead Freight Reduction

Improving the economics of oil cargo logistics through co-freight opportunities, lightering services, and dead freight strategies.

What Is Logistics Optimization?

Oil cargo logistics is a significant cost driver in any petroleum transaction. Bearing Commodities helps clients reduce those costs through three primary strategies: identifying co-freight opportunities, arranging cargo lightering, and developing approaches to minimize dead freight. Our logistics expertise complements our brokerage services, giving clients a more complete picture of transaction economics.

Co-Freight Opportunities

Co-freight — also called cargo sharing or parcel freight — involves combining multiple smaller cargo parcels into a single vessel voyage to reduce per-unit freight costs. Bearing Commodities identifies co-freight opportunities by matching clients with complementary cargo requirements, allowing both parties to benefit from shared vessel economics. This is particularly valuable for buyers and sellers whose volumes don't justify a full vessel charter.

Cargo Lightering

Cargo lightering is the process of transferring cargo from a large vessel to smaller vessels offshore, typically to allow the larger vessel to enter a port or terminal that cannot accommodate its draft. Bearing Commodities arranges lightering operations for clients, coordinating the vessels, logistics, and timing required to execute a lightering transfer efficiently. Lightering is commonly used in crude oil and fuel oil deliveries where port infrastructure limits vessel size.

Reducing Dead Freight

Dead freight occurs when a charterer fails to load the full contracted cargo quantity, resulting in payment for unused vessel capacity. Bearing Commodities helps clients minimize dead freight exposure through better cargo planning, volume matching, and contract structuring. We also help clients who have excess vessel capacity find co-loaders to fill the gap — converting a dead freight liability into a cost-sharing opportunity.

Who It's For

Cargo Shippers

Companies moving crude oil or refined products by vessel who want to reduce freight costs.

Oil Traders

Trading firms managing vessel charters who need to optimize cargo economics.

Refineries

Refinery procurement teams managing crude oil deliveries by tanker.

Bunker Operators

Marine fuel suppliers and operators managing vessel-to-vessel fuel transfers.

Benefits

Lower Freight Costs

Co-freight and dead freight reduction strategies directly reduce the per-unit cost of moving oil cargo.

Greater Flexibility

Lightering and co-freight options give clients access to ports and delivery windows that would otherwise be unavailable.

Logistics Expertise

Our team understands the operational and commercial dimensions of oil cargo logistics — not just the brokerage side.

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