| What do you need to know about shipping freight | | | | If a shipper chooses a drop and pick, the driver will |
| internationally? We've got a few common questions | | | | deliver a freight container, leaving it for a few days. |
| (and answers) here. | | | | After it is loaded, the driver is called back to retrieve |
| 1. What is Ocean Freight? | | | | it and take it to the appropriate container yard (CY). |
| Most freight shipped intercontinental is transported | | | | This option is generally more expensive unless the |
| via sea vessel in containers. This is rarely the only | | | | loading location is very close to the CY. |
| component to international shipping however. A | | | | 6. What are the necessary shipping documents used |
| reference to ocean freight cost usually refers only to | | | | in international shipping? |
| the cost associated with the actual ocean-crossing | | | | The international shipping experts at a freight |
| portion of the shipment. Transportation of the freight | | | | transportation management service can assist any |
| to and from container yards at the ports of origin | | | | shipper with all shipping documents required by a |
| and destination is provided by trucks and are not | | | | carrier and/or by law. |
| part of an ocean freight charge. (Depending upon the | | | | Some common documents required in an international |
| destination country, a freight transportation | | | | shipment are bill of lading (BOL), a commercial invoice |
| management service can provide assistance with | | | | or valued inventory list, packing list with pieces, |
| inland transportation after the container is unloaded | | | | weight and packing materials described, fumigation |
| at the port as well.) | | | | certificate, visa/quota, certificate of origin, hazardous |
| 2. Surcharges in Ocean Freight | | | | materials declaration and other legal documents. |
| Additional charges included in an international ocean | | | | 7. What is an ocean freight Bill of Lading? |
| freight price quote will generally include basic sea | | | | An Ocean Freight Bill of Lading (BOL) is a document |
| freight charges to cover the port-to-port | | | | issued by the carrier indicating that certain goods |
| transportation, a fuel surcharge, security charges, | | | | have been received on board for transport to a |
| documentation fees and container delivery charges. | | | | specific place and consignee. The BOL is legally |
| 3. What is a Container Yard (CY)? | | | | significant because it represents the contract |
| A Container Yard (CY) is a facility at which loaded | | | | between carrier and shipper. It also serves as receipt |
| and empty freight containers are accepted for | | | | and document of title to the goods. |
| loading onboard vessels. Containers are also | | | | 8. What is SED (Shipper's Export Declaration)? |
| off-loaded and stored at CYs. | | | | Many shippers must also complete a Shipper's Export |
| 4. What is FOB? | | | | Declaration or SED. An SED is a form used by the |
| FOB stands for Free on Board. It is used to indicate | | | | U.S. Government to compile export statistics for the |
| when liability and ownership of goods is transferred | | | | country. Certain shipments are exempt from |
| from a seller to a buyer. In international shipping, | | | | reporting. The form is available from the U.S. Census |
| "FOB [name of originating port]" means that the seller | | | | Department. Ask your freight transportation |
| (consignor) is responsible for transportation of the | | | | management service for more information on SEDs. |
| goods to the port of shipment and the cost of | | | | 9. Is ocean freight insured? |
| loading. The buyer (consignee) pays the costs of | | | | Most ocean freight carriers contractually limit their |
| ocean freight, insurance, unloading, and transportation | | | | liability for damage to cargo. The dollar limitation |
| from the arrival port to the final destination. The | | | | varies from carrier to carrier but is typically relatively |
| seller passes the risk to the buyer when the goods | | | | low. A shipper should be sure to find out exactly |
| are loaded at the originating port. | | | | what the limitation is before shipping. |
| 5. What is "Live Load" and "Drop and Pick"? | | | | The shipper should then probably purchase extra |
| When getting a price quote for international shipping, | | | | insurance for the shipment prior to tendering the |
| specifically for ocean freight, a shipper should be sure | | | | cargo to the carrier. Questions about coverage and |
| to know the difference between live load and drop | | | | insurance certificates can be answered by your |
| and pick. Pricing and responsibilities are different with | | | | service representative. |
| each option. | | | | International shipping quotes are easily available |
| In a live load arrangement, a driver will transport an | | | | through our web-based freight transportation |
| empty freight container to the shipper. After the | | | | management service online quoting system. After a |
| shipper loads the container, the driver will secure and | | | | shipper has had the opportunity to compare available |
| seal the container for transport. There is generally a | | | | shipping options, any additional questions can be |
| time limit in which the load must be completed | | | | handled directly by our experienced personnel. |
| without additional cost. | | | | |