Q: What is a freight forwarder?
A: Freight forwarding is a service used by companies that deal in international import and export. While the freight forwarder doesn’t actually move the freight itself, it acts as an intermediary between the client and various transportation services. Sending products from one international destination to another can involve a multitude of carriers, requirements and legalities. A freight forwarding service handles the considerable logistics of this task for the client, relieving what would otherwise be a formidable burden.
Freight forwarding services guarantee that products will get to the proper destination within an agreed timeline and in good condition. The freight forwarding service utilises established carriers of all kinds, from airline and trucking companies, to rail freighters and shipping companies. ICExpress negotiates the best possible price to move the product along the most economical route by working out various bids and choosing the one that best balances speed, cost and reliability.
ICExpress may offer more than one transport soltion to the client, so that they can choose the best option suitable to them. Considerations that effect price will range from origin and destination to special requirements, such as refrigeration or, for example, transport of potentially hazardous materials. Once the client accepts ICExpress’s bid, the freight is readied for shipping. ICExpress then undertakes the responsibility of arranging the transport from point of origin to destination.
One of the many advantages of using ICExpress is that it handles ancillary services that are a part of the international shipping business. Insurance and customs documentation and clearance are some examples. As a consolidator, ICExpress may also provide Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) documentation, or bills of lading. Warehousing, risk assessment and management, and methods of international payment including Customs VAT are also commonly provided to the client by ICExpress.
ICExpress will save the client untold time and potential headaches while providing reliable transportation of products at competitive rates. ICExpress is an asset to almost any company dealing in international transportation of goods, and is especially helpful when in-house resources are not trained in international shipping procedures.
Q: Why are shipping rates so volatile?
A: There are several factors involved in volatility of shipping rates, the most important being market demand. There are also seasonal demands that affect pricing. This usually keeps rates high as there is always space problems for cargo getting on vessels. In peak seasons there is a big demand for moving cargo, so the Carriers raise the rates during this period, with the GRI (general rate increase), and PSS (peak season surcharge).
Another significant factor is transport fuel, or what is called the Bunker Fuel factor. This is a surcharge that the Carrier’s can change when oil prices rise or fall. It is called the BAF.
Supply and demand.
Q: Can I get payment terms?
A: ICExpress is able to grant credit terms to approved Corporate customers. A standard credit process needs to be completed and approved beforehand. All other shipments are COD.
Q: What can be done to prevent delays of the shipment?
A: Firstly, make sure your supplier overseas (on imports) or if you are the supplier for an export shipment, creates all of the necessary documents correctly (packing lists, commercial invoice, original bill of lading-OB/L) and in a timely fashion, so that all documents are provided with the necessary banks and sent to you (the importer) or your buyer-consignee on the B/L (if you are the exporter) at least 1 week before cargo arrives the destination so that everything can be processed through customs ahead of schedule and freight can be paid along with presentation of the original B/L. One factor that usually slows this process down is when there is discrepencies between the buyer and supplier and since the goods are not paid for, the OB/L has not been surrendered by the Supplier to the Consignee (buyer)
Q: Can I get cargo released without presentation of the OB/L?
A: The ONLY way this can happen WITHOUT the OB/L is to settle the matter with the supplier and get them to authorise the release in writing to the shipping agent in the port of origin. This can act in Lieu of an OB/L. This is no other legal way or one that doesn’t jeapordise the liability of the shipping company to be sued by the supplier if they release without their written consent.
Q: How many containers do you move a year?
A: About 200 a year – and climbing
Q: Can you ship my vehicle internationally?
A: Yes, we are a leading Auto Transport company.
Q: Advice for shipping your 1st shipment
Tip #1: Loading your container in less less than 2 hrs as the first two hours are included in your fees. Thereafter there may be an overtime fee due.
Tip #2: Prepare Shipping Container Contents for Extreme conditions. Containers are subject to extreme changes in temperatures.
Tip #3: Carefully Declare ANY irregular Cargo. Plants, Edible Plants, Vegetables and Fruit are all treated differently depending on the origin and destination of the shipment. If customs finds any undeclared organic cargo, the can quarantine your container and charge you daily holding fees.
Tip #4: Properly Insure Your Cargo
Charges
Q: What are some of the destination charges?
A: There may be airport fees, warehouse fees, custom clearance charges, duty/tax and door delivery charges.
Of course, if your cargo is chosen for custom exam at destination, please prepare to home charges and delays for getting the cargo.
Other
Q: Are there types of cargo that cannot be shipped via air freight?
A: Yes, anything hazardous, flammable, dangerous, chemicals, computer batteries, live animals, perishable items, etc.
Q: What kind of paperwork I will need to fill out ahead of time?
A: We assist you with all necessary paperwork as part of our fees.
