Learn who is authorized to make US customs entries on your behalf. Merchandise arriving in the United States by commercial carrier must be entered by the owner, purchaser, his or her authorized regular employee, or by the licensed customs broker designated by the owner, purchaser, or consignee. U.S. CBP officers and employees are not authorized to act as agents for importers or forwarders of imported merchandise, although they may give all reasonable advice and assistance to inexperienced importers. Customs brokers are the only persons who are authorized by the tariff laws of the United States to act as agents for importers in the transaction of their customs business.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is an Importer Security Filing?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]Under the new rule, before merchandise arriving by vessel can be imported into the United States, the “Importer Security Filing (ISF) Importer,” or their agent (e.g., licensed customs broker), must electronically submit certain advance cargo information to CBP in the form of an Importer Security Filing. This requirement only applies to cargo arriving in the United States by ocean vessel; it does not apply to cargo arriving by other modes of transportation.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Is it possible for people to travel at cargo ships?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]Yes, however it is much more expensive & they do not stop at popular touristic destinations.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How many containers are lost approximately at ocean every year?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]Around 10,000 containers estimated to be lost at sea, the average is one container per hour.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Which countries have the biggest ports in the world?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]7 of the world’s biggest ports are from China, remaining are in Singapore, Netherlands & South Korea.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What’s the average travel time of a container ship in one year?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]A container ship travels the equivalent of three-quarters of the way to the moon and back in one year during its regular travel across the oceans.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How many merchant vessels are there in the world?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]There are approximately 55,000 merchant ships carrying cargo around the world.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How many containers are there in the world?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]At this moment there are roughly 20 million containers crossing the world.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What are the limitations when shipping in a container?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]There are limitations when shipping your cargo in a container. The limitations include size, weight and contents. The internal dimensions of a 20ft container are approximately 19.5ft long by 7.5ft high and 7.5ft wide. The weight limit for a 20ft container is approximately 20,000 pounds. The internal dimensions of a 40ft container are approximately 39.5ft long by 7.5ft high and 7.5ft wide. The weight limit for a 40ft container is approximately 40,000 pounds. You may not ship any combustible materials and you are limited by what the destination country will allow you to import.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What does %22destination charges%22 mean?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]When the shipment reaches the destination, there are charges for offloading the goods therefore some documentation and handling fees will be charged by the destination agents depending on destination country . The charges we will see will be different based on the each destination point since regulation may be different at each country.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What does Ctpat mean?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]Ctpat is a United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiative that stands for Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. Ctpat Seeks to safeguard the worlds vibrant trade industry from terrorists, maintaining the economic health of the US and its neighbors.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Are the containers airtight?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]Containers are not airtight therefore it may get affected negatively by the weather changes while the vessel travels. There could be changes in temperature and of course specially humidity may cause in different results such as moss, etc.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is a known shipper for air cargo?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]After September 11th, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented new rules to insure the safety of domestic and international air travel in the United States. Shippers who have been properly vetted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are considered a Known Shipper and may tender their freight for shipment on both passenger and cargo-only aircraft. Any shipper who has not gone through this formal vetting process may ONLY ship freight on cargo-only aircraft and NOT on passenger flights.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is chargeable weight?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]Air freight calculator is based on volume measured weight also known as volumetric weight. The air freight will always be charged per kilogram against the greater weight whether it is the actual or volumetric weight. Typically, large items with a light overall weight take up more space on an aircraft than a small, heavy item. That’s why the Airlines charge according to Chargeable Weight.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is the U.S. largest export product?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]Agricultural products.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Where are the dry shipping containers manufactured?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]Roughly 97% of all dry freight shipping containers are manufactured in China.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is the life of a shipping container?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]Shipping containers can last over 20 years! Provided they are taken care of with regular paint and maintenance, a good container will serve you for a long time.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”According to 2013 stats, how many Asia ports are in top 10 ports list with the number of containers they handle?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]Nine. Only Jebel Ali was in 9th place.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”When is the first seafreight container found?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]1955 – Malcom P. McLean, a trucking entrepreneur from North Carolina, USA, bought a steamship company with the idea of transporting entire truck trailers with their cargo still inside. He realized it would be much simpler and quicker to have one container that could be lifted from a vehicle directly on to a ship without first having to unload its contents.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Are security seals on containers safe?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]Yes and No. According to a study, a trained individual was able, using low-tech methods, to defeat 90% of the 244 seals they studied in less than 3 minutes, and all of them in less than 44 minutes.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Who has the largest warehouse in the world?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]Boeing has the largest warehouse/building in the world, as big 80 football fields.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is the largest roro vessel in the world?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]MV Tønsberg is a roll-on/roll-off ship owned by Wilh. Wilhelmsen. As of 2012 it is the largest RORO ship in the world. Dimensions: MV Tønsberg is 265m length overall and 32.26m wide, and has 11m draught and 46m of airdraught. Gross tonnage is 76,500 gt.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is the Longest Canal in the world?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]The Grand Canal (also known as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the longest canal or artificial river in the world – at 1,115 miles.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Which country is the world’s biggest ship builder?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]China built the 36.8% of the world ships over 100 gross tonnage and over in 2013 and 42.4% of worlds new ship orders in 2014 belong to China.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is a documentation cut-off ?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]It’s a deadline for submitting the shipping instructions ( master ) to your carrier.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is a cargo cut-off ?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]It’s the deadline for in-gating the container to the terminal.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is a COD ?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]COD stands for Change Of Destination. It is common in the shipping industry for a change of destination to be requested due to a change of the final receiver.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is a tariff or duty on imported goods?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]
Answer: A tariff or duty is a tax levied by governments typically calculated as a percentage of the declared value of the commodity. Import duty differs from product to product and is dependent on the commodity being imported, its declared value, its country of origin, and other factors like anti-dumping legislation and quota controls. Import duty values can be as low as zero or as high as 100% (or more) of the product’s declared value.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Can transit time be guaranteed?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]
Answer: No, transit times are provided by the ocean carriers and are for estimation purposes only. Transit times provided cannot be guaranteed although most shipments will depart and arrive as scheduled.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a fix rate deal?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]
The biggest advantage of having a fix rate is to know the freight related costs in advance and have a very accurate budget for the next one year. Fix rate is the ocean freight rates that are usually valid for 1 year. Depending on the deal some fix rates might be subject to PSS. Fix rates are given based on the expectations for the next 1 year and it is useful for companies that need to calculate their freight costs for the long term. Importers don’t get affected by the general rate increases and it might be a piece of mind. The biggest disadvantage of having a fix rate is you might be paying more than the market levels. Also especially during peak season and when the fix rates are higher than the market rates, the steamship lines might limit the space that they are granting at their vessels to maximize their profit per vessel.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How much time is needed to book a container from overseas?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]Usually 1 week or 10 days would be the most ideal time frame to place a booking in overseas to catch the most appropriate and earliest vessel. Depending on the country and incoterms ( FOB vs Ex Works) this may vary. The necessary filings and cut off dates dictate this time frame. AMS and ISF filings must be done in advance prior to vessel’s sailing from overseas for direct US port calls. Usually the Container yard cut off is 3days before the vessel’s planned departure date from overseas and container must be gated in to the terminal within this time frame.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What does Payload mean for shipping in containers?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]A: Payload – is the maximum cargo weight that a container can carry and excludes the tare weight of the container. Containers have CSC plates that reflect the payload that the container is allowed to carry.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Which carrier is the largest ocean container carrier in the world?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]A: Maersk Line. Maersk Line is the global container division and the largest operating unit of the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group, a Danish business conglomerate. It is the world’s largest container shipping company having customers through 374 offices in 116 countries.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is the difference between demurrage, detention, and per diem?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]
– Demurrage, usually described as port demurrage; is the fee that is charged by the port when the container remains at the port past the last free day.
– Detention – usually used by truckers to describe driver detention; is the fee that is charged when a container takes longer than the allowed free time to live unload a full container. This term can also be used to describe port detention which is when the driver has waited at the port past the allowed free waiting time before they were able to get the container out of the port. Port detention is common when ports are very congested. This term is also used by somesteamshiplines to describe the extra charges that are billed for the container which stays at the port more than the free time allowed. Depending on the steamshipline, both port demurrage and detention for the equipment is charged.
– Per Diem – this is the fee that is charged by the steamship lines when the empty container is not returned past the allotted free empty-return time.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How much free time am I allowed to deliver my container?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]It depends on the steam ship line and the port – it ranges from three to four business days after the container discharges. For example, if the carrier allows four days of free time and the container is offloaded and available for delivery on Monday, you have until Thursday to outgate the container. Sometimes we may have a special contract with a carrier that allows extra free time. Please check with your customer rep at MTS to confirm the Last Free day of your shipment!
If your container arrived at the rail, most of the rail ramps allow only two calendar days of free time to out-gate containers. Depending on the rail ramps, Sunday may or may not count towards the free time. Again, please advise with your customer representative at MTS to confirm the last free day.
[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What does VGM mean?” open=”off” use_border_color=”on” border_color=”#056f8e” border_style=”solid” open_toggle_text_color=”#056f8e” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” border_color_all=”#056f8e” border_width_all=”1px” border_style_all=”solid”]VGM stands for “Verified Gross Mass” and it is the weight of a packed container. VGM includes then packing and securing materials (pallets, wires and container tare weight).
VGM is different from the ‘cargo weight’ which means cargo weight only.
Ø To provide for the safety of crew and shore men at all times
Ø To protect the ship
Ø To protect the cargo
Ø To obtain the maximum use of the available capacity of the ship
Ø To provide for rapid and systematic discharging and loading