Ocean Freight- Answers To Frequently Asked Questions

By Author: Ricardo Lumbardo
Total Articles: 1135
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If you have a few common questions about ocean freight that you need answers to, read below to get a better understanding about the subject.

1. Ocean Freight - What is It?

Most of the times, the freight which is shipped to an international location is sent through sea vessels. The cost for this service refers to just the cost of sending the shipment across the ocean and not the other costs which are associated with it like the transportation till the container, the charges for storage etc.

2. What are the Surcharges?

The additional charges which would be applicable would be the basic charges for covering transportation from port to port, the delivery charges, documentation fees, security charges and fuel surcharge.

3. What Does Container Yard Mean?

CY or container yard refers to the facility where the empty and loaded containers are accepted for loading the onboard vessels.

4. What Does FOB Mean?

FOB refers to Free on Board. The term is used for indicating that the consignor would be responsible for the goods transportation to the ...
... shipment port and for the loading cost. The consignee would have to pay the cost for the unloading, insurance, ocean freight and related costs.

5. What are Drop and Pick and Live Load?

When receiving a quote for ocean freight, the shipper should know the difference between drop and pick and live load. The responsibilities and prices for both are different. In live load, the driver would transport just an empty container to the shipper who would have to load the container which would then be sealed and secured by the driver. In drop and pick facility, the driver would deliver the container and leave it for some days. Once the container is loaded, the driver would have to retrieve it and take it to the yard. This facility would cost more than a live load.

6. What are the Main Shipping Documents which are Used?

For international sipping, there are a few documents which would be required according to the law like the Bill of Lading, certificate of origin, quota/visa, fumigation certificate, packing materials and weight description, packing list, commercial invoice or an inventory list along with the other required legal documents.

7. What is Bill of Lading?

A Bill of Lading or BOL in ocean freight refers to a document which is issued by a carrier indicating that the goods have been received for transportation to a specific consignee and place. The document would have to be legally signed since it is a contract between the shipper and the carrier.

8. What is SED?

Quite a lot of shippers are also required to complete the SED or the shipper's Export Declaration. This document is a form which is used by the government in order to compile the statistics for the exports. There are a few shipments which would not have to be reported.

9. Would the Freight be Insured?

Most carriers would only limit their liability to the damage of cargo. The limitation would vary according to the carrier but the shipper should find out the exact details about ocean freight insurance. The shipper might also have to get extra insurance before sending the shipment.

The quotes for international shipping are available easily online with several companies. Compare all the options, ask the necessary questions and clear all your doubts about ocean freight before making any decisions.

To know more about ocean freight and efficient and stress free international shipping, please visit http://www.globalforwarding.com/.