FAQ

 Volatile Shipment Rate

While there are several factors involved, the primary is market demand. Traditionally from Dec through April for imports, especially from Asia to the U.S., it is called the “slow season.” Because the retail market slows down after Christmas. However from mid-January through early February there is an upsurge of cargo moving to beat the Chinese New Year deadline whereby factories all over China shut down for weeks.

This usually keeps rates high as there is always a space problem for cargo getting on vessels. From May through November this would be the “peak season” where there is a big demand for cargo moving into the U.S., so the Carriers raise the rates during this period, with the GRI (general rate increase), and PSS (peak season surcharge).
Another factor is fuel, or what is called the Bunker Fuel factor. This is a floating surcharge that the Carrier’s can change when oil prices rise or fall. It is called the BAF.

Payment Methods

Most freight payments are done with a Company check. However you can also pay with wire transfer or credit card (subject to administrative fee). Payment is sent right around the time the freight is due to arrive, clear customs and be released.

 Smooth Process of Shipment

Firstly, make sure your supplier overseas (on imports) or if you are the supplier for an export shipment, creates all of the necessary documents correctly (packing lists, commercial invoice, original bill of lading-OB/L) and in a timely fashion,

so that all documents are provided with the necessary banks and sent to you (the importer) or your buyer-consignee on the B/L (if you are the exporter) at least 1 week before cargo arrives the destination so that everything can be processed through customs ahead of schedule and freight can be paid along with presentation of the original B/L. One factor that usually slows this process down is when there is discrepancies between the buyer and supplier and since the goods are not paid for, the OB/L has not been surrendered by the Supplier to the Consignee (buyer)

Yes, air freight is based on both the actual weight and changeable weight of the cargo.

There is a special formula.
Just give us all three dimensions and we will calculate the chargeable weight for you.

This varies depending on the airline so please ask us.
As a rule of thumb, maximum normal cargo dimensions: 120x80x60in.
As the weight and size increase so will the cost. If your cargo is oversized or requires special handling, ask us about special rates.

Yes, please help to provide us your door address, and we will check the cost for you.

There may be airport fees, warehouse fees, custom clearance charges, duty/tax and door delivery charges.
Of course, if your cargo is chosen for custom exam at destination, please prepare to home charges and delays for getting the cargo.

No, the airlines will reject any cargo that is not properly packed. Must be packed in a box, crate, or on a pallet. If there are any oversized items or cargo requiring special packing, please ask.

We will send you some paperwork for you to fill out the basic information, Such as shipper and receiving party contact information.
Don’t worry; we will take care of all the export custom and paperwork for you.