INTRODUCTION:
Getting a freight quote is obviously one of the primary steps involved shipping overseas and making a profit, no matter what product or products are involved. This post was created for any company that is in the international shipping market and includes obtaining a freight quote as part of their ongoing operation. This article will help those that are getting started with overseas shipping in a business environment, those moving overseas and need a one time quote or any business or individual needing a quote for auto shipping.
Research will naturally be a part of your activities but hopefully this article will help you cover much of the information required under one roof. Yes, ETC International Freight Systems does provide these types of services but we have always believed in transparency as demonstrated in the hundreds of other blog posts we have listed in this section of the ETC website.
Here are some other articles that might help with your research:
- The Federal Maritime Commission Dos & Don't
- Shipping Your Goods Abroad From "SafeHouse"
- "Packing To Go" - US Gov't Recommendations
KNOWING THE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Knowing some of the basics. Below we have listed various points along with brief explainations that will help you understand where your attention needs to be applied. You might want to print this article on securing various freight quotes to use as a checklist as needed.
Checklist items to understand and help secure the freight quote that will help you the most:
1. The Shipper:
This is you. When discussing your needs with various vendors and providers, understanding terminology is important. When referring to "the shipper", know that you are talking about yourself. You are the shipper.
2. The International Shipping Company:
ETC International Freight Systems is an example of an international shipping company. This is the organization that manages all of the details of your move. They are responsible for overseeing all aspects of your move and the company you will sign your contract with. This is also the company you will look to for your initial freight quotes.
3. The Origin Agent:
The origin agent will be the individual(s) that will be local and come to your home or business to access the details of your move so an accurate quote can be provided. The origin agent may be the freight forwarder as well as the group responsible for packing and loading your goods if it's a residential move.
4. The Freight Forwarder:
First you want to know if your freight forwarder is licensed or an authorized agent. This company is responsible for arranging the shipment designated for overseas as well as help make sure the appropriate documents are in order. You can also expect this company to actually move the goods from the point of origin to the port for ocean shipping.
5. The Consolidating Warehouse:
The volume of your freight will vary and the consolidating warehouse will be responsible for combining or consolidating your goods on a container. If your shipment does not warrant a full container, this is the company that will make the arrangements to consolidate your freight with other shippers or determine that your goods will demand a single or private container for shipping overseas. This process will be somewhat invisible and may even seem to move in a different direction but remember, these decisions are always made to save you money through consolidation.
6. The Export Port:
This is simply the launching point. It is the location where the container that holds your goods will be loaded onto an overseas freighter. From an operations or management perspective, there isn't much involvement from the shipper and not much to be concerned about. However, because this article is focusing on securing the best freight quote, you don want to ask if the the freight quote you receive does or does not include the origin port fees or origin terminal handling charges (OTHC).
7. The Shipping Line:
This is the company that actually owns the vessel that will ship the container your goods are stored in. Although most of this is somewhat automatic, it is a good idea to know who the shipping line is for many different reasons. One of which is having the ability to track the shipment like you would domestically with a carrier like FedEx or UPS.
8. The Container Line:
This is the company that has ownership of the container your goods are packed in. Many times the shipping line and the container line will be the same company.
9. The Destination Port:
Like the "export port" is the launching point from a location stand point, the destination port is the location where the container ship will stop and drop your container.
10. The Customs Bonded Warehouse:
Customs is a part of all international shipping and must be recognized on both ends. When the destination port is reached, the container holding your goods is moved into a warehouse to be stored until they can go through customs.
11. The Destination Agent:
Like the origin agent, this is the company responsible for getting your goods through customs. A tip would be to learn who the destination agent is during the freight quote process because they will know the most about exemptions and unforeseen duties. They will also know many of the details about your shipments destination that only they can know.
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
We have learned the many steps and much of the terminology that describes these steps. We have learned that these steps needed to be included in any freight quote you request but don't misunderstand, you must always read the fine print. There are many variables and those international shipping services that have little regard for transparency and accuracy can use some of these variables to inflate the price. Once these prices are on paper, with your signature, you're no longer in the driver's seat.
Remember that this is a very simplified checklist for your international shipping needs especially if you're doing this on a regular basis and dealing with larger and/or expensive goods. If you think it will help your research, we are always available for a no cost or obligation question and answer session. Just use the button bellow to take you to a page where you can simply ask a question or arrange a real time discussion.
