Export Process For Sea Shipment.
Question:
My goods were collected today from my supplier. My forwarder updated that the shipment will only go out in 10 days.
Why? Is it common? If I had chosen another forwarder, would it have been shipped earlier??
Answer:
Well, this is a very complex question, and it can vary dramatically between destinations, sailing dates, conditions at the departure port, etc.
Since it would be unreasonable to explain in detail the entire export process, I will try to give general instructions on how to operate a shipment from the point of collection until the ship sails from the port of departure.
There are many stages and certificates that the forwarder issues and does behind the scenes in order to ensure that the export is carried out efficiently and correctly and in accordance with the required regulations.
In general, freight forwarders and shipping companies work together to ensure that the containers leave on time and in accordance with the regulations that the freight forwarder and the shipping company must comply with.
In general, each shipping company has its own sailing dates on a fixed weekly schedule. Forwarders bring ships to their ports of origin on time in order to meet the requirements of the shipping company for entering and receiving containers at loading ports.
In addition, let’s bear in mind that even if the forwarder brought the container to the port on time, the shipping companies can always change the schedule for many reasons and the schedules change according to their decision alone.
In general, if a seller wants to ship by sea, it is advisable to allow 10-14 days from the time the goods are collected from the supplier until the ship sails from its actual departure port. It can sometimes be faster, and sometimes it can even be longer due to a change in the schedule of the shipping company.
Stages of the freight forwarding process
Step 1 – Land Transportation (Export Haulage)
Collecting the goods from the shipper’s location to the forwarder's warehouse is called export haulage. The process is usually carried out by truck or train.
How long does it take for the collection process?
It depends on the distance, geographical location and the type of items. This first stage can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.
The first step in the freight forwarding process is to transport the cargo to the freight forwarder’s warehouse.
Step 2 – Items Checkpoint
Immediately following the export haulage stage, freight forwarders receiving the goods will check to see and ensure everything was transported without incidents and that goods are approved for export.
Step 3 – Export Customs Clearance
Before items can be shipped off it requires clearance from the country of origin. This process is performed by customs brokers. They are required to submit details about the cargo and any supporting documents that are needed. Usually, an agreement is established between the shipper and consignee who is responsible for this process.
Step 4 – Container Entry to Port and Loading Vessel
Once all the documentation is in order and the export customs process has been approved by the customs authorities in the country of origin, the shipper can now move the container to the loading port for loading into vessel.