1.
I want to import goods from abroad, what information do I need to
have to get a quote on shipping costs?
Firstly, you have to
advise the terms of sale (FOB, ExWorks, C.I.F etc) in case of ExWorks
we need to have the collection address in the country of export/sale.
Next we need to have the volume (in cubic metres), the weight and
commodity you are looking to ship. In case of oversized items we need
to know this beforehand. Similarly, same information is needed for
the exportation of goods.
2. How do I
make a booking to have goods shipped?
Simply contact our offices
either via the online form or by telephone advising us the contact
details of the supplier for import / consignee for export, the terms
of sale and the shipment particulars. In case you are exporting, you
will have to fill in a shipping application available online but also
through our office.
3. Insurance
when shipping goods, is it really necessary?
Insurance can be a life
saver. It costs so little and yet can offer such assistance at times
of trouble. We would advise insuring your goods at all times, this
is why we maintain an insurance department with experienced personnel
to guide you through the process.
4. What is B.A.F
and C.A.F?
B.A.F stands for Bunkers
Adjustment Factor effectively an adjustment in shipping charges to
offset price fluctuations in the cost of bunker fuel.
C.A.F stands for Currency Adjustment Factor and covers the appreciation
of currency usually quoted as a percentage of the ocean freight.
6. What is a
Bill of Lading?
The document issued
on behalf of the carrier describing the kind and quantity of goods
being shipped, the shipper, the consignee, the ports of loading and
discharge and the carrying vessel. A memorandum or acknowledgment
in writing, signed by the captain or master of a ship or other vessel,
that he has received in good order, on board of his ship or vessel,
therein named, at the place therein mentioned, certain goods therein
specified, which he promises to deliver in like good order, (the dangers
of the seas excepted,) at the place therein appointed for the delivery
of the same, to the consignee therein named or to his assigns, he
or they paying freight for the same. Or it is the written evidence
of a contract for the carriage and delivery of goods sent by sea for
certain freight.
A bill of lading ought to contain the name of the consignor; the name
of the consignee the name of the master of the vessel; the name of
the vessel; the place of departure and destination; the price of the
freight; and in the margin, the marks and numbers of the things shipped.
The bill of lading is assignable, and the assignee is entitled to
the goods, subject, however, to the shipper's right, in some cases,
of stoppage in transit.
- House bill of lading: It is the document issued by the freight forwarder
to the shipper giving the detail of the consignment to be carried
to the destination country.
- Master bill of lading: It is the document issued by the original
carrier or the liner to the freight forwarders giving the detail of
the cargos to be carried by the liner.
- Through bill of lading: A document that establishes the terms between
a shipper and transportation company covering both the domestic and
international transport of export goods between specified points for
a specified charge.
- Express bill of lading: It is a document required for the express
delivery of the consignment .The original bill of lading is not required
in this case which is surrendered at the load port.
- Switch bill of lading Often called “the trader’s second set” and
intended to replace the first set of bills of lading issued. Usually
used where a seller/trader wishes to keep the name of his supplier,
named as shipper, secret from the ultimate buyer of goods. Due care
and consideration must be exercised when issuing such bills of lading
because of inherent exposure to fraud/conversion of factual data.
7. What is classified
as dangerous cargo?
For the transport of
dangerous goods, materials or articles, the International Maritime
Organisation has classified them in 9 classes:
- Class1: explosives,
- Class2: gases,
- Class3: flammable liquids,
- Class4: flammable solids,
- Class 5: oxidizing substances organic peroxides,
- Class 6: toxic and infectious substances,
- Class 7: radioactives material,
- Class 8: corrosives substances,
- Class 9: miscellaneous dangerous substance and articles.
9. When importing
goods apart from freight costs what other expenses are incurred locally
to have goods delivered cleared to my door?
Apart from ocean freight
the following expenses will follow for the clearance and delivery
of cargo: a) Delivery Order b) Customs clearance fee c) Transportation
d) Cyprus Ports Authority Wharfages and e) Customs Duties and Taxes
if any. Different companies will usually follow their own pricing
policies.
