FAQ

Freight forwarding is a service used by companies that have a requirement to transport general cargo or personal effects or multi-nationally or who import and export goods internally or worldwide. While the freight forwarder may not actually move the freight itself, it acts as an intermediary between the client and various transportation services.

Sending goods and products from one national/international destination to another can involve a multitude of carriers, requirements and legalities. A freight forwarding service handles the considerable logistics of this task for the client, relieving what would otherwise be a formidable burden.

Market demands. Traditionally from December through to April, it is called the “slow season.” Because the retail market slows down after Christmas. However, from mid January through to early February there is an upsurge of cargo moving to beat the Chinese New Year deadline. This usually keeps rates high as there is always space problems for cargo getting on vessels. From May through to November is the “peak season” where there is a big demand for cargo movement, so the Carriers raise the rates during this period, with the GRI (general rate increase), and PSS (peak season surcharge).

Bunker Fuel costs. This is a floating surcharge that the Carrier’s can change when oil prices rise or fall.

Terminal costs. This is when the Carrier has increases in costs when Terminal costs rise due to congestion problems, etc. The Carriers can add in new surcharges which have happened in the past and eventually get absorbed into the “all in ” rate quoted.

To make sure the supplier overseas (Import Basis) of if you are the supplier for any export shipment, creates all necessary documents in correct order (such as the packing list, commercial Invoice, original bill of lading / Telex Release / Master bill of lading / any IMO declaration) in a timely fashion at least one week before cargo arrives the destination. This is the main step to ensure that everything is processed through customs ahead of schedule and Freight is paid along with presentation of the original BL unless you have a credit agreement with our Company. A factor that slows this process down is when there are discrepancies between Consignee and Supplier.

Our Company Trust Logistics Ltd has a department of the custom clearance and we do offer custom clearance

It will have a bearing on cost and sometimes (particularly with airfreight) which shipping modes should be used. Most shipments are charged on either the weight or volume, whichever leads to the higher chargeable weight by volume.

Yes, we sell insurance, we recommend that you Insure your shipment. We offer Insurance for Vehicles / Personal effects / Commercial Goods / Hazardous goods and more all-risk and total loss

Most often, the damage occurs when the cranes pick up the containers and the contents are shaken. There is movement from side to side, and up-and-down movement on the vessel or plane that can damage the shipment. Weather during transit can also cause significant movement also which can cause damaged to any goods.

We accept, bank draft, cash, direct deposits and telegraphic transfer.

Shipping times vary from port to port by distance, routing and congestion. Transit time is calculated once the container is on board the vessel and confirmed departed. Quoted transit times do not consider delays that may occur due to poor weather conditions, customs processing and/or examination. Consolidated cargo will take longer considering earlier cut-off times to allow for the documentation and loading process

Contact us with the details of your shipment to help us determine the size/volume and weight of your shipment. Details should include Length, Width, Height, and Weight of your shipment.

We will send you a quotation and we recommend that you compare it with other forwarders. Keep in mind that all costs are considered when comparing. Once an agreement is made, we can work out further details, including pick-up dates and documentation requirements. Top of Form

Other shipping container designs include (but are not limited to):

• Open-tops – with a removable tarpaulin roof.
• Refrigerated – for frozen or perishable cargoes
• Flat racks – for oversized cargoes – no roof, no side panels and collapsible end frames.
• Tank containers – for liquids.
• Bulkers – for granular cargoes.