Support and guides
The questions we are asked most, answered here on the page, with the fuller guide one click away. If yours is not covered, phone 086 9990 559 or email us and a person will answer you.
The questions we are asked most
What a freight forwarder actually does
We do not move the freight ourselves. We sit between you and the carriers that do: shipping lines, airlines, hauliers and rail freighters. We work through the bids and put forward the route that best balances speed, cost and reliability, then take on the job of arranging transport from origin to destination, along with the insurance, customs documentation and clearance that go with it.
Why shipping rates move so much
Market demand is the biggest factor, and it is seasonal. In peak season space on vessels is tight, so carriers add a general rate increase (GRI) and a peak season surcharge (PSS). Fuel is the other lever: the bunker adjustment factor (BAF) rises and falls with the oil price. A rate quoted today is a rate for today, not a standing price list.
What delays a shipment
Almost always the paperwork. Make sure the packing list, commercial invoice and original bill of lading are drawn correctly and reach the banks and the consignee at least a week before the cargo arrives, so customs can be worked through ahead of time and the freight paid against the original bill. The usual cause of a hold-up is a dispute between buyer and supplier that stops the original bill of lading being surrendered.
Releasing cargo without the original bill of lading
There is one route only. The supplier settles the matter with you and authorises the release in writing to the shipping agent at the port of origin, and that written authority stands in place of the original bill. Nothing else is legal, because releasing without the written consent of the supplier leaves the shipping line open to being sued.
What charges land at the destination
Expect airport or terminal fees, warehouse fees, customs clearance charges, duty and tax, and door delivery. If your cargo is picked for a customs examination at destination, budget for holding charges and for the delay in getting the cargo out. Ask us to set these out before you book, so the landed cost is the number you plan against.
Whether you can get payment terms
Credit terms can be granted to approved corporate customers. There is a standard credit process to complete and have approved beforehand. Everything outside that runs on a cash on delivery basis.
Before your first shipment
Four things worth knowing before a container is packed, and two more that catch people out.
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Load inside two hours
The first two hours of loading are included in your fees. Past that an overtime fee may be due, so have the goods and the labour ready before the container arrives.
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Pack for extreme conditions
A container is subject to extreme changes in temperature on its journey. Pack and protect the contents for that, not for the weather on the day it leaves.
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Declare irregular cargo
Plants, edible plants, vegetables and fruit are all treated differently depending on the origin and destination of the shipment. If customs finds undeclared organic cargo they can quarantine the container and charge daily holding fees.
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Insure the cargo properly
Our limited liability insurance does not replace goods that are lost, stolen or destroyed. Goods in Transit cover does, so read the policy wording, note the excess, and do not under-insure the shipment.
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Check what may not fly
Air freight will not carry anything hazardous, flammable, dangerous or chemical, and that includes computer batteries, live animals and perishable items. Ask before you book if your cargo sits near that line.
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Leave the paperwork to us
Assistance with all the necessary paperwork is part of our fee, not an extra. Tell us what is moving and where, and we will tell you which documents you need to produce.
The full guides
Frequently asked questions
The long form of every answer above, plus rate volatility, destination charges and what air freight will not carry.
Glossary of terms
The Incoterms a quote is written in, from EXW and FOB to CIF and DDP, and where cost and risk pass from seller to buyer in each one.
Choosing a freight forwarder
Seven questions worth putting to any forwarder before you commit a shipment, including ours. Our answer to each one is on the page.
GIT insurance explained
What Goods in Transit cover does, where our own limited liability cover stops, and why we recommend it on every shipment. We will quote the insurance before shipping if you want it.
From the blog
Longer pieces on freight, customs and moving cargo into and out of South Africa.
Still need an answer?
For a price, use the quote form. For anything else, phone 086 9990 559, email admin@globefreight.co.za, or see who you are dealing with.