Are my goods insured?

Most Forwarding Agents do not arrange insurance cover unless they have been instructed to do so in writing.  We certainly recommend that you consider arranging insurance and will be happy to quote you.  More Information

How are Freight charges worked out?

Freight is either charged based on the volume or the gross weight of the shipment, except for Full Container Loads (FCL), where it is charged according to the size and type of container used.

For LCL Seafreight it is charged per 1000 Kg or per cubic metre, whichever results in the highest revenue. The minimum is usually 1 cubic metre or 1000Kg.

For Airfreight it is charged per Kg or per 0.006 cubic metre.  Minimum charges vary depending on services used, but are considerably lower than Seafreight.

What other charges will I have to pay?

Liability for charges varies according to the terms of sale under which you buy or sell your goods.

What are Terms of Sale?

These are the terms that determine who pays for what from the time the goods leave the seller until they reach the buyer.  They also determine the point at which risk transfers from the Seller to the Buyer.  The most common ones are listed below. For a full list and exact definitions you should contact your chamber of commerce for a copy of the Incoterms publication

What are Ex Works Terms

The buyer is responsible for all costs involved in moving the cargo from the sellers premises to the buyer’s premises.  The Buyer should nominate the Carrier.

What are FOB (Free on Board) Terms

The Seller is responsible for the transport and associated costs up to the point where the goods cross the Ship’s rail.  The Buyer is responsible for the rest of the costs.  The buyer should nominate the carrier.  It is not technically correct but this term is widely used for airfreight shipments as well as those by sea.  In this case the Seller is responsible for the costs up to the time the goods are loaded on the aircraft.

What are C & F (Cost and Freight) Terms

The seller is responsible for all costs up to the arrival of the vessel at the destination port.  The Buyer is responsible for the destination port costs and all other charges from arrival onwards.  The Seller should nominate the Carrier

What are C.I.F. (Cost, Insurance, Freight) Terms

AS C & F except the seller is also responsible for arranging any insurance

What are Delivered Terms

The Seller is responsible for all costs involved in moving the goods to the buyers premises.

Is Freight always weight or volume?

No, sometimes items require special handling, or they have awkward dimensions.  Please feel free to contact us for more information

How much can I load into a shipping container?

The exact amount of cargo you can load will vary according to package sizes and how many different sizes of package you have.  In theory a 20ft container will hold about 30 cubic metres, but it only requires a few wasted cm along the sides or along the top to bring that figure down quickly.  In general 28 cubic metres for a 20ft and 55 cubic metres for a 40ft are considered good loads.  40ft High Cube containers can take around 65 cubic metres.  Please see our container guide for internal dimensions.

Do I have to pay VAT?

Our charges for moving goods in or out of the EU do not attract VAT.

However most Imports from Non EU countries are VAT liable and Customs collect the VAT with the duty as part of the import clearance process.

What is a pseudo VAT number

For commercial imports to the EU customs require a VAT number to be included on the customs entry.  If you are not VAT registered you have to apply to Customs for a Pseudo VAT number.

Individuals importing items on a non-commercial basis do not need a Pseudo VAT number.

What is a NVOCC

A NVOCC is a non-vessel-owning common carrier