FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions on EXPORT from the USA of COMMERCIAL CARGO using Full Container Load Seafreight Service. FCL COMMERCIAL - International shipping of entires multimodal seafreight containers containing commercial cargo.

1. What is an FCL COMMERCIAL – Full Container Load containing Commercial Cargo? / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

In respect of international seafreight, shipping of commercial freight means international shipping of cargo that is FOR SALE (unlike shipments of Household Goods or Personal effects that are NOT FOR SALE, but for personal use only).

PLEASE DO NOT CONFUSE SHIPPING OF COMMERCIAL CARGO WITH SHIPPING OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS OR PERSONAL EFFECTS! Shipping procedures and pricing schedules are different for these services. Confusing of these services may result to problems with your shipment and/or significant shipping cost changes.

 

IMPORTANT REMINDER!: Before you will be involved in an international seafreight shipment IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CLEARLY UNDERSTAND, WHICH KIND OF SEAFREIGHT SERVICE YOU ARE GOING TO USE! For your convenience we have separated our U.S. Real-time Online Seafreight Calculators by sub-domains for different kinds of seafreight services:

• LCL ocean freight (Less than Container Load): International shipping of boxed, crated and/or palletized cargo by sea. Consolidated ocean freight. Note that you may use an LCL seafreight service for shipping both types of freight: either commercial cargo or household goods or personal effects. The related domain is - http://InternationalShippingUSA.com IMPORTANT!: LCL seafreight service CANNOT be used for shipping motor vehicles*
   
• FCL COMMERCIAL CARGO (Full Container Load): Shipping entire containers that contain a commercial cargo. The related sub-domain is - http://Containers.InternationalShippingUSA.com IMPORTANT!: You must NOT use pricing schedule in this sub-domain on international shipping of Household Goods and Personal effects! Shipping rates and procedures for commercial cargo are different from international shipping of Household Goods and Personal effects. For shipping Household Goods and Personal effects use other sub-domains below.
   
• FCL with HOUSEHOLD GOODS/PERSONAL EFFECTS: International shipping of entire seafreight containers containing Household Goods and/or Personal effects that are not for sale, but for personal use only. The related sub-domain is http://Householdgoods.InternationalShippingUSA.com IMPORTANT!: No motor vehicles* can be included! Export motor vehicles require special customs formalities and procedures.
   
• FCL containing MOTOR VEHICLES*: International shipping of entire containers with consolidated motor vehicles consolidated in multimodal ocean freight containers. The related link is http://Cars.InternationalShippingUSA.com
   
• International shipping RO-RO: International shipping cars, trucks, trailers, boats, heavy equipment etc from the USA overseas. The related link is http://Ro-Ro.InternationalShippingUSA.com

* In respect of international shipping, motor vehicles mean vehicles such cars, motorcycles, boats, jet ski etc that require a registration with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

FCL is an abbreviation for "Full Container Load". This term is commonly used to describe a seafreight service that is designed for international shipments of cargo where shipper has exclusive use of sea multimodal container. As a rule containers are loaded and sealed by shipper at the shipper's facility. Then it transported by ocean, rail and/or truck directly to the point of final destination.

Note: Even though you ship a cargo that sufficient to fill a 20 foot multimodal sea freight container, we still recommend you to compare using FCL to our economy LCL seafereight service. In certain circumstances you may find that using international LCL service can be more convenient and cost-effective for you. As an example, when you self-deliver boxed cargo to a ship-terminal, you eliminate container pre-carriage and waiting charges. Also you are not obligated to containers return to a carrier's destination container yard.

For more information on international FCL shipments follow this link http://internationalshippingusa.com/Ocean_Freight_FCL.aspx

 

2. What is a S.O.C – Shipper Owned Container?  / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

IMPORTANT! S.O.C. OPTION IS NOT ALWAYS AVAILABLE. INTERNATIONAL OCEAN FREIGHT CARRIERS FOR DIFFERENT REASONS MAY REFUSE ACCEPTING S.O.C. If you are intended of shipping S.O.C., then you always must to re-confirm a possibility of S.O.C. shipping with an international shipping company that you are using for your international shipment in advance.

When you book an international FCL ocean freight shipment and request an ocean freight container delivery for the load you "rent" the container from the ocean freight carrier (direct international shipping company). "Container's Rent" charges are included in the international ocean freight rate.

However, shipper should always remember that after container is released at the destination and left carrier's Container Yard (CY) to be unloaded at the consignee's facility, it must be returned to the ocean freight carrier's CY within a certain time limit. Otherwise container detention charges may apply on the total of your international ocean freight charges.

S.O.C. (Shipper Owned Container) means that you buy a container for your international ocean freight shipment at origin. Then the sea freight container is your property and you are not obligated to its return. After it is emptied you may sell it, use for storage, destroy it etc. 

Find about S.O.C in this link http://internationalshippingusa.com/Ocean_Freight_FCL.aspx#soc

 

3. How does it work? What should I expect with my international FCL shipment step by step? / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

IMPORTANT! We will need a time in order to get a vessels schedule, equipment availability and booking/price re-confirmation from an ocean carrier used on your international shipment. PLEASE PLAN YOUR INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENT AHEAD IN AT LEAST FIVE-TEN BUSINESS DAYS.

Below are seven steps that you should be aware of on international shipping of FCL COMMERCIAL SEAFREIGHT CONTAINING CARGO OF FREIGHT ALL KIND (FAK). NO MOTOR VEHICLES ARE LOADED IN CONTAINERS. NO PERISHABLE PRODUCTS, NO LIVE PLANTS AND ANIMALS.
 

STEP 1 – BOOK YOUR INTERNATIONAL FCL SHIPMENT ONLINE

The first and absolutely necessary step to begin an international FCL shipment is to schedule the shipment online in our website. In order to avoid miss-interpretation, misspelling and typos we DO NOT provide FCL seafreight quotes and do not accept FCL booking requests over the phone or via fax.

BOOKING OPTIONS:

A. If you have seen your origin and destination listed in our real-time online FCL seafreight calculator and already got an instant FCL price quote in email, then proceed to the FCL booking via the blue "Proceed to booking" button in the quote, which is the link to our secure on-line FCL booking form. Fill out and submit the FCL booking form online. Upon the submission you will instantly receive our email with a copy of information submitted by you (1), current shipping cost (2) and a request to pay a security deposit (3).

B. If you DID NOT find a destination in our real-time online FCL seafreight calculator and have requested a price confirmation directly via our on-line FCL OCEAN FREIGHT QUOTE REQUEST ONLINE /PRE-BOOKING FORM, then please wait for our email with our current shipping cost.

 

STEP 2 – FIRST-TIME CUSTOMERS PAY A SECURITY DEPOSIT

With both booking options above, before you pay a security deposit, you may ask us any questions related to your on-line booking request by replying to our email or giving us a phone call. In order for us to track your booking request, PLEASE ALWAYS REFER YOUR INQUIRIES TO YOUR UNIQUE CUSTOMER REFERENCE NUMBER ASSIGNED TO YOU IN OUR BOOKING REQUEST REPLY EMAIL (the format of your customer reference# should looks like this - #US120318BFCL).

After submitting your booking request online with the booking option A, OR upon receipt of our reply email with our current shipping cost conformation with the booking option B, you will get your unique Customer's Reference number related to your international FCL shipment (in the format like this - #US120318BFCL) and:

• If it is your first international shipment with us and/or you do not have an account/credit with us, then you will receive a request to pay a security deposit. Typically on FCL shipments the security deposit is equal  to inland containers delivery to your cargo location for the load obtained in our price quote to you. The deposit will be applied to the final cost of your international shipment. Consider this reply e-mail an invoice for your security deposit.
   
  Note, that on FCL shipments we DO NOT accept credit cards payments. The reason is significant merchants fees from credit cards providers. Please review the Payment Options and Return Policy on international FCL shipments.
   
• Customers that already have an account/credit with us should disregard this security deposit request. They should wait for an e-mail with our dock receipt, international shipping instructions and our final invoice thereafter. 
   
  NOTE THAT ALL RATES OBTAINED ONLINE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MUST BE RECONFIRMED IN OUR BOOKING CONFIRMATIONS/SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS. I.e. initially provided rates in our quotes may not indicate carrier's GRI (General Rates Increase), changes in BAF (fuel surcharge) etc. If reconfirmed shipping cost will be higher than offered in our price quote and not acceptable by shipper, then we cancel your shipment and your security deposit paid will be refunded in full. No questions asked. Otherwise please refer to our return policy in this link.  

 

STEP 3 – RECEIVE OUR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS IN E-MAIL, SUBMIT YOUR DOCUMENTS ONLINE AND MEET YOUR CONTAINER FOR THE LOAD

We will need a time in order to get a schedule, equipment availability and booking/price re-confirmation from an ocean carrier used on your international shipment. PLEASE PLAN YOUR INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENT AHEAD IN AT LEAST FIVE-TEN BUSINESS DAYS. Then we will be able to arrange containers delivery to your cargo location for the load.

Note, that for new customers time counts from the day of receipt a proof of security deposit payment (a copy of check mailed to us, a wire or direct transfer confirmation etc). After we receive the proof of the deposit, we will send to the payer a confirmation e-mail and start working on your international shipment. Consider our e-mail a receipt on your deposit.

However, in order to secure new customers containers delivery expenses, WE WILL BE ABLE TO ARRANGE CONTAINERS DELIVERY TO YOUR CARGO LOCATION FOR THE LOAD ONLY AFTER FUNDS ON YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT BE SETTLED AT OUR BANK ACCOUNT. If you would like to accelerate your shipment then you may submit draft of your check or request our bank information for wire/direct transfer.

Then you will receive our e-mail with our shipping instructions generated individually for your international shipment. These Shipping Instructions will contain:

1. Our unique Customer Reference No. for your shipment and Carriers Booking No.;
2. Our Dock Receipt and copy of ocean carriers booking confirmation with sailing/tracking details on your international shipment, including:
   -- ETD - Estimated Time of Departure
   -- ETA - Estimated Time of Arrival
   -- Vessel, Voyage, Routing etc.
3. Containers delivery schedule and trucking company contact information in order for you to track your containers delivery for the load.
4. Links to fill out and submit your Commercial Invoice online (if for any reasons you do not have original invoices).

Follow these instructions and carriers booking confirmation. Meet the container, arrange the load, seal the container, let the container to depart to ocean carriers container yard and in order to verify your load IMMEDIATELY EMAIL TO US THE CONTAINER AND THE SEAL NUMBER.
 
PLEASE BE EXTREMELY ACCURATE WITH SUBMISSION OF INFO AND SHIPPING DOCUMENTS ON YOUR INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENT! You MUST provide to us your loaded container and the seal number, complete and submit all documents requested in our shipping instructions and/or ocean carriers booking confirmation BEFORE your loaded container(s) is delivered to ocean freight carriers container yard (as a rule in 24-48 hours after your loaded container(s) left your lading location). If you fail, then significant unpredictable charges and fee (such as roll-over, storage, U.S. customs etc charges and fee) may occur. 
 

STEP 4 – PAY THE FINAL INVOICE AND HAVE YOUR CARGO SHIPPED TO THE DESTINATION

After international ocean carriers container yard will accepts your container(s), it will pass U.S. Customs and be loaded on a vessel to depart from the USA, the international ocean carrier send to us its rated seafreight bill of lading/ocean freight invoice. Based on charges in the bill of lading/invoice to us we will e-mail you our invoice with total charges on your international shipment less the security deposit that you have already paid. Typically we will e-mail you our invoice on/in a few business days after the ETD (Estimated Day of Departure) of your container from the USA. Upon you payment we will e-mail you a confirmation on your payment.

 

STEP 5  – RECEIVE YOUR SEA FREIGHT BILL OF LADING

Upon you final payment we will e-mail  to you ocean carriers seafreight express release bill of lading (consider this express release bill of lading a title for your internationally shipped goods). This sea freight bill of lading will show you complete information on your international shipment. Having this bill of lading you will be able to track your container(s) online directly in an international ocean freight carriers website.
Print the bill of lading and keep it in your records in order to recover your cargo at the destination. International shipments on express releases should be released upon providing a copy of bill of ladings. No originals required.

 

STEP 6 – MEET YOUR GOODS AT THE DESTINATION

A few days before the ETA - Estimated Time of arrival of your container(s) to the destination, the ocean freight carrier used for your international ocean freight shipment should contact the consignee/notify party as shown in your bill of lading with a notice of arrival.
 
IMPORTANT! IF FOR ANY REASON YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE AN ARRIVAL NOTICE ON YOUR INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENT, THEN WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU CONTACT YOUR OCEAN FREIGHT CARRIER ON/BEFORE THE ETA DAY IN ORDER TO FIND OUT THE STATUS OF YOUR CONTAINER(S).

NOTE TO INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS WITH A TRANS-SHIPMENT: Your Seafreight Bill of Lading shows that a port of discharge is different from the final destination: The ETA on international shipments with trans-shipments may not be the ETA to the final destination. Check the ETA port in your shipping documents. If it has not reached final destination, it may take an additional 15-25 days. Some trans-shipments, from Europe to Africa for example, may take longer.

Note that ocean freight carrier's representative at the destination may not receive any particular information on your international shipment until a couple days before your container(s) will actually reach the destination. If you contact them in advance, you should fax or e-mail them a copy of your sea freight bill of lading, verify your contact information and wait for a notice of arrival.

 

STEP 7  – CARGO RECOVERY AT THE DESTINATION. DESTINATION CHARGES

IMPORTANT!: All international shipments are subject to destination charges. In general these charges include: 1 - Destination Country Government (Customs) related charges, i.e. duty and taxes (if any), harbor fees, fee on entry filing by a destination Customs Broker etc.; 2 - Destination terminal(s) handling charges and fees (THC); 3 – Service fee from ocean freight carrier's destination agent on handling and delivery of your international shipment (if you request delivery to your door). Destination charges vary depending on destination country and ocean freight carrier used for your international shipment. U.S. FREIGHT FORWARDER DOES NOT CONNECT TO DESTINATION CHARGES IN ANY WAY. DESTINATION CHARGES ARE OUT OF CONTROL OF THE U.S. FREIGHT FORWARDER. YOUR CONSIGNEE IS HELD RESPONSIBLE ON RECOVERY YOUR IMPORT AT THE DESTINATION AND HAS TO DEAL WITH DESTINATIONS OFFICIALS DIRECTLY.

You do not have to be present in order for your international shipment to be recovered at the destination. You may hire a customs broker in your destination country. Provide to the customs broker all necessary information on your international shipment by phone, fax or e-mail and follow the instructions from the customs broker. You may want to check in advance with your destination country's embassy or ask a destination country's customs broker about Government (Customs) regulations on your shipment and estimate your destination charges in advance.

NOTE: Partial or all destination charges may be required to be paid at a port of entree, but not at the final destination. This is to ensure custom's release. Then your international shipment will continue to travel to the final destination cleared with the destination country's customs.  
 
 
 
4. Why should I pay a security deposit? / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

We offer a credit to qualified customers that: (1) have completed at least two international shipments with us, (2) have submitted our credit application and (3) been approved for an account with us. This is our policy.

Shippers that do not have account with us must pay a security deposit before we proceed with bookings on their behalf. Please review our payments options on FCL shipments and return policy.

On FCL shipments the security deposit is typically equal to the cost of inland container delivery to shipper's cargo location for the load. If for any reason shipper will fail to meet and/or load ordered containers, then the security deposit go toward expenses related to attempts of containers deliveries and other operational costs related to the fail. Otherwise the deposit will apply to the final cost of your international shipment.

 

5. What does the International Sea freight Express Release Bill of Lading mean? / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

By default all shipments with us go on express releases. Express = telex release = means that you do not have to provide original international Sea freight Bill of Ladings in order to recover your goods at the destination. International shipments on express release should be released at the destination upon providing a copy of the Sea freight Bill of Lading received from us in e-mail. No originals required.

Several countries around the world, particularly Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador and certain countries in Africa, do not accept express releases. Carriers should specify this upon the issue of the Bill of Lading. In this case, we will mail you a set of original Bill of Ladings by USPS First Class Mail within USA/Canada for free. Expedited or international mail must be prepaid. If the shipper/receptionist require a set of original Bill of Ladings for international shipments to countries that DO accept express release, there will be a $50.00 fee and the shipper is responisible for postage.

 

6. Can I amend my international sea freight Bill of Lading? / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

Amending an international Sea freight Bill of Lading after it has been issued can become quite complex, and may not always be possible. This is true especially if the goods have already arrived at the destination. It is recommended that you take some additional time and review the information that you've entered when booking your international shipment. While submitting your international shipping documents online you will have several opportunities to verify and correct the entered info. 

After the international Sea freight  Bill of Lading is issued, any amendments to it are subject to the ocean freight carrier's amendment fees. This fee varies from $70 to $200 or more.

If you need amendments, we suggest you contact your international ocean freight carrier's destination agent first. It may be possible to request a re-issue of your Bill of Lading at the destination. If this is not possible, we will attempt to work on these amendments on your behalf. There will be a fee dependent on the circumstances surrounding the amendments, along with carrier's amendment fees.

Please note that amending a Bill of Lading is not guaranteed and may take an uncertain amount of time.

LETTER OF INDEMNITY:

If during your international shipment, an original Sea freight Bill of Lading is required, but needs to be amended or has been lost, an international ocean freight carrier may request a LETTER OF INDEMNITY. Here is the link with a sample of LETTER OF INDEMNITY in regards to international shipping of ocean freight.

 

7. Can I purchase insurance on my goods? / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

Yes, you may request us to obtain an insurance certificate issued by a marine cargo insurance provider(s) to consignee's (recipient's) name on your behalf. Otherwise you may insure your international ocean freight shipment with any marine cargo insurance provider of your choice.

Find more about marine cargo insurance at http://internationalshippingusa.com/Cargo_Marine_Insurance.aspx

 

8. Do you guarantee transit time on my international shipment? / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

ETT - Estimated Transit Time, i.e. a time slot between ETD - Estimated Time of Departure and ETA - Estimated Time of Arrival in ocean freight quotes are not precise and should be verified upon a booking request. Additionally, transit time in booking confirmations CANNOT be guaranteed however, normally international ocean freight shipments depart and arrive as scheduled.

Notice: For international ocean freight shipments with trans-shipments  (your Bill of Lading shows that a port of discharge is different from the final destination) the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) may not be the ETA to the final destination. Check the ETA port in your international shipping documents. If it is not for the final destination, then it may take an additional 15-25 days to get cargo to the final destination. Some trans-shipments, from Europe to Africa for example, may take longer.

 

9. What is SED (Shippers Export Declaration)? / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

According to U.S. customs regulations, all U.S. export shipments MUST be declared to the U.S. Census Bureau by filing a SED in AES at www.aesdirect.gov

Exemptions from filing SED (general):

• International shipments containing Household Goods or Personal effects not for sale of total declared value less than US$2500.
• Domestic shipments (to Hawaii for example). However, SEDs are required for shipments between the USA and Puerto Rico as well as between the USA and Virgin Islands of the United States.

International shipments without the SED (if not exempt) cannot be released to the export.

Our online booking form provides options on filing SED:

1. Shippers may file SED online in www.aesdirect.gov by yourself. We must receive SED's AES ITN BEFORE the cargo is delivered to the international ocean freight carrier's shipping terminal.
    
   OR
    
2. We may file the SED on the international shippers behalf based on the commodity description provided in international shipping documents for the fee of $35 up to two Harmonized Tariff numbers. $15 per Harmonized Tariff number thereafter.

If you are requesting us to file the SED on your behalf, WE MUST HAVE:

1. A valued packing list or commercial invoice, which contain: (1) commodity description, (2) value of your international shipment in USD, (3) estimated weight and volume. Note: With us, shippers may submit these international shipping documents online. You may try this simple form online in order to submit your valued packing list or proforma commercial invoice.
    
2. U.S. federal tax ID (EIN) or for non U.S. residents, a copy of your foreign passport.

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM U.S. CUSTOMS: Social Security Numbers (SSN) WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED as a valid USPPI ID as of December 3, 2009:

According to the U.S. Census Bureau / U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulation and per the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) Social Security Numbers (SSN) will not be accepted as a valid USPPI ID as of December 3, 2009. Any Authorized Agent that files on the behalf of customers using a SSN as the USPPI ID need to notify their customers that they need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). USPPIs can obtain an EIN by visiting www.irs.gov/businesses/small and selecting "Employer ID Numbers (EIN)".

OBTAINING THE EIN FOR SED FILINIG: We found that some of our customers that do not have an EIN obtain this for their international shipments online at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/ by requesting an EIN for the Sole Proprietors purpose, to satisfy banking requirements or local law. In this case, you may consider following the steps in this PDF file.

For more information refer to the copy of U.S. Federal Code 15 CFR Part 30 in this link

 

10. What are destination charges? / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

All international shipments are subject to destination charges. In general these charges include: 1 - Destination Country Government (Customs) related charges, i.e. duty and taxes (if any), harbor fees, fee on entry filing by a destination Customs Broker etc.; 2 - Destination terminal(s) handling charges and fees (THC); 3 – Service fee from ocean freight carrier's destination agent on handling and delivery of your international shipment (if you request delivery to your door). Destination charges vary depending on destination country and ocean freight carrier used for your international shipment. U.S. FREIGHT FORWARDER DOES NOT CONNECT TO DESTINATION CHARGES IN ANY WAY. DESTINATION CHARGES ARE OUT OF CONTROL OF THE U.S. FREIGHT FORWARDER. YOUR CONSIGNEE IS HELD RESPONSIBLE ON RECOVERY YOUR IMPORT AT THE DESTINATION AND HAS TO DEAL WITH DESTINATIONS OFFICIALS DIRECTLY.

• Commercial international shipments destination charges depend on the commodity.
• Most countries do not charge a duty or tax on household goods and personal effects shipments. However the the rest of destination charges will apply.

You may want to check in advance with your destination country's embassy or ask a destination country's customs broker about Government (Customs) regulations on your international shipment.

Note that part of or all destination charges may be required to be paid at a port of entree, but not at the final destination. I.e. you have to obtain Customs release and pay part of THC at the port of entry, then your cargo will continue to travel to the final destination cleared with customs.

PORT OF ENTRY FEE: Most of the time this fee is associated with international shipments with transshipments, i.e. your Sea freight Bill of Lading shows that a port of discharge is different from the final destination. The fee varies from $25 to $50 and will be included in the carrier's bill of lading freight charges.

Note that you do not have to be present in order for your international shipment to be recovered at the destination. You may hire a customs broker in your destination country. Provide to the customs broker all necessary information on your international shipment by phone, fax or e-mail and follow the instructions from the customs broker. You may want to check in advance with your destination country's embassy or ask a destination country's customs broker about Government (Customs) regulations on your shipment and estimate your destination charges in advance. 

 

11. Can I arrange an international charity shipment with an international shipping company? / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

The answer is yes, you may arrange an international charity shipment with an international shipping company (freight forwarder or NVOCC). However, after your donation arrives to the destination the consignee (recipient of the donation) may be unable or may not want to pay destination charges associated with the recovery of your donation.

Furthermore, officials in certain countries, particularly in South Africa and/or landlocked countries that receive ocean freight via South Africa may deny entry as long as the commodity is described as a charity shipment, donation, free aid, used or second hand goods etc.

The importation of second hand clothes, books etc are prohibited in South Africa. Shippers must firstly apply for an import permit with the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) before instructing an international shipping company to ship second hand goods.

If you are still going to ship an international charity shipment (i.e. donate goods overseas including the shipping cost), then before doing so, please wisely consider the following situations on your charity shipment:

1. The recipient (consignee) of your charity shipment may not pay destination charges even though you have already transferred to him money to pay for the release.
2. You may be involved in a bureaucratic correspondence with the destination country's officials in order to get an approval of entry for your international charity shipment  to the destination country. Notice, you cannot avoid carrier’s storage etc fees on your international charity shipment due to delay with this entry.
3. If you fail to have the goods released, be prepared to pay all charges and fees associated with the return of your donation back to you or charges on destruction of your charity shipment.   

Often, as soon as an ocean freight carrier has recognized that you are shipping a donation, having had bad experiences with charity shipments, they may inform you that your international charity shipment must be shipped on DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) basis with all destination charges prepaid. In this event:

1. Commercial invoice must be presented to the ocean freight carrier’s destinations agent before your international charity shipment is tendered at the origin in order to estimate total destination charges. Notice, this takes time and may not be free of charge.
2. Actual destination charges may differ from the original estimate. They typically require them to be prepaid based on the estimated cost plus 15-30%.
3. If actual destination charges exceed the initial estimation, the consignee will be expected to pay the difference. If not paid the initial funds will be placed towrads the destruction of the international charity shipment.

In conclusion: We believe that God blesses your kindness. However, an incorrectly planned international charity shipment may result in problems for all parties involved in the shipment. Please make your donations prudently.

 

12. How can I cancel my international shipment? / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

Please refer to this link with our return policy.

 

13. What will happen if I do not pay your invoices? / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

If a new customer does not pay a security deposit, we will not process his/her international shipment. Clients with settled accounts as agreed in the accounts.

If the ocean freight is tendered to the international shipment, but our final invoice is not paid on the due date, a late payment fee will apply. The late payment fee is 5% per day on the total due in the invoice / $200 minimum, whichever is greater.

If it is not paid within 10 (ten) calendar days after the due date, in addition to the late fee, we may cancel the Express Release on the shipment. As a result of the express release cancellation, the consignee will not be able to recover his/her goods at the destination unless they have received a set of original Bill of Ladings from us. Expedited mail with this set of originals will cost USD$200.00 aside from other charges related to issuing the original Bill of Ladings. We will NOT take any responsibilities for any storage, demurrage and/or other charges connected to delays with the release. We will NOT take any responsibilities on any charges connected to any delay of the freight at any point on its way to the place of release. Insurance will be canceled as unpaid at the time of express release cancellation as well.

If not paid within 10 (ten) days from the day of the arrival to the destination, the international shipment will be considered abandoned, i.e. requested to be destroyed or re-consigned and re-possessed and sold on the action in order to cover expenses related to the freight, storage, demurrage etc charges. U.S. and destination security officials will be notified and additional fines levied.

 

14. What international shipping documents should I submit to my export shipment? / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

THE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPER SHOULD CLEARLY UNDERSTAND THAT HE/SHE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESCRIPTION AND LEGALITY OF THE COMMODITY AND SUFFICIENCY OF DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED TO AN INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENT. The international carrier's ocean freight Bill of Lading (the final document that acts as a title to the shipped goods) as a rule states 'SHIPPER'S LOAD AND COUNT' and 'SAID BY SHIPPER TO CONTAIN'. This means that the international ocean freight carrier (and a freight forwarder who represents this international ocean freight carrier) is not responsible for information provided by the shipper on his commodity.

It is the international shipper's responsibility to provide all the necessary documents related to his international ocean freight shipment that will be required by origin and destination country officials.

Below is a list of commonly used documents required to be submitted to an international ocean freight shipment:

MANDATORY DOCUMENTS:

A. Bill of Lading - International ocean freight carrier's transport document. Shows cargo routing, consigner, consignee, cargo description, etc.

International ocean freight carrier's Bill of Lading will be issued to the shipper (consigner) upon full payment of the freight invoice and a few days after the ETD - Estimated Time of Departure.  

B.1. For international commercial shipments - Commercial Invoice: A complete description of commodity being shipped.

B.2. For shipping household goods and personal belongings - Valued Packing List: An inventory list with value assigned to each item being shipped.

Notice: Some courtiers require proforma commercial invoices for personal shipments as well. However, having a complete Valued Packing List submitted at origin, upon destination customs request, you easily be able to transfer your Valued Packing List into the form of proforma commercial invoice.  

In the respect of U.S. Customs, all Commercial Invoices (and Valued Packing Lists) must be in English and show:

• Value of cargo in US Dollars (exchange rate = date of export);
• Shippers full name and address (M.I.D. – manufacturer's identification);
• Consignee full name and address;
• Detailed description of cargo/freight;
• Quantity of cargo shipped;
• Weight of cargo shipped;
• Cargo's Country of Origin

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS DEPENDING ON COMMODITY AND COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

D. Packing List - Breakdown description: pieces, weights and packing materials. (Examples - Wood Pallets, Skids, Crates, Boxes, Dunnage, Straw Packing, etc.)

E. Fumigation Certificate - Certification that cargo and packing materials were fumigated after cargo had been containerized and is free of Infestation.

F. Special Documents - Dependent on commodity and country of origin.

Visa
Quota
Visa/Quota
Certificate of Origin
North American Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin (N.A.F.T.A.)
Packing Declaration
Dangerous Goods Declaration – hazardous materials
Fish and Wildlife Declaration
Consular Legalized documents
F.D.A.
U.S.D.A.
Anti-Dumping

 

15. I'm not in the USA. I order goods from the U.S. remotely. Can I complete my international shipment with you? / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

Yes, with us you can complete an international FCL sea freight shipment from the USA remotely.

However, the first and absalutely nesesery step in order to initiate your shipment is to fill out and submit your booking request in our website. Then you may contact us and we will be glad to assist you.

We reccomennd you reading this link #3. How does it work? What should I expect with my international FCL shipment step by step?

NOTICE: By default our system emails all information and documents to consigners (shippers). IF YOU ARE THE CONSIGNEE (RECIPIENT) AND WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE COPIES OF OUR EMAIL,  PLEASE NOTE THIS STATING SO IN THE 'COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS' FIELD OF OUR ONLINE BOOKING FORM (THE LAST BLOCK OF THE FORM).

Upon your authorization we may also contact your vendor on your behalf. Retrieving and providing general info is free of charge. Resolving time-consuming, more complicated issues will result in fees estimating at $60 per hour/$60 minimum.

 

16. Payments by credit cards / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

On FCL shipments we DO NOT accept credit cards payments. The reason is significant merchants fees from credit cards providers. Please review the Payment Options and Return Policy on international FCL shipments.

However, in certain circumstances we may consider accepting of credit cards payments via PayPal or Google Checkout. If you insist on a credit card payment then please book your shipment and then contact us in advance. We will consider your inquiry and let you know our decision on case by case scenario.

ALL CREDIT CARDS PAYMENTS ON FCL SHIPMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO 3.79% OR $25 MINIMUM, WHICHEVER IS GREATER TRANSACTION FEE.

Notice: If an international shipment has been paid by credit card(s) before issuing a bill of lading we may ask for a confirmation that the payer clearly understands that the international ocean freight carier's sea freight Bill of Lading is our final document on this international shipment. It is the title on shipped goods and proof on transfer of the ownership of the shipped goods to the consignee stated in the Bill of Lading (recipient of shipped goods).

This will confirm that after receiving the sea freight Bill of Lading our service provided is completed as agreed. All parties in reference to the payment(s) of the shipment done by credit card(s) should consider this email the receipt for this payment(s) with the payer's signature in it.

 

17. Processing shipments upon a copy of check or money order / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

In order to accelerate a shipment we may start working on an international FCL shipment upon receipt a scanned or faxed copy of check or money order.

HOWEVER, WITH FCL SHIPMENTS WE WILL SCHEDUAL CONTAINERS DELIVERIES ONLY AFTER RECEIPT OF ORIGINAL CHECKS/MONEY ORDERS.

International shippers may fax or email the copy to us. We will confirm receipt of the copy in email. Note, that this copy can be considered to be the payer's authorization for electronic funds transfer. In the event of a delay of receiving the original check or money order in the mail, typically later than in 5 (five) calendar days after receiving the copy, we reserve the right to process the funds transfer based on the amount and the payer's bank info recieved in the copy of the check or money order.

  

18. More answers in the RANDOM TOPICS web-page / Back to FAQ on international shipping of FCL sea freight

Find more answers related to your international ocean freight shipment in our RANDOM TOPICS web-page