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Air Freight Guide: Essential Info for Exporters & Importers

<p>A common word you hear in import-export parlance is freight. The<a href="https://www.dictionary.com/ " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Oxford Dictionary</a> defines freight as “goods transported in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft”. Given that freight is also <a href="https://www.dictionary.com/ " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">defined</a> as the “charge for transport by freight”, we will use the term freight shipping when talking about the process of transporting goods by land, sea and air.</p><p><a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 1.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a></p><p>This blog serves as a comprehensive guide to freight shipping and the five modes of shipping cargo – by sea, air, road, rail and barge.&nbsp;In this blog, we will discuss:</p><ul><li>What is a freight shipment?</li><li>Benefits of freight shipping</li><li>Five modes of shipping freight</li><li>Salient points, benefits and drawbacks of shipping by sea, air, road, rail and barge</li><li>Intermodal / multimodal shipping</li></ul><h3><strong>What is a Freight Shipment?</strong></h3><p>From food to fuel, machinery to minerals, textiles to automobiles, goods of any kind can be shipped as freight. But to qualify as a freight shipment, the goods must meet certain conditions. Generally, they must weigh more than <strong>68 kg (150 pounds) </strong>and be larger than <strong>30 in x 30 in x 30 in</strong>. But these standards might differ across shipping modes and carriers. For example, air freight carriers require a shipment to weigh a minimum of 45 kg. Anything smaller qualifies as a parcel. As opposed to freight, which is moved in bulk, a parcel is typically shipped in a box, one at a time, by a parcel carrier such as FedEx, UPS or DHL.</p><p><a href="https://cogoport.com/signup/en-IN/?utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-1.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a></p><h3><strong>Benefits of Freight Shipping</strong></h3><p>Freight shipping is the bedrock on which international trade rests. It is a gift not only to economies and countries but to each exporter and importer for these reasons:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>You can send large and bulky goods anywhere across the world</li><li>With freight shipping now a booming industry, moving large volumes of cargo across long distances is reasonably priced. And, you can choose the most pocket-friendly option among many. For example, you can choose to send a large shipment by ship as it will cost you less than air freight&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Your cargo stays safe even on month-long sea voyages because freight shipping offers secure packaging in pallets and containers</li><li>Special services such as <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/blogs/a-complete-guide-to-shipping-in-refrigerated-containers-reefers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">refrigerated containers (reefers)</a> ensure temperature-sensitive products retain their freshness and product value&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Freight shipping offers flexibility and choice. If your cargo is urgent and money isn’t an issue, you can ship it by air. If you want to save on costs and are not bound by time, you can ship by sea. Similarly, if you are using road transport, you can pick rail to keep costs low or truck for speed.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Working with top shipping lines, airlines, railway companies, trucking firms and inland water transport providers means you can entrust your products to them safely, track your shipment from pick-up to delivery and, in case of delays or damage, work with them for an effective resolution&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Alternatively, you can avail the services of online freight logistics companies such as <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/blogs/a-complete-guide-to-shipping-in-refrigerated-containers-reefers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cogoport</a> to get instant freight quotes from multiple carriers, book a cargo service within minutes, hire experienced customs agents and freight forwarders, and track all your shipments on one easy dashboard.</li></ul><h3><strong>Freight Shipping Modes</strong></h3><p>The five modes of transporting cargo are:&nbsp;</p><ol><li>Ocean</li><li>Air</li><li>Road (truck and trailer)</li><li>Rail&nbsp;</li><li>Barge</li></ol><p><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f4f54e3e6daaf7fe49b7d75_ytJOX8u4CQyLRghiNSpijHmsDqjSlkPM7uDp0bHKFR01XXz6X7OEgkiHBZOJDSpWC4zHRSKTftm10Qb7ludK4GlOgsEk6pjJO-eVAhuf_fSjJ18I3jV8BaM4_cBLB9M6vOJgBDOT.jpeg" alt="5f4f54e3e6daaf7fe49b7d75_ytJOX8u4CQyLRghiNSpijHmsDqjSlkPM7uDp0bHKFR01XXz6X7OEgkiHBZOJDSpWC4zHRSKTftm10Qb7ludK4GlOgsEk6pjJO-eVAhuf_fSjJ18I3jV8BaM4_cBLB9M6vOJgBDOT.jpeg"></p><p>A container ship off the waters of Seattle, USA. (Photo by Andy Li on Unsplash)</p><h3><strong>Ocean</strong></h3><p>Ocean freight shipping accounts for close to<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/CpsTAUPoScw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> 90% of international trade by volume</a>, making it the behemoth of international shipping. Under this mode of shipping, large volumes of goods are packed into containers and transported in ships across the globe. It is the most efficient and economically-viable way of moving large volumes. It also has a fairly good safety record and is considered<a href="https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/rmt2019_en.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> less polluting</a> than other shipping modes such as air.</p><p><a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 2.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a></p><h3><strong>Standard Containers</strong></h3><p>Shipping containers, commonly made of steel and sometimes of aluminium, come in standard sizes specified by the International Organisation for Standardisation. The most commonly used containers are the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/nov/02/environmental-impact-of-shipping-goods" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20-foot, 40-foot and 40-foot high cube containers</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f4f54e4617fbc11ad58bb77_uAzj7L1oO8XO2lXA0wuKXEiVvq2pJXPH9kTTvGgaqWxFXSBeHzGBVF_TlQgN1iyFFjs3-Yz-Qnk5ZoNUnBS-ajOHN-wuaokFeUoj-YrOUT4MXh-fGSJSLquaYjl8w2WdUuIwX1Bv.png" alt="5f4f54e4617fbc11ad58bb77_uAzj7L1oO8XO2lXA0wuKXEiVvq2pJXPH9kTTvGgaqWxFXSBeHzGBVF_TlQgN1iyFFjs3-Yz-Qnk5ZoNUnBS-ajOHN-wuaokFeUoj-YrOUT4MXh-fGSJSLquaYjl8w2WdUuIwX1Bv.png"></p><h3><strong>Modes of Ocean Freight Shipping</strong></h3><p>When you talk about ocean freight shipping, there are two ways of doing it:</p><p><a href="https://www.cogoport.com/blogs/complete-guide-to-lcl-shipping-everything-exporters-importers-need-to-know" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping</strong></a></p><p>In a nutshell, LCL shipping is a mode of transporting moderate volumes of cargo in a shared container. Because your shipment is not large enough to take up an entire 20-foot or 40-foot container, you share a container with other shippers. This brings down the cost of transportation because you only pay for the space you take up.</p><ul><li><strong>Benefits: </strong>Cost-effective, readily available in peak season, perfect for shipping small or moderate volumes of goods</li><li><strong>Drawbacks: </strong>Likelihood of multiple stops, longer transit time, more cargo handling</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/product/logistics/cross-border/ocean-fcl" target="_blank"><strong>FCL (Full Container Load) Shipping</strong></a></p><p>As opposed to LCL shipping, FCL shipping is a mode of transporting large volumes of cargo in a container that is exclusively at the shipper’s disposal and is not shared with anyone else. As a rule, FCL shipments are larger than LCL shipments. FCL shipping is usually more expensive because you pay for the entire container.</p><ul><li><strong>Benefits: </strong>Fastest shipping mode after air shipping, cheaper than air freight, perfect for large cargo volumes, no risk of contamination from other cargo, cargo handled only during loading and unloading leading to lower risk of damage, offers reefer service for temperature-sensitive cargo</li><li><strong>Drawbacks: </strong>Rates are more volatile than LCL, might attract additional costs such as demurrage and detention, reduced availability during peak season a likelihood, expensive choice for smaller shipments, attracts higher inventory space costs</li></ul><p><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f4f54e37f2bdf5c34a44908_HxpgCsil4sA5MA91Boz0jdUs0d0uummEewE8OkFWII63zORygpIUlZu177UAtmlJgULWafFxU-stUjg8lsvLbU_FpEyisgLVJHULbfLCedGEn9CpT7lbcClBFjO3APc4deIgKx7Q.jpeg" alt="5f4f54e37f2bdf5c34a44908_HxpgCsil4sA5MA91Boz0jdUs0d0uummEewE8OkFWII63zORygpIUlZu177UAtmlJgULWafFxU-stUjg8lsvLbU_FpEyisgLVJHULbfLCedGEn9CpT7lbcClBFjO3APc4deIgKx7Q.jpeg"></p><p>The empty cargo hold of a freight aircraft. (Photo by Lenzpointer on pixabay)&nbsp;</p><h3><a href="https://www.cogoport.com/blogs/complete-guide-to-air-shipments-everything-exporters-importers-need-to-know" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Air</strong></a></h3><p>Compared to shipping by sea, air freight shipping accounts for less than 1% of global trade volume, but that minuscule volume translates to<a href="https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/sustainability/benefits/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> 35% of world trade by value</a>. Even in the face of falling global trade volume and economic activity, the air freight industry is<a href="https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/sustainability/benefits/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> poised to grow</a> in the coming years on the back of strong demand for manufacturing exports. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), in fact, expects<a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191202005810/en/Global-Air-Freight-Industry-Growth-Trends-Forecasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> e-commerce</a> to be a major driver of air cargo growth. The reason being that air shipping serves markets and businesses that demand speed. Airplanes – cargo planes and passenger aircraft – are arguably the fastest way to get your cargo from one place to another. Naturally, it comes for a price.</p><ul><li><strong>Benefits: </strong>Fast, strict about schedules and hence reliable, high rate of cargo security, suitable for time-sensitive and high-value cargo, enables trade in land-locked countries&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Drawbacks: </strong>Expensive as it costs 12-16 times more than ocean freight, size and weight restrictions, more restrictions on cargo types than others modes of shipping, more polluting than ships&nbsp;</li></ul><p><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f4f54e465b1e07f468915ca_W6kGuMOk5Y6ApsNCaGlrHdtB43E8ytn1047ke5jMejDYufW1ZykMFHfIa3bB5pg9O7Ho2TAxczScbQtoKwNUvhspt-0ezt7IAGDDVSK5wWfJlUpzl6v7GygFakXxQRaClHAsLd87.jpeg" alt="5f4f54e465b1e07f468915ca_W6kGuMOk5Y6ApsNCaGlrHdtB43E8ytn1047ke5jMejDYufW1ZykMFHfIa3bB5pg9O7Ho2TAxczScbQtoKwNUvhspt-0ezt7IAGDDVSK5wWfJlUpzl6v7GygFakXxQRaClHAsLd87.jpeg"></p><p>A semi-trailer in Australia. (Photo by hbieser on pixabay)</p><h3><strong>Road</strong><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>If ships and planes are considered the distance runners of international shipping, then trucks are the all-rounders. Trucks and trailers are a universal cargo transport solution, ferrying all kinds of goods seamlessly within and across borders. They move volumes both small and large on routes both short and long. They are the only mode of transport capable of making door to door deliveries. They also have the greatest reach, making inroads into the world’s remotest regions.</p><ul><li><strong>Benefits: </strong>Huge network even in remote areas, roads and vehicles require less capital investment, not bound by routes and schedules, fast over short distances, cheaper than air and ocean shipping, capable of door-to-door deliveries&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;</strong></li><li><strong>Drawbacks: </strong>High risk of accidents, disruptions due to bad weather, traffic jams and breakdowns, sensitive to fluctuations in fuel prices, unsuitable for heavy and bulky goods and long distances</li></ul><p>As in the case of ocean shipping, freight truck services are categorised as:</p><p><strong>FTL (Full Truckload): </strong>When a truck carries a single shipment, it is called FTL. An FTL shipment is generally large, though other factors such as cargo security and transit time might drive a shipper’s decision to make an FTL booking. Freight is charged on the basis of distance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>LTL (Less than Truckload): </strong>In contrast, when a truck carries more than one shipment belonging to more than one shipper, it is called LTL. It is cheaper than FTL because the shipper pays only for the space he takes up.&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 3.png" alt="" width="300px"></p><p><strong>Partial Truckload / Volume LTL: </strong>When a shipment does not require a full truck but is more voluminous than your average LTL shipment, you can opt for partial truckload or volume LTL. Both are similar with a few small differences. For example, a partial truckload shipment must comprise eight to 18 pallets while an LTL consignment is smaller at a minimum of six pallets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Trailer services: </strong>Trailer service providers pick up containers from container yards and drop them off at the shipper’s warehouse for stuffing. They also transport the stuffed containers to the port or terminal for loading on the main carrier. Trailer pick-up and drop-off services are the lifeblood of intermodal shipping, which is the combination of two or more modes of shipping for the movement of goods. Road and ship is an example of intermodal shipping.</p><p><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f4f54e4bb2246bb1498db0d_BRMOzfT_6PeSd8Qyg_mTmaFmGHxRErAkuD7O55gUD7DteuiKabxYafXuArBmlcEqzPcUB8ve6n8aKd96jbYZs5oze-KQKjSGFdXZhguBv6Cev51JJ8q9mUvxYE2fLwFJAYgTg0im.jpeg" alt="5f4f54e4bb2246bb1498db0d_BRMOzfT_6PeSd8Qyg_mTmaFmGHxRErAkuD7O55gUD7DteuiKabxYafXuArBmlcEqzPcUB8ve6n8aKd96jbYZs5oze-KQKjSGFdXZhguBv6Cev51JJ8q9mUvxYE2fLwFJAYgTg0im.jpeg"></p><p>A cargo train passes by a field in Canada. (Photo by James Wheeler from Pexels)</p><h3><strong>Rail</strong><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>Trains make up the other half of road transportation after trucks. A big-volume, long-distance player, rail transport is one of the most cost-effective and environment-friendly modes of freight shipping. A single freight train can carry the equivalent of 250-400 truckloads of cargo. Rail transport is an asset for countries with large land masses such as India, China and the US.</p><ul><li><strong>Benefits: </strong>Cheaper and more fuel and labour-efficient than truck transport, faster than trucks over longer distances, easier and less labour-intensive loading and unloading process, good safety record, reliable schedules&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Drawbacks: </strong>Long transit times, unsuitable for small volumes and time-sensitive cargo, not as flexible and versatile as truck transport</li></ul><p><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f4f54e40b821f4c2a29e9c4_FlhgG1keulAYhJkutAsd5RID1kMv1OrMNyrzYfQcL2cT3WhY9IGq2cQ_TGJZLAi9mXLV3Fyrb8N73P5iDtLMzqurE5a0l44VcZmAYQBZGFSEjar5nmTQ8frvUlKPTte2BDiHgnfq.jpeg" alt="5f4f54e40b821f4c2a29e9c4_FlhgG1keulAYhJkutAsd5RID1kMv1OrMNyrzYfQcL2cT3WhY9IGq2cQ_TGJZLAi9mXLV3Fyrb8N73P5iDtLMzqurE5a0l44VcZmAYQBZGFSEjar5nmTQ8frvUlKPTte2BDiHgnfq.jpeg"></p><p>A barge loaded with metal construction material on a canal. (Photo by Kelly Lacy from Pexels)</p><h3><strong>Barge</strong></h3><p>The third arm of inland transportation after trucks and trains, barges – which are long, flat-bottomed cargo boats – are an efficient and safe way of moving cargo in bulk. Barges generally move on inland waterways such as rivers and canals but are now increasingly found in major sea ports.</p><ul><li><strong>Benefits: </strong>Less polluting than trucks and trains, greater cargo capacity than trucks, safe&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Drawbacks: </strong>Slower than trucks and trains, can be expensive for short-haul shipments.</li></ul><h2><strong>Multimodal / Intermodal&nbsp;Shipping</strong></h2><p>Those were the five modes of freight shipping. However, the international shipping process often requires a combination of two or more modes of transportation for cargo to get from origin to destination. This is called multimodal or intermodal shipping. If, for example, you are sending a shipment overseas, the cargo might cover the main leg of its journey by ship or plane but it will need truck transportation for the journey from your factory to the port/terminal of origin and then again from the port/terminal of destination to the buyer’s warehouse. One of the main advantages of intermodal and multimodal shipping is that cargo can<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/knowledge-center/resources/shipping-terms/intermodal-freight-transport-8" target="_blank"> change transport modes without being handled</a>. This lowers the risk of damage and also allows for speedy delivery. While intermodal and multimodal shipping are similar by definition, there are differences:</p><p><strong>Multimodal shipping: </strong>The key difference from intermodal transport is that a single company/shipping provider is responsible for the entire shipping process under a single contract or bill of lading. This is also multimodal transport’s greatest advantage.&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>Benefits: </strong>Faster transit times, cost-effective, easier communication and tracking&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;</strong></li></ul><p><strong>Intermodal shipping: </strong>Unlike multimodal transport, each carrier handles its part of the transport process under a separate contract.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Benefits: </strong>Shipper is at liberty to choose each carrier and negotiate the lowest rates, has the freedom to make environmentally-conscious decisions in carrier selection, more access to equipment, greater control over schedule</p>

Freight Transport Guide: What Traders Should Know

<p>When goods intended for export are cleared for dispatch, they are called a shipment. Planning a shipment is a labour-intensive process involving many steps and stages. It starts with booking the goods on a shipping line and ends with the final delivery of the goods. In between, the exporter and the importer deal with the entire supply chain that makes up the international shipping process. This includes but is not limited to:</p><ul><li>The carrier/shipping line</li><li>Ports at origin and destination</li><li>Packaging and loading services</li><li>Inland transport services (truck/trailer/rail/barge)&nbsp;</li><li>Customs authorities at origin and destination</li><li>Banks on both sides of the transaction</li><li>Freight forwarders and customs agents on both sides</li><li>The insurance company</li></ul><p>In this blog, we will take you step by step through the shipment planning process and also talk about the documents you will need to prepare.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 2.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a></p><h2><strong>Step By Step: The Shipment Planning Process</strong>‍</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center" data-rt-max-width=""><a href="https://assets-global.website-files.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5fabe6b3f36ccb3e3b747447_101120_Cogoport_Infographic_Shipment%20Planning%20(1).jpg" target="_blank"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5fabe6b3f36ccb3e3b747447_101120_Cogoport_Infographic_Shipment%20Planning%20(1).jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Step by Step Shipment Planning Process" width="auto" height="auto"></div></a></figure><p><strong><em>Note:</em></strong><em> Mate’s receipt – Acknowledgement of receipt of cargo on ship, signed by ship’s commanding officer&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Documents in Shipment Planning&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>When you plan a shipment, you plan in stages – pre-booking, booking, post-booking and discharge. There are numerous documents to be prepared and submitted at each stage. We look at the main ones here:&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>1. Pre-Booking Stage</strong></h3><ul><li>Proforma Invoice – Preliminary bill of sale</li><li>Commercial Invoice – Contract of sale&nbsp;</li><li>Packing List – Itemised list of the shipment’s contents</li><li>Certificate of Origin – Establishes the country of origin of the goods</li><li>Letter of Credit (if used) – Promise by the importer’s bank to pay the exporter an agreed upon sum&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><h3><strong>2. Booking Stage</strong></h3><ul><li>Booking Note – Contract for reservation of carrier space&nbsp;</li><li>Dangerous Goods Declaration (if required) – Declaration by the exporter that the shipment contains goods classified as dangerous or hazardous&nbsp;‍</li></ul><h3><strong>3. Post-Booking Stage</strong></h3><ul><li>Shipping Checklist – Checklist released electronically by customs prior to the filing of the Shipping Bill&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Shipping Bill/Bill of Export – Application by the exporter seeking customs clearance of the goods</li><li>VGM Declaration – Declaration of the shipment’s verified gross mass (VGM)</li><li>Gate Pass – Permission for the goods to enter the port</li><li>Shipping Instructions – Exporter’s instructions to the carrier/freight forwarder for shipment invoicing</li><li>Marine Insurance – Document certifying that the goods are insured</li><li>Let Export Order – Endorsement by customs allowing the goods to be handed over to the carrier for export&nbsp;</li><li>Draft Bill of Lading – Draft released by the carrier before it issues the final Bill of Lading&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Bill of Lading – Contract of carriage of goods</li><li>Electronic Export Information (for US exports to other countries) – Online cargo declaration mandated by US Customs rules&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>EIC Certificates (for food products) – Certificates issued by the Export Inspection Council (EIC) vouching for the quality and safety of Indian exports&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Phytosanitary Certificate (for plants/plant-based commodities) – Document certifying that the goods are free of pests&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><h3><strong>4. Discharge Stage</strong></h3><ul><li>Bill of Entry – Legal document filed by the importer with customs on or before the arrival of imported goods&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Delivery Order – Document issued by the carrier to the importer to take delivery of the goods</li><li>Certificate of Analysis (for food, wine, drugs, etc) – Statement that the goods comply with product specifications and production standards&nbsp;</li><li>Fumigation Certificate – Confirmation that wooden packaging material used is free of pests</li></ul><p><em>For details and sample images of each document, refer to </em><a href="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e557f57e065e822f0adb45d/5fabf37e95a5664e8d098e88_281020_Cogoport_brochure-compressed.pdf" target="_blank"><em>Cogoport’s step-by-step guide to shipping documents</em></a><em>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><a href="https://cogoport.com/signup/en-IN/?utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-3.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a></figure><h3><strong>Additional Documents</strong></h3><ul><li>Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) – Business identification number mandatory for starting an import-export business&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Export Licence – Licence to export “restricted goods” (live animals and birds, endangered plant and animal species, sandalwood)&nbsp;</li><li>Dock/Warehouse Receipt – Receipt of goods received at the carrier’s dock/warehouse&nbsp;</li><li>Container Load Plan – Document detailing how cargo is loaded in a container, prepared at a container freight station</li><li>Inspection Certificate – Certifies that the goods (usually perishables, industry equipment) comply with the terms of the sale contract&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Certificate of Conformity – Declaration that the goods conform with the importing country’s standards. Required by Russia, Romania and Belarus among others&nbsp;</li><li>Consular Invoice – Invoice for the shipment attested by the embassy of the importing country. Demanded by countries such as Australia, Kenya, Tanzania and Iraq&nbsp;</li><li>Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Document detailing the physical, chemical, explosive and radioactive characteristics of dangerous goods&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.cogoport.com/blogs/incidental-shipping-charges-part-i-freight-and-customs-related-extra-costs" target="_blank">AMS/ENS/CTN Filing</a>:Mandatory electronic declaration of goods imported by the US, European Union and certain African countries, respectively&nbsp;</li><li>Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate (eBRC) – Confirmation of payment issued by the exporter’s bank</li><li>FEMA Declaration – Declaration of foreign exchange remittance made by the exporter under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Not required for exports to<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/blogs/incidental-shipping-charges-part-i-freight-and-customs-related-extra-costs" target="_blank"> Nepal and Bhutan</a></li><li>AR4 &amp; AR5 – Forms for claiming excise duty rebate. To be filed by the exporter at least 24 hours before the goods leave his factory for shipment&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Destination Control Statement (for US exports) – Statement that the goods are intended for export only to the country of final destination for use by the final consignee. It is included in the Commercial Voice&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Proof of export – Purchase order issued by the importer to the exporter&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Sampling and Laboratory Test – Report of laboratory testing of cargo sample&nbsp;</li></ul><h2><strong>Optimising the Shipment Planning Process</strong></h2><p>While planning a shipment is good, it might not be enough. Optimising the process can help you cut costs and increase operational efficiency even more. But how do you optimise? Let’s look at the ways:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>Digitise: </strong>It’s the age of<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2018/09/02/what-is-industry-4-0-heres-a-super-easy-explanation-for-anyone/?sh=799cf0699788" target="_blank"> Industry 4.0</a>. Gone are the days of keeping manual records of bookings, documents and cargo movements. Using a professional shipment management software not only eases the process, it helps you make better logistics choices. Cogoport’s<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2018/09/02/what-is-industry-4-0-heres-a-super-easy-explanation-for-anyone/?sh=799cf0699788" target="_blank"> booking management tool</a> allows you to a) make bookings within minutes, b) manage all your shipments through your smartphone, c) access documents and shipping records in one place, and d) coordinate and collaborate with all service providers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Track: </strong>It is now possible to track your shipment in real time, which helps you take immediate action if there is a delay or disruption. Try the<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/blogs/book-and-manage-multiple-shipments" target="_blank"> Cogoport Dashboard</a> to track all your shipments, no matter where you’ve booked them, in one place. You can also use your smartphone to track the GPS-enabled truck/trailer ferrying your shipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Hire right: </strong>Hire a capable freight forwarder or clearing and forwarding (C&amp;F) agent to take care of your transportation and customs-related activities. An experienced forwarder or C&amp;F agent can take appropriate action when problems arise or, better yet, anticipate a problem before it happens. At<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/container-tracking-shipping" target="_blank"> Cogoport</a>, we connect you only with verified freight forwarders and customs agents you can trust to get your shipment delivered on time.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Choose right:</strong> One of the challenges of planning a shipment is selecting a carrier, route and transport provider that gives you the best value for your money. At Cogoport, you can receive<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/rate-discovery" target="_blank"> multiple freight rates instantly</a> and compare them to find your best option, use the<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/rate-discovery" target="_blank"> Special Rate Request</a> tool to negotiate for the best rates and extra free days, and choose the right<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/blogs/cogoports-special-rate-request-negotiate-best-freight-rates-for-cargo" target="_blank"> truck/rail/barge service</a> for your needs.</li><li><strong>Communicate: </strong>Shipment planning is all about working with multiple partners. If you are the exporter, sharing all the details of your shipment with your logistics partners helps them do their job better. If you are the importer, you can do your bit to stay informed by using a tracking system or signing up for an SMS service that provides delivery status updates. Integrating your IT system with those of your partners to create a connected supply chain also makes communication simpler and more efficient.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Be customs-ready: </strong>The all-important customs clearance stage has a high likelihood of problems and delays. Be on top of your game by providing accurate information in your documents, knowing about the requirements of the importing country, and making timely online cargo declarations, which are mandatory for exports to the US, Europe and many other countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Manage your paperwork: </strong>Having a place to store all your documents and keep track of them optimises the shipment planning process greatly. With <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/knowledge-center/resources/shipping-terms/bill-of-entry-be-57">Cogoport</a>, you can create, share and store quotations, invoices, packing lists and purchase orders. You can access them on your smartphone any time and from anywhere. And rest assured, we store your data on secure servers run by Amazon Web Services.</p>

Guide To Shipment Planning And Documentation 

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<p>If you are an importer or exporter, you might have come across the acronym LCL while looking to ship goods in small quantities. LCL stands for &ldquo;less than container load&rdquo;. It is different from another widely used term in international logistics &ndash; FCL, which is short for &ldquo;full container load&rdquo; and is meant for large shipments.</p>
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<p>As you might already know, LCL is recommended as a safe way to ship cargo in moderate volumes while keeping costs low. While this is mostly true, it is important to understand the LCL shipping process in its entirety. This blog serves as a complete guide to LCL shipping. It will touch on the following elements:</p>
<ul>
<li>What is<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/product/logistics/cross-border/ocean-lcl" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> LCL shipping</a>?</li>
<li>Its benefits and drawbacks</li>
<li>How much it costs</li>
<li>Step-By-Step Guide: How An LCL Shipment Works</li>
<li>When to ship LCL &ndash; with comparisons to air freight and FCL</li>
<li>How to pack an LCL shipment</li>
<li>Other transportation needs for LCL cargo&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>How to track an LCL shipment</li>
<li>Things to keep in mind</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>What is LCL Shipping?</strong></h3>
<p>If your cargo does not fill an entire <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/blogs/how-to-find-the-right-container" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">20-foot or 40-foot container</a>, you can ship it in a shared container with other shipments. This is what &ldquo;less than container load&rdquo; means. It is also called groupage because it is grouped with other cargo. LCL shipping is, therefore, meant for cargo of low or moderate volume.</p>
<h3><strong>Benefits of LCL</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>It is cost-effective. In FCL, you pay a flat rate for the container called<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/blogs/how-to-find-the-right-container" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> commodity box rate</a>. But in LCL, you only pay for the volume you need. It also works out cheaper than air freight</li>
<li>Shipping smaller volumes frequently can help you save on inventory space. LCL is, thus, the preferred shipping mode for small businesses&nbsp;</li>
<li>During peak season, LCL is more readily available than FCL</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Drawbacks of LCL</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>LCL might not be cheap for large volumes of cargo because it charges a higher cost per cubic meter (CBM) than FCL, usually two to three time more. Why? Because there is a lot of work involved in LCL shipping &ndash; the freight forwarder makes multiple LCL bookings, then books an FCL container and fills it with the LCL shipments (a process called consolidation).</li>
<li>Sometimes, LCL shipments stop at multiple ports, go through several rounds of loading and unloading. In such cases, transit time could be longer and even result in delays. Frequent handling of merchandise increases their chances of being damaged or lost.</li>
</ul>
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<h3><strong>How Much Does it Cost?</strong></h3>
<p>For LCL shipments, freight is usually charged on the basis of volume (CBM). Weight becomes a factor only when the cargo weighs more than one ton. Then, freight is charged on the basis of CBM or weight, whichever is higher.</p>
<p><strong>Note: </strong>To find out how to calculate freight volume, read our blog<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/blogs/how-to-find-the-right-container" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> here</a>.</p>
<p>Exporters and importers must note that the shipping process covers not just the sea voyage but a longer journey. So, when a freight forwarder makes an LCL quote, it usually covers the cost of:</p>
<ul>
<li>Picking up the cargo from the shipper&rsquo;s warehouse</li>
<li>Loading it into the container with other shipments. This is called container stuffing</li>
<li>The ship journey&nbsp;</li>
<li>Destuffing and deconsolidation in the destination country&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Transporting the cargo by truck to the destination warehouse</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/60224254c078cc5918ea29d4_080221_Cogoport_Infographic_LCL%20Shipment_1.jpg" alt="60224254c078cc5918ea29d4_080221_Cogoport_Infographic_LCL%20Shipment_1.jpg"></p>
<h3><strong>Step-By-Step Guide: How An LCL Shipment Works&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<ol>
<li>Shipper chooses a service provider&nbsp;</li>
<li>Shares complete shipment details (origin, destination, cargo dimensions/weight, etc) with the service provider</li>
<li>Cargo leaves shipper&rsquo;s factory, reaches service provider&rsquo;s warehouse or CFS/ICD</li>
<li>Service provider processes shipment details, figures out what other LCL packages shipment can be consolidated with&nbsp;</li>
<li>Cargo is grouped with other LCL packages and stuffed into a container, which is then loaded on the ship&nbsp;</li>
<li>Ship arrives at destination; container is unloaded and moved to warehouse for deconsolidation</li>
<li>Once shipment is ungrouped, service provider has it delivered at customer&rsquo;s doorstep</li>
</ol>
<h3><strong>When Should You Ship LCL?</strong></h3>
<p>The general rule is to use LCL to ship low or moderate-volume cargo to keep costs low. But before taking a decision, consider these factors while also examining how LCL compares to air freight and FCL:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>1. LCL versus air freight</strong></h3>
<p>Both are <strong>suitable for small shipments</strong> but which one is better for you? The decision hinges on the size, weight, contents and urgency of your cargo:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Air freight is more expensive</strong>, its <strong>prices more volatile</strong>. When cargo size and weight increase, air freight rates go up comparatively faster than LCL rates. If you are on a tight budget, you might be better off shipping LCL, especially for heavy cargo.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Air freight is faster and safer</strong>. A shipment that takes <strong>a month by sea</strong> can be delivered <strong>within days by air</strong>. Air freight is better for <strong>time-sensitive or valuable cargo</strong>.</li>
<li>However, ships are getting faster. Some offer <strong>Expedited LCL</strong>, with a <strong>guaranteed delivery period</strong> that almost matches air delivery time while remaining <strong>cheaper than air freight</strong>. Expedited LCL is popular with those working in e-commerce, fashion, energy and manufacturing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Compared to ships, <strong>airlines have more restrictions on goods</strong>, especially <strong>hazardous material</strong>. For such merchandise, LCL might be a better bet.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>2. LCL Versus FCL</strong></h3>
<p>While LCL seems to be the natural choice for shipments that don&rsquo;t fill up a container, it sometimes makes more sense to book FCL when your cargo reaches a certain volume. Consider these factors:</p>
<ul>
<li>With LCL charging a higher rate per CBM, industry insiders recommend <strong>LCL for shipments up to 13 cubic meters</strong> and FCL for anything above. So, if your cargo volume is 15 cubic meters, an <strong>LCL booking</strong> might <strong>cost the same or more</strong> than an <strong>FCL booking</strong>. Also, an LCL shipment might invite <strong>additional destination charges</strong>. In such a scenario, it is better to pay for a full container and enjoy its benefits.&nbsp;</li>
<li>That said, <strong>LCL rates are more stable</strong>. They stay <strong>valid for a month to three months</strong> while FCL rates are generally <strong>valid for two weeks </strong>at a time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Cargo content must be factored in. FCL cuts <strong>risk of contamination</strong> from other cargo, so it is better for temperature-sensitive and hazardous merchandise. But LCL shipments are said to be more <strong>securely packed</strong>, reducing <strong>risk of damage</strong> from movement</li>
<li>Time is also a factor. <strong>FCL is suited for urgent deliveries</strong> and <strong>LCL for shipments with flexible delivery dates</strong></li>
</ul>
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<h3><strong>How to Pack a LCL Shipment?</strong></h3>
<p>Improper packaging is said to be the single biggest cause of damage to LCL shipments. Here&rsquo;s what you can do to secure your cargo:</p>
<ol>
<li>Pack your cargo in boxes designed for exporting goods, not in any old bag or box. When the boxes are stacked in a container, it is called <strong>loose LCL</strong>. For greater security and easier handling, place the cargo on pallets, secure with straps and wraps, and load the pallets in the container. This is called <strong>palletised LCL</strong>. A pallet is a flat structure, usually made of wood and sometimes of steel and plastic. They come in standard sizes, the most common being 48 inches x 40 inches.</li>
<li>Label each piece of cargo with details including booking number, destination country, shipper (exporter) and consignee (importer) names. Number each piece of cargo. Include a fragile tag if needed. All labels must be correct and visible.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Make sure your cargo pieces are uniformly and evenly packed&nbsp;</li>
<li>If your cargo is fragile (flat-screen TVs) and should not be stacked, mention this up-front to your freight forwarder</li>
</ol>
<h3><strong>Truck Transportation for Your LCL Shipment</strong></h3>
<p>Apart from ships, there are other modes of transportation &ndash; <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/knowledge-center/resources/shipping-terms/intermodal-freight-transport-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rail, road and barge</a> &ndash; involved in the shipping process. Trucks are particularly important to this logistics chain. And it is important to choose the right truck transportation for your LCL cargo. There are two options:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>FTL (full truckload): </strong>This means a truck carries one shipment that meets its space or weight limits</li>
<li><strong>LTL (less than truckload): </strong>Here, a truck carries more than one shipment that is of a smaller volume than an FTL shipment</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>FTL pros and cons</strong>: Shorter delivery time, less cargo handling, lower risk of cargo loss or damage. But it is the more expensive option. Freight is charged on the basis of distance. <strong>Suitable for:</strong> Time-sensitive or valuable cargo.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>LTL pros and cons</strong>: Cheaper, because you pay only for the section of the truck your cargo occupies. Freight is charged on the basis of weight. But because of multiple shipments, there is more than one pick-up and drop-off, hence longer transit time and more cargo handling. More size and weight restrictions compared to FTL. <strong>Suitable for:</strong> Small businesses sending moderate volumes of goods, cargo with flexible timelines. By most estimates, good for individual <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/lessthantruckload.asp#:~:text=Generally%2C%20though%2C%20LTL%20refers%20to,no%20more%20than%20six%20pallets." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">shipments weighing up to 6,800 kg</a> (15,000 pounds).</p>
<h3><strong>How to Track an LCL Shipment</strong></h3>
<p>It&rsquo;s important to know the whereabouts of your cargo while it is in transit. Yet, tracking an LCL shipment can be challenging. For FCL shipments, most carriers provide a tracking facility on their platform, which their customers can use to check their shipment status in real time. However, very few service providers offer the same facility for LCL shipments. And even if they do, the information and updates provided on such a platform might not always be complete. So, before booking your LCL shipment, you might want to check if your chosen service provider provides real time information during the entire delivery process.</p>
<h3><strong>The Final LCL Checklist</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Before making your LCL booking, get quotes from multiple freight forwarders. This will give you an idea of the market price and help you figure out if a quoted price is too low, which might mean there are additional charges involved</li>
<li>Look out for extra costs, including destination charges for port service, terminal handling and security, import processing, documentation and so on</li>
<li>While calculating freight volume, remember to take pallets (if used) into consideration. Pallets take up space, for which you will be charged. Excluding pallet dimensions will lead to under-reporting freight volume and might mess up your budget</li>
<li>To avoid unexpected expenses, experts recommend booking door-to-door or port-to-door services.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Try Cogoport&rsquo;s New LCL Services</strong></h3>
<p>At Cogoport, we strive to put all your shipping needs on one platform. Whether you are a newly minted exporter/importer exploring LCL shipping or a veteran of the trade, you can register with us <a href="https://cogoport.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to avail of a range of services, including:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/product/logistics/cross-border/ocean-lcl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instant LCL freight rates and quotes</a> from trusted freight forwarders and consolidators</li>
<li>BestLCL shipping options and <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/product/logistics/cross-border/ocean-lcl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">instant container bookings</a></li>
<li>Calculate costs with our <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/product/logistics/cross-border/ocean-lcl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CBM calculator</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/product/logistics/cross-border/managed-supply-chain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Customs, other clearance services</a> by experienced customs house agents</li>
<li>Booked your freight elsewhere? No problem. You can track all your shipments and have full control over them on our all-in-one <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/container-tracking-shipping" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dashboard</a></li>
</ul>

Simplify your less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments with Cogoport's flexible and cost-effective logistics solutions.

LCL Shipment Guide: Simplifying Less-than-Container Load Shipping

<p>Reefers (short for refrigerated containers) are large temperature-controlled containers used to transport perishable cargo such as fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, meat, dairy, flowers, pharmaceuticals, photographic film, and several chilled and frozen goods that might spoil if not maintained at the right temperature and humidity. Reefers are the only effective way to transport perishables and other temperature-sensitive commodities in large quantities across long distances. This blog serves as a complete guide to reefers and touches on the following aspects:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<ul>
<li>How reefers work</li>
<li>Benefits of reefers</li>
<li>Types of reefers</li>
<li>What kind of cargo is shipped in reefers?</li>
<li>Components of a refrigerated container</li>
<li>Right way to handle reefer cargo</li>
<li>Dos and don&rsquo;ts</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>How Reefers Work</strong></h2>
<p>Reefers distribute chilled air from the floor via T-shaped decking. As such, they are also called &ldquo;bottom air delivery units&rdquo;. This design ensures the container produces a steady flow of air powerful enough to maintain the required temperature for the duration of the transit, even under the harshest conditions. Reefers are also equipped to provide warmer temperatures, irrespective of the temperature outside. They have a temperature range of -35 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius.</p>
<p>The biggest difference between reefers and conventional containers is the temperature control function. Normal containers are used to ship dry goods and do not have or need such a system. The two also differ in terms of size, design, power generation and electrical distribution equipment. Reefers are smaller and contain individually powered refrigeration units. They cost around six times more than a conventional container because they come with additional insulation and a power plant.</p>
<h2><strong>Benefits of Reefers&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Because they are self-contained refrigerated units, they can bypass cold storage on arrival at the destination port</li>
<li>They are available in many dimensions, making them ideal for road, sea and air transportation</li>
<li>They are durable and can operate in inclement conditions</li>
<li>They offer a better return on investment than reefer ships</li>
<li>They help avoid wastage of perishables, extend the shelf life of goods</li>
<li>They provide easy loading and unloading, which is why container ships are now built or redesigned to carry reefers</li>
</ul>
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<h2><strong>Types of Reefers</strong></h2>
<p>Different types of reefers are available in the market today. Depending on efficiency, purpose, cargo and your requirements, one or the other can be used.</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Closed reefer: </strong>This is a conventional reefer that comes in a single piece. It has an integral front wall and all-electric automatic cooling and heating units&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Modified Atmosphere/Controlled Atmosphere (MA/CA) reefers:</strong> These are insulated containers with an air exchange system that keeps the atmosphere constant by replacing the consumed oxygen. As such, the atmosphere in these containers is in equilibrium with the deterioration rate of the cargo.</li>
<li><strong>Automatic Fresh Air Management (AFAM) reefer:</strong> This container uses cutting-edge technology to automatically adjust air exchange within the container to maintain a constant temperature. Similar in its working to the MA/CA reefer, the AFAM reefer controls the composition of oxygen, carbon dioxide and other gases. Its controls can be adjusted to extend the shelf life of cargo, irrespective of outside conditions.</li>
</ol>
<p>Reefer dimensions can vary. Tabled here are the standard ones:</p>
<p><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f32ecd3bfcb097c29c1ef7b_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%2012.38.27%20AM.png" alt="5f32ecd3bfcb097c29c1ef7b_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%2012.38.27%20AM.png"></p>
<h2><strong>Know Your Cargo</strong></h2>
<p>While reefers transport a variety of goods, different products must be shipped under different conditions to ensure their freshness on arrival. Reefer cargo falls into three broad categories:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Chilled goods: </strong>These include fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, dairy, eggs, confectionery, live plants and flowers. They require low temperatures, around freezing points, but are not to be frozen. Their freshness and shelf life depend greatly on their nature and surrounding conditions. Temperature settings for such produce must factor in the stage at which the crop is being shipped. They must be transported with utmost precision so as to retain their commercial value. For example, asparagus and broccoli have high respiration rates and so, release a lot of gases and moisture. They require optimum temperature and humidity levels so that their quality and shelf life are not impacted.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Frozen goods:</strong> These are goods that need to be stored and transported at temperatures of -20&deg;C and below, which means they are frozen solid. Ice-cream, frozen meat, poultry and seafood, concentrates and prepared foods are some examples. The freezing temperatures prevent spoilage and help retain flavour, aroma, texture and quality. They stop disease-causing bacteria and microorganism growth while also slowing down enzyme activity and oxidation. For such goods, the reefer must maintain freezing temperatures without fluctuations. Repeated freezing and thawing can result in mushy products.</li>
<li><strong>Special and miscellaneous cargo:</strong> These constitute non-food products that require optimum temperature and humidity. Pharmaceuticals and drugs form the majority of such cargo. Tobacco, batteries, chemicals and photographic film also come under this category. Quite often, they have special handling instructions for packaging, stowage, temperature and humidity control.</li>
</ol>
<h2><strong>Reefer components</strong></h2>
<p>Reefers remove heat generated by the &ldquo;respiration&rdquo; of products, thus keeping temperatures stable. They also control humidity to maintain conditions favourable to the cargo. But how does a reefer do this? Let&rsquo;s look at the reefer components that fulfil these key functions:&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Genset: </strong>A genset, or generator set, is the reefer&rsquo;s power source. It is usually dual-powered, which means it runs both on fuel (diesel, petrol and gas mostly) and electricity. This ensures it can tap the power unit of a ship or operate on fuel while on a truck. The genset can be clipped to the side of the container (clip-on genset) or mounted on the chassis of the container from the bottom (underslung genset).&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Humidity control: </strong>The relative humidity of air in a reefer is critical to the safe transportation of cargo. (Relative humidity is <a href="https://www.dictionary.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">defined</a> as &ldquo;the amount of water vapour in air expressed as a percentage of the amount needed for saturation at the same temperature&rdquo;.) Dry air can cause excessive water loss in fruits and vegetables while moisture in the air can cause mold and bacteria. A reefer&rsquo;s humidity control mechanism maintains optimum humidity conditions for goods such as pharmaceuticals and electronics. It ensures dry packing and prevents fungi and rotting in the case of consumables. A reefer has a dehumidification range of 60% to 95% maximum relative humidity in the chilled temperature range.</li>
<li><strong>Temperature control: </strong>Reefers are either water-cooled or air-cooled, though water coolant systems are dwindling because they are expensive. Air cooler fans, either propeller or centrifugal type, remove dissipated heat from the refrigeration unit. A compressor, powered by a small engine, draws in refrigerant gases and compresses and liquefies them. This releases heat in the surrounding air. The air flows into a condenser and then into an evaporator, which drains the heat outside.</li>
<li><strong>GPS chip: </strong>A reefer comes equipped with a GPS chip to ensure no package is lost in transit. Typically, containers enter multiple ports and use several transportation modes before they arrive at their final destination. Cargo security is paramount. And the GPS chip provides the location and temperature status of each container.</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Right way to handle reefer cargo</strong></h2>
<p>Cargo must be handled properly at every step of the transportation process, from packing to stowage to processing. Negligence can adversely impact the shelf life, quality and appearance of the cargo. It is important to factor in equipment type, product quantity and weight, transit duration, and international regulations. Here are the different cargo handling stages and the right way to do it:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Pre-shipment handling: </strong>The importance placed on pre-shipment handling implies that a shipper must provide accurate information of the products being shipped, their volume and weight, departure and destination ports, type of packing (boxes, drums, palettes, etc), temperature and humidity requirements, and any other handling specifics. The freight forwarder usually handles the rest, such as identifying the right vessel and container, coordinating shipment dates, ensuring cargo size and weight are within legal limits and that the conditions are right.</li>
<li><strong>Pre-cooling: </strong>Reefers do not lower the temperature of goods. Rather, they maintain the pre-cooled temperature of goods. So, the shipper must ensure his chilled or frozen goods are pre-cooled to the recommended temperature before they are stuffed into the container. Likewise, the container has to be pre-cooled to prevent surface thawing and freezer burn, which happens when the container and cargo temperatures don&rsquo;t match. For loading, a &ldquo;cold tunnel&rdquo; facility is used. This comprises a tightly insulated duct that prevents warm, humid air from entering the container.</li>
<li><strong>Packaging and stowing:</strong> This aspect of cargo handling should be designed to protect against rough handling and bad weather. The cartons used for packing must be strong enough to withstand the weight of the stacks above them and capable of protecting the products inside, especially with regard to humidity and temperature. When stowing cargo, there should be adequate ventilation and airflow. However, different cargo types require different stowage practices. Chilled fruits and vegetables need proper air supply through the packaging while frozen goods must be stacked as solid blocks without gaps.</li>
</ol>
<p><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 3.png" alt="" width="300px"></p>
<h3><strong>Best Practices in reefer shipping</strong></h3>
<p>Proper storage and stowage cut the risk of spoilage and rejection at the destination port. Here are the dos and don&rsquo;ts of reefer shipping:&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Dos:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Tightly pack cargo and ensure it is stable&nbsp;</li>
<li>Set the reefer at the prescribed temperature and humidity settings</li>
<li>Pre-cool the cargo when necessary</li>
<li>Ensure proper ventilation and correct settings&nbsp;</li>
<li>Insure your cargo, because a lot can go wrong with a reefer as compared to a conventional container</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Don'ts:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Stow the cargo above the load line marked in red</li>
<li>Stow the cargo further than the end of the T-floor</li>
<li>Allow restrictions or tight stuffing that block airflow</li>
<li>Pre-cool the reefer if it is not in cold storage</li>
<li>Allow gaps between pallets and the door</li>
<li>Miss shipment deadlines and cutoffs, particularly for perishables.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>TABLE: Temperature and humidity settings for different commodities&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p><img style="width: 966px; height: 467px;" src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f33c0293b919b3f0eb13b40_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.40.03%20PM.png" alt="5f33c0293b919b3f0eb13b40_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.40.03%20PM.png"></p>
<p><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f33c1dc16eb1735ba66fb2c_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.45.24%20PM.png" alt="5f33c1dc16eb1735ba66fb2c_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.45.24%20PM.png"></p>
<p><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f33c1f216f9a34e4d01560d_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.45.36%20PM.png" alt="5f33c1f216f9a34e4d01560d_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.45.36%20PM.png"></p>
<p><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f33c209bbeeb450362cb0f8_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.45.50%20PM.png" alt="5f33c209bbeeb450362cb0f8_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.45.50%20PM.png"></p>
<p><img style="width: 966px; height: 465px;" src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f33c21b5e7fc0b151ee63ff_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.46.24%20PM.png" alt="5f33c21b5e7fc0b151ee63ff_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.46.24%20PM.png"></p>
<p><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f33c22f2b48feb4fd6eb2f5_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.46.45%20PM.png" alt="5f33c22f2b48feb4fd6eb2f5_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.46.45%20PM.png"></p>
<p><img style="width: 966px; height: 430px;" src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f33c241807d692f7b24fddf_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.47.02%20PM.png" alt="5f33c241807d692f7b24fddf_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.47.02%20PM.png"></p>
<p><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5e57ba59552cf400c593fd16/5f33c2521a93a651b7c3a451_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.47.16%20PM.png" alt="5f33c2521a93a651b7c3a451_Screenshot%202020-08-12%20at%203.47.16%20PM.png"></p>
<p>*MA = Modified Atmosphere. *CA = Controlled Atmosphere</p>
<h2>&zwj;<strong>Cogoport for smooth sailing</strong></h2>
<p>The process of importing and exporting goods can be intimidating, with bulky documentation requirements, lack of transparency, poor stakeholder collaboration and inefficiencies in the process. Cogoport is committed to making this process and the lives of its customers &ndash; especially small and medium enterprises &ndash; easier. We are here to help you grow your businesses and expand internationally.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With <a href="https://cogoport.com/signup/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cogoport</a>, you can plan and manage your daily business effectively:</p>
<ul>
<li>Try our easy-to-use platform to connect with logistics providers &ndash; shipping lines, freight forwarders, transporters, customs house agents and more &ndash; and collaborate with them to conduct international trade more efficiently</li>
<li>Cogoport offers instant freight quotes, so you can compare the ones that suit your needs best</li>
<li>&nbsp;You can also book carriers and track your shipments, all from a single platform</li>
<li>In addition to our comprehensive logistics planning tool, we help you create professional quotes and collate documents, provide guided shipping with embedded data regulations and fees across ports globally.</li>
</ul>

What is a reefer? Learn about reefers, types, and techniques for shipping temperature-sensitive perishables in refrigerated containers.

Reefer Shipping: A Guide to Shipping in Refrigerated Containers

<p>Every year, hundreds of thousands of containers loaded with cargo are abandoned at ports worldwide. The phenomenon of abandoned goods is not new. But it has become a bigger headache for the logistics industry in the current Covid-19 environment, contributing to port congestion and rising logistics costs.</p><p>In this piece, we take a look at the problem abandoned goods pose to shipping lines, freight forwarders and ports as well as to you – the exporter/importer. Read on to find out:</p><ul><li>What are abandoned goods?</li><li>Why is cargo abandoned?</li><li>What happens with abandoned goods?</li><li>Who is liable for abandoned goods?</li><li>Covid-19 and abandoned goods</li><li>How to avoid being stuck with abandoned goods</li><li>How to effectively deal with abandoned goods&nbsp;</li></ul><p>&nbsp;<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 1.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a></p><h3><strong>What are Abandoned Goods?</strong></h3><p>The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) defines abandoned goods as those “the consignee [importer] has manifested no intention to take delivery of after a reasonable period”. This includes situations where the importer cannot be identified or contacted or has refused collection.</p><p>But what FIATA calls a “reasonable period” differs from country to country. In India, goods “not cleared, warehoused or transhipped within 30 days after unloading” are considered abandoned under Section 48 of the Customs Act, 1962. In<a href="https://indiankanoon.org/doc/428210/" target="_blank"> China</a>, this period extends to 60 days. In the<a href="http://www.asianlii.org/cn/legis/cen/laws/mcotproc360/" target="_blank"> European Union</a> and<a href="https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-procedures-import-and-export-0/customs-procedures/temporary-storage_en" target="_blank"> Australia</a>, it is 90 days. And in the US, it is six months from the date of importation – though<a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/19/127.11" target="_blank"> special merchandise</a> (perishables, spirits, hazardous material, etc) invites a shorter, unspecified period of time.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Why is Cargo Abandoned?&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>Common reasons why an importer might not collect the goods they ordered:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><ul><li>They aren’t satisfied with the quality of the goods</li><li>They don’t have an import permit or license required to claim the goods</li><li>They have gone bankrupt</li><li>They cannot pay import duty, demurrage or other charges&nbsp;</li><li>The shipment was delayed and they don’t need the goods anymore</li><li>They are in dispute with the exporter</li><li>The goods are damaged</li><li>The goods are held up by customs for violations (misdeclaration of goods, wrong documentation, etc)</li><li>There has been a sudden regulation change prohibiting the import of certain goods</li></ul><h3><strong>What Happens with Abandoned Goods?</strong></h3><p>Abandoned goods are dealt with in one of the following ways:</p><ul><li>They are confiscated and sold via auction</li><li>They are destroyed (especially if they are perishable, of low value, hazardous, etc)</li><li>They are scrapped for parts</li><li>They are reclaimed by the shipper and returned to origin</li><li>They are re-routed to an alternative buyer&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><h2><strong>How are Abandoned Goods Sold?</strong></h2><p>More often than not, abandoned goods take the auction route. The shipping line – or the freight forwarder, if they are named as the “principal” in the Master Bill of Lading (MBL) and, hence, liable for any expenses – can request customs to have the goods sold. The auction is organised by customs. The proceeds go towards settling the freight, storage, import duty, transportation and auction bill along with any other related charges. If the proceeds aren’t enough, the shipping line can claim the balance from the shipper and/or take legal action against them. If any money is left over from the auction, it is refunded to the shipper, failing which it might go to the state treasury.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>A step-by-step guide to how abandoned goods are auctioned in India:</p><ul><li>The container freight station (CFS) custodian prepares a list of abandoned goods and sends it to the customs commissioner.</li><li>Within 10 days of receiving the list, customs informs the custodian of shipments that can be auctioned and those that must be excluded. Cargo retained for investigation/adjudication/court proceedings or those requiring licences/permits/certificates from government departments are usually excluded.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>The custodian sends a notice to the importer asking them to clear the goods within 10 days of the date of issuance of the notice.&nbsp;</li><li>In the next 20 days, the custodian prepares a detailed inventory of goods to be auctioned. From this lot, customs performs a sample check of 10% of shipments.&nbsp;</li><li>Within seven days of completing the inventory, the custodian seeks a no objection certificate (NOC) from customs.</li><li>Within 15 days of this request, customs issues NOCs for shipments that don’t require regulatory clearances from government agencies (Drugs Controller General of India, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, etc) or chemical analysis to test if the goods are fit to consume/use. For the rest, customs waits for the required clearances and tests reports before issuing its own NOCs.</li><li>If the goods are deemed unfit for use, they are destroyed.</li><li>If the goods are cleared for auction, the custodian has their value assessed within seven days of receiving the NOC. They then fix the auction date.</li><li>Bids equal to, more than or up to 5% less than the reserve price are considered successful. For unsold goods, a second, third or even a fourth auction might be held. At the fourth auction, the goods are sold to the highest bidder regardless of reserve price.</li><li>For every shipment sold, the custodian files a Bill of Entry with customs.</li><li>Within 15 days, customs assesses the duty due on it.</li><li>The successful bidder collects the goods on payment of duty.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><a href="https://cogoport.com/signup/en-IN/?utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-2.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a></figure><h3><strong>Who is liable for abandoned goods?</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Exporter/Importer: </strong>As the shipper/consignee/cargo owner, they are liable. Generally, the freight forwarder holds the contracting party accountable while the port of import holds the importer responsible.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Freight forwarder:</strong> If identified as “principal” and not “agent” on the MBL, the freight forwarder is directly liable to the shipping line and must pay for storage, transport and disposal of the goods.</li><li><strong>Shipping line: </strong>If the freight forwarder is not the principal, the shipping line is in a direct contractual relationship with the shipper. This puts the shipping line in a tight spot because any delay in paying port officials could affect its operations, resulting in losses. If the cargo is packed in a container that is not its own, the shipping line might even be liable to pay the leasing company.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Right of lien: </strong>Along with liability, shipping lines and freight forwarders have a right of lien over abandoned cargo. Lien is “the right to keep someone’s property until a debt is paid”. They can enforce this right “in a reasonable manner” – such as a customs-approved auction – to recover the amount owed to them and the cost of recovering that due.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Covid-19 and abandoned cargo</strong></h2><p>The coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns imposed by countries dealt a body blow to the shipping industry. As businesses and economies tanked, shipping lines faced record booking cancellations and cancelled record sailings. Abandoned cargo also piled up at ports. A significant section of containers stranded at ports and terminals due to mobility restrictions, border closures and labour shortages ended up being abandoned. Why did this happen?</p><ul><li>With markets frozen, demand down and cargo stuck in transit, buyers no longer needed the goods. For many of them, their businesses had suffered irreparable losses.&nbsp;</li><li>A good portion of abandoned goods were likely perishable commodities (food, pharmaceuticals), which require special conditions for transport and storage.</li><li>Delays in delivery also rendered a lot of cargo with short shelf lives useless.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><h3><strong>How to prevent being stuck with abandoned goods</strong></h3><p>Shipping lines and freight forwarders can save themselves a lot of trouble with these preventive steps:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Work with reputable shippers. Confirm if the contracting party is genuine and financially viable. FIATA recommends insisting on original documents, using the company land line to communicate and verifying email addresses</li><li>Be wary of <strong>scrap, waste, low-value goods, used goods, counterfeit goods </strong>and<strong> personal effects</strong> as these have a <strong>high probability of being abandoned</strong></li><li>Be cautious while accepting goods that are difficult or expensive to dispose of (computers, phones, used tires)&nbsp;</li><li>Watch out for sanctions and embargoes, especially at the port of destination</li><li>Verify the importer’s credentials beforehand</li><li>Keep a record to <strong>identify common patterns</strong> such as <strong>unreliable shippers, risky cargo, risky trade routes, abandoned cargo hotspots</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Shipping lines can choose to load cargo on ships only after the shipper submits an export declaration, which is proof that the cargo has a buyer</li><li>If the goods are shipped as “Freight Collect”, it’s a good idea for shipping lines to get a written confirmation from the buyer&nbsp;</li><li>During contract drafting, freight forwarders should include a provision on responsibilities in the event the goods are abandoned</li><li>They can also protect themselves with Freight Forwarders Liability Insurance, which covers abandoned cargo&nbsp;</li></ul><p>‍<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 1.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a></p><h3><strong>What to do when stuck with abandoned goods</strong></h3><p>Even with these precautions, it is sometimes impossible to avoid being saddled with abandoned goods. Here’s how to effectively deal with such a troublesome situation:</p><ul><li>Notify the importer/exporter as soon as the free time is over. If they aren’t inclined to collect the cargo, demand immediate written instructions to change the buyer/destination or to abandon it. Clearly communicate their financial liability&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Speed is key. The longer you take to act, the higher the costs. If the associated costs exceed the value of the goods, selling them won’t solve your problem&nbsp;</li><li>Consider cheaper storage options (off-dock facilities) to save on demurrage and detention charges&nbsp;</li><li>Know the customs laws you are working with. As mentioned earlier, different jurisdictions have different rules. Exercising your right of lien might depend on both local laws and contract provisions. Your local agent can help you stay informed</li><li>FIATA believes digitisation is a solution to the abandoned goods crisis. It recommends, among others, easy-to-track smart containers and a digital contracting and communication system so that all parties can secure themselves right at the contract drafting stage</li></ul><p>With the pandemic still raging, lockdowns still a reality and economies still in the red, the abandoned cargo crisis isn’t going away any time soon. For now, preventive action seems to be the only safeguard against it. </p>

 What Happens When Cargo Goes Unclaimed?

Dangerous Goods: Ways to Ship it Safely

<p>Our previous blog, '<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/blogs/mandatory-documents-for-import-export" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 Mandatory Documents Exporters And Importers Need for Hassle-free Shipping</a>', dealt with the must-have documents for exporters and importers sending and receiving goods by sea. In this follow-up blog, we will look at some of the most common supporting documents required in the shipping process, which exporters and importers need in order to get their goods cleared by customs.</p>
<p><a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="width: auto; height: auto;" src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 2.png" width="auto"></a></p>
<p>The term &ldquo;supporting&rdquo; suggests these documents are secondary to the mandatory documents. It is important to understand that this does not necessarily mean they are optional. It only means the requirement for a specific supporting document depends on various factors, including but not limited to:</p>
<ul>
<li>The nature of the cargo</li>
<li>Rules and regulations of the exporting or importing country</li>
<li>Trade agreements between certain countries</li>
<li>Bans imposed on certain goods by certain countries&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>Take the example of a Country of Origin (COO) certificate, which we will deal with in detail later in this blog. Most countries demand a COO certificate for an export shipment to get customs clearance. This makes the document mandatory in such cases. But there are also countries that do not demand such a certificate. Hence, a COO certificate falls in the category of secondary documents.</p>
<h3><strong>Documents Required for Import Customs Clearance</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
<p>As it is with exports, the process of importing a particular product is completed only when the buyer receives the goods. Thus, for the imported goods to get customs clearance, the importer might have to furnish these additional documents at the port of entry:</p>
<h3><strong>1. Import Licence</strong></h3>
<p>An import licence is a permit issued by the DGFT that allows the import of goods that are subject to government regulations. It specifies the amount that can be imported, and is usually valid for 18 months to a year, depending on the goods. Most goods are freely importable in India. But in the case of regulated goods &ndash; chemicals, pharmaceuticals, precious stones, plants, animals, etc &ndash; the importer must obtain an import licence and present it at the time of customs clearance.</p>
<p><a href="https://cogoport.com/signup/en-IN/?utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="width: auto; height: auto;" src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-1.png" width="auto"></a></p>
<h3><strong>2. Insurance Certificate</strong></h3>
<p>This document, issued by an insurance company, certifies that the goods are covered for any loss or damage during transit. It backs up the importer&rsquo;s declaration on the terms of delivery and helps customs ascertain the duties due on the goods.</p>
<h3><strong>3. Purchase Order and Letter of Credit</strong></h3>
<p>A purchase order is a contract issued by the buyer (importer) to the seller (exporter) confirming the purchase of goods. It contains details of the goods, their quantity and price, payment and delivery terms. Once the purchase order is finalised, the importer contacts a bank (called the issuing bank) to obtain a letter of credit, which is a promise by the bank to pay the exporter the agreed upon sum on behalf of the importer.</p>
<h3><strong>4. Technical Write-up/Literature</strong></h3>
<p>If the cargo is machinery, for example, customs authorities might ask for a written explanation of its functions to help them determine the product&rsquo;s market value.</p>
<h3><strong>5. Test Report</strong></h3>
<p>When customs authorities are unable to assess the quality and thereby value of certain goods, they might send a sample to an authorised government laboratory for testing. The lab tests the product and provides a test report, on the basis of which the cargo is cleared.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>6. Industrial Licence</strong></h3>
<p>An importer can avail of import benefits under government guidelines by submitting a copy of this to customs.</p>
<h3><strong>7. Registration cum Membership Certificate</strong></h3>
<p>This is a certificate of registration with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (the country&rsquo;s apex export promotion organisation) or the various Export Promotion Councils or Commodity Boards. It is required for importing (or exporting) restricted items and to avail of benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy or those offered by customs and excise authorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>8. Duty Exemption Documents&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<p>For duty exemptions under government schemes such as the <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/trade/exports/pre-exports/trading-with-the-world-export-promotion-schemes-provided-by-government-of-india/articleshow/70639514.cms?from=mdr">Duty Exemption Entitlement Certificate (DEEC) and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG)</a>, the importer must present the relevant documents during clearance.</p>
<h3><strong>9. Central Excise Document</strong></h3>
<p>This is required to avail of central excise benefits, if applicable.</p>
<h3><strong>10. GATT/DGFT Declarations</strong></h3>
<p>Both the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), a legal document between multiple countries, and the DGFT declaration establish standards for participating in international trade. These documents may be required for import customs clearance.</p>
<h3><strong>Documents Required for Export Customs Clearance</strong></h3>
<p>To start with, these are some but not all of the supporting documents exporters in India might be asked to submit at the time of customs clearance:&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>1. Export Licence</strong></h3>
<p>A licence issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), it allows exporters to trade in goods that come under the restricted category of the <a href="https://www.cybex.in/hs-codes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Trade Classification-Harmonised System Codes</a>. It must be produced when the exporter is shipping his first cargo.</p>
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<h3><strong>2. Proforma Invoice</strong></h3>
<p>A proforma invoice is a preliminary invoice issued by the exporter to the importer. It differs from a regular invoice in that it is not a demand for payment. It includes a detailed description of the goods, their price, terms of sale and delivery details.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>3. Country Of Origin (COO) Certificate</strong></h3>
<p>A COO certificate vouches that the goods being shipped were produced, manufactured and processed in a particular country. It includes an exporter declaration and an inspection certificate (by a state employee or relevant agency). Most countries demand a COO certificate for customs clearance.</p>
<h3><strong>4. Letter of Credit</strong></h3>
<p>The exporter might need to acquire a letter of credit from the importer&rsquo;s bank, stating that the importer will go through with the payment. In some cases, the goods can be dispatched only after the exporter produces this document.</p>
<h3><strong>5. Warehouse Receipt</strong></h3>
<p>The Business Dictionary defines a warehouse receipt as a &ldquo;receipt for goods left for safekeeping in a warehouse&rdquo; and a &ldquo;document of title&hellip; guaranteeing existence and availability of a specified quantity and quality of a commodity, and used as an instrument of transfer in cash (spot) and futures transactions&rdquo;. It is proof that the goods authorised for sale are available and ready to be transferred to the buyer.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>6. Health Certificates</strong></h3>
<p>These are mostly required for food products. They certify that the goods comply with safety standards and export regulations, and are fit for human consumption.</p>
<h3><strong>7. Dangerous Goods Forms</strong></h3>
<p>These are required for goods considered dangerous by the International Maritime Organisation, such as flammable liquids, gases, corrosives and toxic substances.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>8. Consular Invoice</strong></h3>
<p>Some importing countries insist on this embassy-attested document. The exporter can get this from a consular representative of the country he is shipping to.</p>
<h3><strong>9. Insurance Certificate</strong></h3>
<p>This certifies that the exporter has insurance cover for the cargo being shipped.&nbsp;<br><br><strong>Note: </strong>These are by no means complete lists of supporting documents required in the international shipping process. Businesses and individuals exporting from India or importing into India might be required to submit even more paperwork. Therefore, exporters and importers are advised to check with their agents or shipping lines for any country-specific or product-specific documentation requirements for a hassle-free shipping experience.</p>

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