1. Who is a freight forwarder? What is freight forwarding? What is freight? What is freight shipping?
A Freight Forwarder is a person or a company that handles the logistics of a shipment for a corporation or an individual to send goods from one place to another. They take the burden off the clients shoulder and handle all the requirements needed in processing the shipment from the point of origin to the destination. They arrange for pickup, transport, warehousing, packing, labeling etc. Some of the advantages that a customer will have while working with a freight forwarder are that they also handle the Insurance, Customs, Documentation and Clearance.
2. Will my Cargo leave and arrive on time?
The cargo will leave/arrive at destination in good condition on the agreed date given by the airline/ shipping line which was informed to the customer at time of the booking. But sometimes due to certain delays by the airline/shipping line the dates might be pushed to the earliest booking available. They also provide tracking info services so the customer can be up to date on the departure/arrival/ delays if and when they come by etc. But to avoid any delays or problems from your side make sure you have all the right documents and have given us the right information. Before we submit any documents we send it to you for approval, please make sure to check it and let us know if there are any changes to be made.
3. What are the usual methods of freight payments?
Most freight payments are done with a company check. However you can also pay via wire transfer.
4. Can I get payment terms?
If you are a new customer we will need immediate payment. If you are a recurring/daily customer we provide 15-25 day’s credit.
5. What can I do to prevent delays and ensure a smooth process of the shipment?
Firstly, make sure you have all the required documents which have the shipment details on it. Documents like packing list and commercial invoice are one of those that will have all the details like, value of the goods, dimensions, number of cartons, description of the goods, shipper information, consignee information etc. Document requirements differ from commodity to commodity. If this is an LC (Letter of Credit) you will need the letter from the bank. We can always assist you beforehand and let you know so you can make arrangements to get the required documents for smooth flow of shipment.
6. Do you handle shipments of cargo like chemicals, dangerous goods, etc?
Yes we do. We have Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) qualified staff who handle these shipments.
7. Do you have a warehouse where I can drop off the cargo?
Yes we do have a warehouse where you can drop your cargo off and we take care of it from there.
8. Do you have an office at destination that can help us to release the cargo?
Yes, we have a lot of agents who we work with at different locations. We will give you their info if you want to contact them for your shipments once they arrive.
9. Can you handle door delivery at destination?
Yes we do. We have agents at different locations who can help the consignee with the door delivery.
10. What are some of the destination charges?
There may be airport fees, warehouse fees, customs clearance charges, duty/tax and door delivery charges. Of course if your cargo is chosen for customs exam at destination there will be more charges and also a delay in getting the cargo.
11. Can I pack my items in suitcases, bags or plastic bags?
No, Airlines reject any cargo that is not properly packed. Must be packed in a box, crate or on a pallet. If there are any oversized items of cargo please let us know so we can guide you or help you if needed.
12. Does the size matter for the air shipment matter?
No, Airlines reject any cargo that is not properly packed. Must be packed in a box, crate or on a pallet. If there are any oversized items of cargo please let us know so we can guide you or help you if needed.
13. What do I get charged on volume or the size of the cargo?
You get charged on either the volume or the actual weight, if the volume is higher than the actual weight the rates are based on the volume.
14. What is the maximum size or weight?
This varies from airline to airline. Once we know what the weight and dimensions are, we will suggest the best airline to you.
15. How do I know which container will be enough for my cargo?
That would depend on the number of box/packages and the total weight of the cargo. Once we have all these required information we will suggest which container would be enough.
16. What if I do not have enough cargo to fill up one container?
In that case your cargo can go as an LCL (Less Container Load). An LCL container has more than one company’s goods in it. LCL is a shipment that is not large enough to fill a standard cargo container.