What documents are required for international air freight?

“What documents are required for international air freight?

Export documents required for air shipment. Here’s what you need to do – and do it right – to successfully deliver goods and make money.

1. Commercial Invoice
A good shipping company will even provide daily service to international destinations. However, this service can only be provided if the documentation is correct and stated.
The first document a company needs is a commercial invoice. This will be a specific document that includes a breakdown of each item they will be shipping. In addition to the definition of each item, there is the value of the item and the total value of the consignment.
The document will also explain who the shipper and seller are and where they are located. The seller will use this document to prove ownership of the goods.

2. Consular Invoice
Certain countries require consular invoices to control and identify imported goods. Invoices must be purchased from the consulate of the country to which the goods will be shipped, and must usually be prepared in the language of that country.

3. Certificate of Origin
The Certificate of Origin is used to declare which country the goods come from. This is very important for customs clearance purposes as each international location has different rules and regulations based on the origin of the goods. Certificates of origin are usually certified by an authorized semi-official organization. A Certificate of Origin may be required even if the commercial invoice contains the same information.

4. Electronic Export Information Document (EEI)
The U.S. government currently requires shipping companies to submit a copy of an electronic export information document.

This is required by the U.S. Census Bureau, which the government uses to compile official statistics. This means that all shipping companies must submit this document. All shipments over $2,500 are required regardless of export license type or end user.

5. Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is the basic contract between the owner of the goods and the company employed to transport the goods. It contains information about the parties and the quantity and type of goods in the shipment.

After arriving at the destination air freight receiving place, the consignee usually needs to provide a bill of lading in order to accept the goods.

6. Packing List
There are two types of airway packing lists. One is a Chinese packing list before export declaration, and the other is an English packing list, which is used by the consignee for customs clearance at the destination port.

The contents of the airfreight packing list should include: product name, number of boxes, net weight, gross weight, single product size, material, purpose, quantity of each product name per box, product customs code, box size, order of freight outer box, detailed information of the shipping company .
This is the content of the complete air freight packing list, which can be designed by yourself, or you can entrust an international air freight booking agent.

7. Air Freight Booking Power of Attorney
The Air Freight Booking Power of Attorney is a very important document in international air transportation, which is equivalent to the contract between the shipper and the international air freight forwarding company. The international air freight forwarder will arrange the international air freight service according to the content of the air freight booking right and confirm the correct needs. The Air Freight Booking Power of Attorney is equivalent to an instruction on what to do and how much it will cost.

The details of the air freight booking power of attorney include: shipper, consignee, departure airport, destination airport, product name, number of pieces, weight, volume, airline, flight time, air freight price, and other additional services.

Fill in the air freight booking right and stamp the company’s business or official seal and make a PDF or picture format, scan, fax or mail it to the international air freight forwarding company for air freight booking. Since this document is a valid international air freight contract between you and an international air freight forwarder, it is not recommended to use QQ or WeChat, call or use air freight in the form of booking right.

The Air Freight Booking Power of Attorney should be provided before the production of the goods (preferably the day before). It is easier to arrange earlier flights during peak seasons if the need for accurate information can be confirmed a few days in advance. The airline arranges the class according to the booking time, which is the same as the ticket. The earlier you buy, the easier it is to buy.

8. Air freight warehouse receipt
Air freight warehouse receipts are also called air freight warehouse receipts. After air freight booking, the airline confirms the space and gives warehousing instructions, usually to the shipper or international air freight forwarder, and then according to the warehouse address on the warehouse receipt. Warehouse map and warehousing number to deliver the goods to the designated warehouse.

The warehouse map should be printed to the delivery driver. After the goods arrive at the warehouse, the warehouse receipt should be sent to the warehouse, and the warehouse will arrange warehousing and provide unloading services.

9. Inspection and certification
Some buyers and countries require inspection certificates. This certificate certifies the specifications of the loaded goods. Inspections are usually carried out by third parties. You must obtain an inspection certificate from an independent testing agency.

10. Destination Control Statement
Statements of destination control typically appear on commercial invoices, air waybills, and shipper export declarations (SEDs). The declaration informs the carrier and all foreign parties that the item can only be exported to certain destinations.

Air Freight and more
If you are interested in improving the efficiency of your supply chain, then we are here to help!

We specialize in affordable and fast shipping of goods. This means that your shipments will receive efficient and fast personalised service.”

What is the difference between heavy cargo and light cargo in different modes of transportation

“What is the difference between heavy cargo and light cargo in different modes of transportation

How to define heavy cargo and light cargo (also known as bubble cargo, throwing cargo) in international logistics and transportation? First of all, you need to know the actual weight and volume weight:
(1) Actual Weight (Actual Weight), that is, the weight obtained by weighing (over-pounding), including the actual gross weight (Gross Weight, G.W. for short) and the actual net weight (Net Weight, referred to as N.W.), the most common is the actual gross weight.
(2) Volumetric Weight or Dimensions Weight, that is, the weight calculated from the volume of the goods according to a certain conversion factor or calculation formula.
To put it simply, if the actual weight of the goods is greater than the volume weight, it is heavy goods, otherwise it is light goods (also known as bubble goods, throwing goods).
However, different modes of transportation have different definitions of heavy cargo and light cargo.

The difference between heavy and light cargo in air freight

1. Actual weight

Actual weight includes actual gross weight and actual net weight, the most common of which is actual gross weight. In international logistics and transportation, most airlines compare the actual gross weight of the goods with the volume weight, and take the maximum value to calculate the freight.

2. Volume weight

The volumetric weight is the weight obtained by calculating the volume of the cargo according to the calculation formula. In international air transportation, the conversion factor for calculating the weight of the volume is generally 1:167, that is, one cubic meter is approximately equal to 167 kilograms.

3. Chargeable weight

The billable weight is calculated based on the freight and other miscellaneous charges. The billable weight is generally billed based on the actual gross weight or the volumetric weight. The billable weight is generally calculated by taking the maximum of the actual gross weight and the volumetric weight to calculate the transportation cost.

4. Calculation method

The calculation method for the regular items is: length (CM)*width (CM)*height (CM)/6000=volume weight (KG), 1CBM is approximately equal to 166.67KG.

The calculation method for irregular items is: longest (CM) * widest (CM) * highest (CM)/6000 = volume weight (KG), 1CBM is approximately equal to 166.67KG.

[Summary] 1 cubic meter of cargo with a weight greater than 166.67 kg is called heavy cargo, which is generally a heavier cargo. Those less than 166.67 kg are called bubble goods, which are generally larger in size and lighter in weight.

The difference between heavy cargo and light cargo by sea

(1) From the perspective of ship stowage, any cargo whose stowage factor is less than the ship’s cargo volume factor is called deadweight cargo or heavy goods; any cargo whose cargo stowage factor is greater than the ship’s cargo volume factor is called deadweight cargo or heavy goods. , called light goods, also known as light goods (measurement cargo or light goods).

(2) From the point of view of calculating the freight of goods, and according to the international shipping business practice, if the cargo stowage factor is less than 1.1328 cubic meters/ton or 40 cubic feet/ton, it is called heavy cargo; if the cargo stowage factor is greater than 1.1328 cubic meters m/t or 40 cu ft/t cargo is called light cargo.

(3) The distinction between light cargo and heavy cargo in LCL is based on the weight per cubic meter. In international shipping LCL, it is usually 1 cubic meter = 1 ton. For example, the volume of the cargo is 1 cubic meter, and the weight is less than 1 ton. It is a light cargo, and a weight of more than 1 ton is considered a heavy cargo. However, among LCL by sea, heavy cargo is rare, basically light cargo, and LCL calculates freight by volume, which is fundamentally different from air freight by weight, so it is much simpler. Many people have done a lot of sea freight, but they have never heard of light cargo and heavy cargo, because they are basically not used.

The concepts of cargo and light cargo are closely related to stowage, transport, storage and billing. Carriers or freight forwarders distinguish heavy cargo, light cargo/bubble cargo according to certain standards.”

What you need to know about marine insurance

“What you need to know about marine insurance

What is marine insurance?
Marine insurance covers any damage or loss related to the vessel, cargo, terminal, transportation or transshipment. Simply put, a marine insurance policy will cover any loss or damage to or around the boat.
Of course, certain criteria define coverage and what it might cover, such as whether your boat or boat is ashore, out of the water, sitting in a garage, or stored in a yacht club. This will determine the security aspects that affect your insurance premium.

Who needs ocean cargo insurance?

You need ocean cargo insurance if:
You ship your goods overseas or to New Zealand and may incur losses due to damaged or lost products.
You may be responsible for damage to others caused by your shipment.
You incur lost profits due to events covered by the policy extension.

What does marine insurance cover?
Marine insurance mainly covers the following:

Physical or structural damage to your vessel due to a collision with another underwater or water vessel.
Damage to property and personal injury to you or others on board.
Towing, assistance and refueling services are available if you find yourself stranded on board.
Marine insurance will also cover your vessel and cargo if you have any problems transporting your cargo. In addition, it will cover liability for damaged or lost goods.
That said, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate marine insurance, especially when dealing with commercial shipments of your customers’ cargo and belongings. This will help you gain the trust of your customers by offering insurance services.

Which industries are covered?
Some of the most common industries that use marine insurance are:

Primary industry – raw materials, raw food, chemicals, etc.
Secondary Industry – Manufacturers and Producers of Manufactured Goods
Processing industry – providing OEM processing services
Retailers – Ship to customers or move goods between sites

How do I find the best marine cargo insurance quote?
As one of the oldest, most complex and specialized areas of insurance, choosing the right marine cargo insurance is crucial. However, there are some easy ways to get it right:

Don’t just rely on the insurance provided by your freight forwarder or carrier. It’s the easiest way to get cover, but it also costs you more
Get advice. The broker will be able to tell you what you need and can contact various insurance companies so they can shop around and find the best price for you
Arrange annual insurance – If you need to arrange insurance for more than two to three single shipments per year, it is often more cost effective to arrange an annual policy
Protect your cargo – nothing drives up premiums like a claim, so if you can show you’re taking action to protect your product – by adding trackers, adding extra protection to your trucks, putting on your cargo Additional packing around and avoiding unsafe shipping routes – both help reduce insurance costs
Choose a higher deductible – this will minimize costs if you are willing to pay more when making a claim through the deductible. This is especially beneficial if you have a good record of low claims”

International Air Cargo Transportation and Insurance

“International Air Cargo Transportation and Insurance

What is Air Cargo Insurance?
Air cargo insurance is an insurance policy that protects the buyer or seller of goods transported by air. It pays for items damaged, destroyed or lost by the insured and, in some cases, may even cover shipping delays.
A close cousin of air cargo insurance is marine cargo insurance, which protects cargo transported by water.

Understanding Air Cargo Insurance
Air transport has become one of the fastest, safest and most economical ways to move goods around the world. Most airlines provide a minimum amount of insurance for all shipments, called carrier liability insurance. However, such coverage is usually minimal. It usually contains many exclusions, including floods, earthquakes and natural disasters, and generally does not provide compensation for high-value and delicate goods.

These restrictions have led many large shipping lines to seek additional insurance to protect themselves against breakage, theft, lost merchandise and, in some cases, consequential losses when cargo does not arrive in time. Some insurance companies offer air cargo insurance directly, as do some freight forwarders and trade service intermediaries.

There are many types of aviation insurance. According to different insureds, they are mainly divided into the following types of insurance:

First, with the air carrier as the insurer, there are aircraft fuselage insurance, loss of use value insurance, statutory liability insurance for passengers and luggage, statutory liability insurance for cargo and parcels, and third-party aircraft liability insurance. In addition, there are additional risks, war and strike risks.

Second, if the airport owner or operator is the insured, there is statutory liability insurance for the airport owner or operator.

Third, if the aircraft manufacturer is the insured, there is product liability insurance. In addition, air passengers and crew members can purchase personal accident insurance.

In general, aviation insurance only refers to air transportation insurance, which is customary to belong to inland transportation insurance.

In the international insurance market, air transportation insurance usually uses marine transportation insurance policies and attaches “”airline clauses””, in addition, there are so-called “”aviation all-risk”” clauses.

That is to say, air transportation insurance has two basic types of air transportation liability insurance and air transportation all risks. Air transport insurance, in principle, applies to the provisions of land and air insurance. However, if marine insurance is used, the clauses of marine insurance are the basis and the clauses of aviation insurance are supplemented.

The contents of air transport insurance generally include the following.

(1) Scope of insurance liability. Including the loss caused by fire, aircraft collision, aircraft crash, and other than those not suitable for aviation insurance, other marine insurance cover the loss caused by all dangers.
(2) Exclusions. Loss or damage caused by delay in delivery, defective goods, climate change, and other responsibilities that are generally excluded from marine insurance, such as losses due to war, except those not suitable for aviation insurance, are excluded from aviation insurance.
(3) Coverage period. The coverage period of the aviation insurance insurer is: from the time when the subject matter insured is delivered to the carrier, to the time of delivery at the destination, and up to 48 hours after the arrival at the destination.
(4) Insurance compensation. After the conclusion of the aviation insurance contract, if an insured accident occurs and the insured property is lost, a notarized application for indemnity should be submitted to the airline immediately. Any application for indemnity submitted by the insurer should be accompanied by a copy of the above application and a reply letter. Check with the insurer. Once it is verified that it is the insurer’s responsibility, it shall pay in accordance with the contract.”

What you need to know about sending international express

“What you need to know about sending international express

Step 1: Where can you send, what and how much?
Find the country you want to send your package to in the various countries list in the International Mail Handbook:
Items that you are not allowed to send to this country (parcel express does not include cash, dangerous goods and other prohibited items listed in national laws and relevant regulations, as well as items that are prohibited from express delivery by the carrier. For example, some express companies do not carry sensitive items, such as food and medicine.)
How much you can send (weight and size limits)
What shipping services are available to you

Additional country-specific information

Step 2: Select International Shipping Service
USPS offers 6 different international package delivery services. Some services are only available in certain countries, or for certain types or amounts of content: see individual country listings for country-specific information.
Tip: Check which services are available to you based on what you’re sending and where you’re sending to, then fine-tune your decision based on price, speed, and features available.

Step 3: Pack Your Box
Pack your box to protect your items and make sure the box is intact. Tape your box so it closes flat on all sides without bulging, and secure the flap with 2″” wide packing tape.

Step 4: Write the address
Please write the address parallel to the longest side of the package and make sure the address and postage are on the same side.

Each country has a different format for international addresses. You need to fill in the shipping address in English (if you need to use another language, you must add an English translation after each line).

Step 5: Process Your Package
Tip: If you’re printing a mailing label, you can use it in place of a separate address label.
Mailbox addresses have the same format as envelopes. Clearly write or print address labels. Uses ink that won’t smudge and includes your and your recipient’s return address and zip code™.

Step 6: Calculate and apply postage
Correct postage helps your package arrive on time. If you are using stamps or paying for postage at the post office, you can use the International Postage Calculator to calculate the postage price.

Step 7: Ship Your Package
Where to mail your box depends on its size and where you live. Once you’ve packed and labeled your package, your package is ready to begin its journey.

How to choose a courier company
Choosing a professional international express company can not only provide free carton packaging, but also help you strengthen the packaging, free vacuuming, reduce the volume, and reduce the corresponding shipping costs, saving the customer’s worry and effort throughout the entire process. .

If the delivery problem is which one of the four major international express delivery or EMS is used for delivery, you can choose the first-level agent of the four major international express delivery and EMS, and use the agency price to transport, the price is low, and there are more choices.”

Getting a Freight Quote: The Ultimate Guide

“Getting a Freight Quote: The Ultimate Guide
There are plenty of reasons to spend more on freight. The main options are to choose a more reliable carrier, or to include some extra services that might make life easier for you or your customers. However, misquoting is not one of the reasons why paying more for your shipping is a good idea. Read on for more quotes to consider

What to consider before making an offer

1. Understand the cost of materials
A common mistake in calculating material costs is to multiply the cost per pound by the weight of the material. But in sheet metal fabrication, for example, the entire sheet must be ordered to cut the part. Material cost must include extra material not used in a given part. You need a supplier who can explain the available sizes and help you understand the cost of materials, as it also involves the inevitable waste due to project specifications.

2. Determine store prices
The hourly wages your workers receive are only part of the cost of labor. Large work centers will have higher hourly rates than small work centers. In addition to the hourly rate, there are energy costs, equipment usage costs, and required floor space. All of this is aggregated into what we call the “”shop floor rate”” for a particular work center. Make sure you understand the skills required to complete the project in order to determine the correct rate.

3. Estimate the cost
Every manufacturing company has five main overhead areas that take a share of every invoice. They are (in order from most expensive to least expensive);

office salary
health care
sales salary
rent
payroll tax
Most of these can be controlled using a good productivity program. However, sales and rents will always be based on utilization. Your team may have some profit to cover these costs, but make sure you know when and where discounts are available. Not considering these costs, even on small projects, can jeopardize jobs and ultimately damage a company’s bottom line.

4. Terrible shipping tax
Toyota Vice President Taiichi Ohno said he believes that 95 percent of everything Toyota makes is waste. For many sales today, shipping and delivery can be a deal breaker, as customers are often surprised by shipping costs after accepting the sale price. By eliminating shipping waste as much as possible, you’ll remove many of the unpredictable factors in shipping costs and be able to offer your customers lower, more predictable, and fairer prices. At Boyd Metals, we do not charge for shipping or require a minimum amount per order. This can help address these costs from the start of the project.

5. The cost of delay
Even if the project estimate and approval of your bid goes well, you still need to receive raw materials to complete the project on time. As a supplier, we understand that when you ask for an accurate quote for the metal you need, you also need to know if/when the item is approved if stock exists. This critical step is where our customers experience what we call the “”Boyd Difference.”” We make stocking decisions locally to best serve our customers.

Knowing these basic “”talking points”” will help you set appropriate expectations for your clients and give you the time and steps to prepare an accurate estimate the first time. Helping customers understand what they are getting and what they are paying for will help build trust. This trust builds loyalty and keeps them coming back for project after project.

what not to do when quoting
No need to request unnecessary services. For example, request that an entire truck can transport a large amount of cargo, or fragile and valuable items that need to be moved quickly. However, booking an entire truck to carry a few standard pallets is a great way to waste money.
Applying for a tailgate for a pickup or delivery location with a dock is another surefire way to throw money at it.
Picking a random shipping class (only for shipments to, from, or within the U.S.) is guaranteed to make your shipping experience worse. If you choose a higher tier, you’re just giving away money, if you choose a lower tier, you’re giving away money once the carrier reclassifies your shipment.
Also, avoid treating any old location as standard business. Limited access locations are real and you don’t want to ignore them.”

How demurrage, detention and port charges work

“How demurrage, detention and port charges work

Port charges

Terminal handling fee
Terminal Handling Charge (THC) is another port charge for containers that you cannot bypass. THC is the cost of loading and unloading the container.
Cargo loading and unloading ports charge terminal loading and unloading fees.
If a container is transshipped, the port where the transshipment takes place also charges THC. In this case, terminal handling charges will be paid directly by the shipping company. This is usually not the case for THC at loading ports.
early arrival fee
The fee charged by the port for a container to arrive at the terminal before the incoming stack is opened. The acceptance of early arrival containers is at the discretion of the port/terminal operator.
late fee

The fee charged by the port for a container to arrive at the terminal after the incoming stack has been closed. The acceptance of early arrival containers is at the discretion of the port/terminal operator.

port storage fee
In the port charges line for the container, there is no bypass port storage charge. These fees are charged for FCLs that have not been cleared for import. As well as full boxes waiting to be shipped and empty boxes piling up in ports.
Port storage fees are usually passed on to shipping lines by terminal operators. Here, margin is usually added on top before the bank charges the customer.
You may end up having to pay both port storage fees and demurrage fees. However, there are places where port storage charges and demurrage charges are the same. Wondering how to avoid these storage charges?

detention
Unlike demurrage charges, demurrage charges are added when a container is out of port. If you hold the carrier’s container for more than the free days allowed, you will be charged a detention fee.
You may also be charged a detention fee when you export a container. Suppose you pick up an empty container to load it. But you don’t return it until the free days are used up. The carrier will then charge a detention fee.
These charges were added to reduce container turnaround time.

Expenses related to the goods
Such expenses are incurred due to the goods, and the amount is directly related to the type and quantity of the goods. It includes cargo port charges, handling charges, stowage charges, flattening charges, switching cabin charges, storage charges, barge charges, tally charges, etc. Except for the cargo port charges, the rest of the above charges shall be borne by the cargo owner.
All use shall be borne by the ship owner or the cargo owner or the charterer in accordance with the provisions of the bill of lading or the charter party.

Demurrage and Demurrage
While some of these port charges may be unavoidable, on the other hand, demurrage and detention charges are completely avoidable charges, but in many cases, these charges are caused by mishandling, misunderstanding, and failure to follow proper protocols. will happen.
When they do occur, these charges can have a considerable financial impact on the overall business, and sometimes these costs can be so high that some customers forgo shipments at their destination because of these costs.
Let’s see what is demurrage, demurrage, demurrage and reasons for demurrage, why is it charged, who charges, who pays..
Although the most common market practice is to combine demurrage and demurrage, there are several cases where demurrage and demurrage are charged separately, so it’s important to understand the difference between demurrage and demurrage.

Demurrage, Demurrage and Port Fee Calculation Solutions
Scenario: A container is unloaded from a ship on July 2. The consignee unloaded from the port on July 12 and returned the empty container to the designated warehouse on July 19.
Demurrage days offered by shipping lines = 7 days
Free layover days provided by the shipping company = 10 days
Port free days = 3 days

Example of demurrage calculation:
Based on the dates above, on July 12, the box will be in the port/terminal for a total of 11 days.
Based on the above, demurrage free line days will expire on July 8.
11 days stay – 7 days free = 4 days The box’s welcome time at the port/marina has exceeded its welcome time.

Example of holdover calculation:
The full box leaves the port on the 12th, and the customer only returns the empty box on July 19th.
No Detention Days = 10 days, so valid until July 21, but no detention fee due to customer returning empty on July 19.

Port storage calculation example:
Using the dates above, there will be 8 days of port storage to be paid along with demurrage until July 12, as the port only offers 3 free days that expire on July 4th.
So essentially, for this container, the client pays
Demurrage = 4 days (free from 2 July to 8 July, demurrage from 9 July to 12 July) – to shipping company
Detention = 0 days (10 days free, so July 12th to July 21st free, return empty on July 19th, so no detention)
Port Warehousing = 8 days (July 2-July 4 is Port Free Day, so from July 5-July 12, 8 days for warehousing apply) – Direct or via shipping company to port

So why do shipping companies charge demurrage and demurrage
In the operation of a container shipping company, the cost of containers, repairs, maintenance, leasing, etc. is about 20% of the cost of the shipping company. A container is like a ship, only if it’s circulating and not idle..
In the above case, the container remained with the consignee for an additional 11 days. This means that during these 11 days, the container is not under the control of the shipping company, which means that this particular container does not bring any revenue to the shipping company for these 11 days..
Demurrage and demurrage charges by shipping lines are their way of getting some compensation for the period when that container is outside the revenue generating period.”

10 Shipping Terms Every International Shipper Should Know

“10 Shipping Terms Every International Shipper Should Know

COD, CYCY, DM and DT. Say what? To the untrained ear, it’s just gibberish. For international shippers, however, things are different. Knowing the shipping terms is absolutely critical when shipping goods worldwide. That being said, it’s not easy to remember exactly what the various abbreviations stand for. Fortunately, I’ve created this quick reference guide for you to come back to when your memory fails.

1. Incoterms – International Commercial Terms
When purchasing or selling goods, the goods need to be moved from their origin to their destination. The best way to do this is to negotiate at the point of purchase how it is going to be accomplished. But in order for both parties to understand and agree on the particulars, they have to speak the same language and agree on what the terms actually mean.

Incoterms are short for International Commercial Terms. They are a series of pre-defined commercial terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce. The terms are intended primarily to clearly communicate the tasks, costs, and risks associated with the transportation and delivery of goods.

2. COD – Change of Destination
Imagine your cargo has been loaded onto a container ship and is now on its way to its destination. For some reason, you realize you have to change your destination!

No need to panic. This is the time to request COD – change destination. This is a request for a container ship to unload your container and deliver your cargo to another destination than the one originally booked.

3. Container Yard to Container Yard (CYCY)
A container yard is a location within a port or terminal where, in the case of import, containers are stored before being loaded onto or unloaded from a ship.

The shipping word CYCY describes the beginning (port of loading) and the end (port of discharge) of the carrier’s responsibility on a container yard.

4. Demurrage (DM)
Demurrage is a charge that container shipping companies charge when your import container is not picked up in time.

Fees related only to the use of the equipment shall be paid by the merchant or international shipper for the carrier’s equipment beyond the free time provided by the carrier to deliver the goods to the port, terminal or warehouse.
After the international shipper unloads the cargo, the port (provided by the container shipping line) has some free time to store them. You must claim your container before the free period expires.
Otherwise, the number of days the container remains in port will be charged by the international shipper.
For example, demurrage charges can also be charged to the container shipper if the container shipper is unable to deliver the container due to customs issues.
A fee can then be charged to store your container for the number of days in port.

5. DT – Detention
If you pick up the import containers but don’t return them to the shipping line in time, detention is a cost you have to pay. Then, you must pay for the additional days it takes to return the container. You may also be subject to demurrage charges if your container cannot be shipped out via the container line because it is not returned in time. Then you have to pay for the extra days you own the container.

6. Full Container Load (FCL)
Full Container Load (FCL) – As the name suggests, for those transporting larger volumes of cargo, they can use the space of a full ISO container.
FCL International Shippers have exclusive rights to the container, so the container will always contain your cargo, from the original packaging to the devan at the destination.
FCL involves a full container load and it will be the product of price, time, underlying product, shipping technology and many other factors to decide whether to use FCL or LCL.
For a named consignee because it will be the cargo; it can be any type of item shipped from a toy, merchandise or equipment.
An example is a toy trader who receives a large order from a supermarket chain, rather than splitting the order and sending each order as a container of parts (by LCL); the container shipper ships as one full case and uses its own container Shipping all products. This means no space is shared with other shippers.

7. Fill and Strip
Containers can be loaded and unloaded at all terminals by dedicated personnel. Loading and unloading can take place at the terminal after shipment or directly from the carrier’s container.
Significant savings can be made in the latter case, especially when loading oversized cargo.
Container handling services are often an additional service a company seeks throughout its supply chain for out-of-gauge item cargo.

8. Port Storage
When the containers are unloaded from the ship, they are transferred to the container yard.
Ports offer free storage periods (not to be confused with free demurrage on container routes).
During this time, the international shipper has time to process the customs clearance process and ship your product to the warehouse or final destination.
This is critical for ports, as space shortages can affect port productivity and cause port congestion.
If the shipper does not clear and transship your container in time, the port can charge port storage fees.

9. Bill of Lading
A bill of lading is a legal document issued by the carrier to the shipper and includes shipping details such as the type of goods, quantity, freight and destination. It represents an agreement between the parties involved and helps ensure that the exporter receives payment and the importer receives the goods. The bill of lading also serves as a shipping receipt.

10. Overturned – The container was never loaded onto the ship
Container scrolling happens sometimes. This means that your container did not make a container. Your container may not be loaded on board due to customs issues, overbooking or missing ships.
Your carrier will reschedule your shipment and place your container on the next outgoing vessel.”

SOC Containers vs COC Containers

“SOC Containers vs COC Containers

What is a COC container?
COC means “”Carrier Owned Container””. The shipping company itself owns these shipping boxes. In this case, most of the control is in the hands of the operator. The shipper shall abide by certain rules and regulations established by the carrier regarding the timing and use of the container.
Any form of delay or damage to the equipment will make you liable. The COC brought two of its most damaging charges – demurrage and demurrage. If left unchecked, they can exceed the value of your actual shipment.

What is a SOC container?
SOC containers are mostly rented by the cargo owners themselves, and then sign an agreement with the shipping company to rent the shipping company’s space, in order to reduce the container fee and other expenses incurred by the use of the shipping company’s containers. Although using SOC boxes, shipping companies charge less sea freight, but some shipping companies will refuse to accept such boxes. In short, the success of booking has a certain relationship with the shipping company.

What is the difference between SOC and COC?
SOCs and COCs are often physically the same, sharing a designation such as a CSC license and an Approved Continuing Examination Program (or ACEP) certification. The only difference between a SOC and a COC is which party owns and is responsible for. Containers owned by the shipper belong to the shipper and are continually reused to ship the same product.
Containers owned by the carrier belong to the carrier or logistics company and are leased to consignees who do not have their own containers. After delivery, the COC is returned to the carrier, who then leases it to other customers. On the other hand, the SOC is returned to the shipper, who must store and maintain it independently of the carrier.

Benefits of COC
COCs are typically used for standard shipments on routes with high cargo traffic. If the carrier has enough boxes, there is little incentive to use your own containers. Using COC becomes economical if end-to-end movement is paid fairly at the same time.
Once they are returned, there is no need to worry about the containers as it is not the shipper’s responsibility.
Using a COC container is much simpler, just pay the carrier “”full”” freight to ship the goods.
COCs allow for higher freight discounts, especially on shipments originating from high “”surplus areas””, as shippers help carriers save some money by exporting their shipments using their COCs.

SOC benefits
SOC containers are an excellent source that can help expedite the supply of goods between countries without delaying shipments until the container is returned before the goods are unloaded and unloaded.
SOC helps avoid unexpected demurrage and demurrage charges that can rise into the hundreds of dollars if loading times, customs clearance, towing, port congestion, etc. are not considered in advance.
People can source their own goods on request, especially in remote areas far from the hinterland, where containers are either unavailable or much more expensive.
You can also choose to buy or lease containers according to your own needs or according to current needs.

Carrier-owned container
It is owned by the carrier or shipping company. Here, some costs have to be paid, especially demurrage and detention. They are mainly used for the import and export of goods, but can also be used for the storage of goods. They decide the availability of the container after payment, so it is the carrier’s responsibility.

Although the two types of containers have marginal advantages over each other, these containers are an important asset that helps the shipping industry generate huge revenue. The container goes through several steps between the loading point and the destination. Each of these interactions complicates the process and increases costs during the movement of goods. But people should always seek what works for them and their needs are met.

SOC vs COC: Who wins?
When choosing between SOC and COC, SOC Containers tend to win more votes. This is because of several advantages offered. SOC Box gives its owner full rights to make any decisions about the box, shipping and other matters.
It allows complete control, flexibility and freedom. Not only will you save on costs, but additional penalties like demurrage and detention will be waived. You can ship anywhere you want without worrying about boxes being unavailable during peak seasons. A one-time purchase can pay you for years.”

What you need to know to use the SOS box

“What you need to know to use the SOS box

In international trade, COC boxes are usually used for shipment of goods, that is, shipping company boxes. But also encountered SOC box, that is, own box, also known as the owner’s own box.
What is a Shipper Owned Container?
A Shipper Owned Container (SOC) is a freight container owned by an independent individual or business. A Carrier Owned Container (COC) is the property of the carrier and is leased to the carrier’s consignee, while the SOC is the property of the shipper who then pays the carrier to carry the cargo for them by purchasing a slot in their truck Container charges or ships.

Where to Find Shipper-Owned Containers
Typically, a SOC can be found anywhere a COC is located. Although SOCs are often found on routes with less cargo, they are transported in the same way that carriers use to transport COCs. Below are the four most common freight SOC shipping methods.
cargo ship
The most common place to find a shipper-owned container is on a long sailing ship. Also known as cargo ships or container ships, they are designed to carry hundreds of metal SOCs of standard size 20 to 40 feet stacked on top of each other. Cargo ships play a key role in global shipping and trade operations.
Large ground transportation
Shipper-owned containers are also used for land transportation. Trucking is by far the most common form of ground transportation (the sheer size and weight of the SOC and COC require large trucks and engine power). However, rail freight continues to serve active freight on international shipping.
airplane
Air freight is used for expedited shipping and is also the most expensive method of shipping packages. Air freight requires specialized aircraft to accommodate SOC, COC, and other containers that can be loaded with cargo, and is more expensive.

multimodal transport
Multimodal transport refers to a transport mode in which a cargo container is transported to its unloading point in combination with the above transport modes. The farther the freight destination, the more likely the carrier will have to utilize multiple shipping strategies to complete the delivery.

SOC box operation process
1. Booking
The use of SOC boxes will reduce the shipping company’s box fee income. Therefore, SOC box booking is more difficult.
Compared with the shipping box, in addition to the different appointment number when booking, the shipping company has to check the box certificate, and the owner will accept the booking only after the box certificate is approved. If the booking party has its own SOC box, the box certificate can also be provided to the freight forwarder. After the freight forwarder has passed the review, the owner’s SOC box can be used for booking. Generally speaking, this cost is lower and the shipping cost will be lower. However, the box certificate review often results in the pre-allocated one day later than the owner’s box.

2. Take orders
After receiving the customer’s bill of lading, check the bill to see if there are any special terms and requirements for the bill of lading, and check with the shipping company whether it can be displayed.
When reviewing the order, pay attention to the Chinese name of the goods, HS.CODE. If it is a general chemical product, you need to provide MSDS, transportation condition appraisal certificate, the contact information of the consignor and the consignee, and check whether the consignor is a freight forwarder or a logistics company. If it is a freight forwarder, a copy of the NVOCC qualification certificate is required; if not, the booking will not be accepted unless the shipper information is changed.

3. Cabinets
When picking up the container, you need to rely on the forwarder’s release notice to pick it up, and the freight forwarder’s container management will indicate the pickup address and box number section in the container release notice. Put the box notice to knock on the team seal, and put the order to the shipping company to put it on site. There is only one entry page for the SOC box on-site, which is used for entering the terminal. Be sure to keep the team well. If it is lost, it will not be able to enter the port.

4. Return the box
When returning SOC containers, in most cases, foreign container owners designate return container yards. These depots are sometimes the same as the shipowners, sometimes in different places. Generally, the foreign agent of the freight forwarder will ask the consignee to sign a letter of guarantee for the return of the box to ensure that the box is returned to the accurate yard. If the SOC box is accidentally returned to the shipowner’s yard, and then shipped to another country by the shipowner, it will inevitably cause greater losses and cause disputes.

What is the difference between SOC and COC?
SOCs and COCs are often physically the same, sharing a designation such as a CSC license and an Approved Continuing Examination Program (or ACEP) certification. The only difference between a SOC and a COC is which party owns and is responsible for. Containers owned by the shipper belong to the shipper and are continually reused to ship the same product.

Containers owned by the carrier belong to the carrier or logistics company and are leased to consignees who do not have their own containers. After delivery, the COC is returned to the carrier, who then leases it to other customers. On the other hand, the SOC is returned to the shipper, who must store and maintain it independently of the carrier.

Benefits of using SOC containers
1. Avoid demurrage and demurrage
Demurrage and demurrage are two such charges that significantly impact the overall shipping budget. Demurrage is a charge issued when your cargo stays at a freight station for longer than a specified time, whereas demurrage is a charge imposed by a carrier for prolonged use. That means keeping the equipment longer than the contracted time frame, or it could mean keeping the trucks longer. It can happen for various reasons:

Customs Clearance – Typically, the customs clearance process takes 12 to 48 hours. But sometimes, if the inspector suspects there is any doubt, your transport unit may need to rest for a few days. Various circumstances can affect the delay or rejection of your shipment.
Permanent Rejection – There are several reasons for permanently rejecting a shipment. This could be a misdeclaration of the goods, undervaluation of the goods, or even in the case of import restricted products.

2. You get rid of freight LCL
Freight consolidation is a method in which various shippers within a specific geographic area combine their cargo into a single shipping unit, which is then transported to the port of destination, where the consolidated cargo is disassembled and delivered to an authorized holder. In this case, the shipper usually has to wait for the shipping unit to fill up.
The more days your box stays at the terminal, the more the box operator will charge. At this point, SOC Containers can be a boon for you.

3. Can be shipped to remote areas
In remote areas, the flow of transported goods and CTUs is erratic. Since they are not high surplus areas, shipping may be inflexible. You may have to wait a few days for the cargo box to be completely filled. These locations are known to have high process uncertainty, slow customization procedures and unreliable port operators. Using a SOC in a remote area can keep you away from this type of uncertainty

4. Acts as a backup when the port is congested
Overcapacity comes with the peak season. During peak/peak seasons, with some units being loaded and unloaded on and off the ship, respectively, import and export rates rose significantly. Port congestion is likely to occur because of delays in customs clearance as cargo increases. These units can stay at the dock for a few days, charging you demurrage and detention fees. Therefore, SOC boxes can also help you keep your money in your pocket during times of port congestion, especially during peak seasons.

5. Sets you free during peak season
High prices in peak season can be avoided. The demand for sea containers is increasing due to the large amount of cargo waiting to be delivered around the world. Freight containers are often in short supply due to increased demand.
In this case, having the container owned by the shipper proves to be beneficial to the exporter. You don’t have to worry about the shipping carrier’s container availability as you can easily deliver your cargo on time.

How expensive is the container owned by the shipper?
A SOC can cost anywhere from $1,300 to $3,000 or more, so you should check how and where you ship your goods before you invest. If you are transporting goods over long distances or to remote areas with frequent delays, or if you experience frequent delays, purchasing a SOC may be a worthwhile investment as it completely eliminates the hassle of demurrage and demurrage, While providing greater control over your supply chain.”