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Freight from the USA

U.S. Sea freight Price Calculator Shipping Boxes, Crates and Pallets (LCL)

Are you new to shipping goods from the USA internationally? Read through this page.

LCL freight is the low-cost solution for shipping goods in boxes, crates, and pallets from the USA abroad.

It’s a reliable choice for both businesses and individuals shipping goods from the USA to overseas destinations.

Generally, LCL freight from the USA follows similar procedures, regardless of your selected international shipping company.

LCL shipping is mainly intended for experienced exporters, but at AMID Logistics, we also provide this service to everyday shippers looking to send cargo from the USA efficiently and affordably.

At AMID Logistics, we have been assisting newly established import-export enterprises and customers shipping household goods and personal belongings from the USA overseas for approximately 20 years. We aim to simplify shipping goods from the USA, making it as easy and predictable as possible for those new to international transportation. We take pride in our work and the satisfaction of our clients. Please take a minute to read our customers' reviews.

On this page, we aim to address the common issues faced by first-time, inexperienced international shippers who ship cargo from the USA using LCL freight. While our website’s FAQ, references, and documents sections provide detailed explanations, this article will focus on real-world concerns and examples to help you better understand the process.

So, if this is your first time arranging freight from the USA to another country, we strongly recommend reviewing the information on this webpage before you begin. Doing so can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a successful shipping experience.

All requirements, regulations, and restrictions are standard across the international cargo transportation industry. Regardless of the international shipping company you choose, understanding the basics of shipping goods from the USA is essential. If anything remains unclear before you begin shipping cargo from the USA abroad using LCL freight, don’t hesitate to contact us or seek assistance from third parties.

1. LCL Freight Vs. Parcels and International Moving Companies services

2. Pack all your goods in boxes or crates. Palletizing.

3. The most cost-effective option is to deliver cargo directly to CFS.

4. Need a pickup? Then, please be prepared for the pickup.

5. If you deliver to a line haul terminal, you may deal with palletizing.

6. Submit the necessary shipping documents.

6.1 Commercial or Personal shipment?

7. Sea freight cannot guarantee transit time.

7.1. U.S. CBP inspection

8. Import recovery. DESTINATION CHARGES ARE ON ACCOUNT OF THE CONSIGNEE.

8.1. Shipments with transshipments.

9. Door deliveries at destinations.

10. 75% deposit. The actual shipping cost will likely differ from the estimated quoted shipping cost.

11. A discrepancy in the number of shipping units.

12. Do not confuse LCL service with parcel services.

13. How far in advance should I book a shipment?

14. Please first calculate a price quote online.

15. Is there a hidden cost in your quote?

16. Why are your shipping costs so low?

1. Shipping Freight LCL Vs. Parcels and International Moving Companies services

Understanding the distinctions between international cargo transportation from the United States using LCL freight versus shipping goods with a parcel service or international moving companies is essential.

LCL freight becomes cost-effective when shipping a relatively sizable or heavy cargo. For example, when making international deliveries of large shipping boxes or items exceeding 0.5 cubic meters (20+ cubic feet) in overall volume or weighing 100+ kilograms (250+ lbs). In such cases, LCL freight becomes the prudent and economical method for shipping out of the U.S. boxed, crated, or palletized goods that cannot fill an entire 40-foot sea freight container.

A. Do not confuse LCL freight with parcel services:

B. LCL freight Vs. Shipping household goods with an International Moving Company:

When relocating internationally or shipping personal belongings from the USA overseas, you should choose between convenience and price.

If your budget allows, prioritizing convenience over price may lead you to seek the services of a reliable international moving company. These companies will send an estimator to assess labor costs, packing materials, and freight expenses. Essentially, they will estimate the total cost to ship your goods from the USA overseas without requiring additional effort.

Some international moving companies even offer door-to-door services, ensuring a seamless shipping experience from start to finish. They take responsibility for dispatching your international shipment and assisting you in the recovery process upon arrival in your destination country. It includes liaising with customs and seaport authorities, handling all charges related to cargo release, and delivering and unloading your belongings at your desired location. If you opt for this comprehensive service, it is crucial to carefully review the second part of your shipping service agreement, which outlines the procedures for cargo recovery at the destination.

However, the costs associated with international moving companies for shipping household goods from the USA abroad are high. It may be OK if your international move is business-related and your employer covers the expenses. However, consider an alternative approach if you are personally responsible for the shipping costs. One such alternative is to ship your goods directly with an international ocean freight carrier, with the assistance of U.S. freight forwarders.

Running ahead, you can hire a domestic moving company to properly pack and deliver your goods at an ocean freight carrier's terminal. Such terminals are professionally called CFS – Container Freight Stations. In this case, we'd suggest you ask the company if they know international cargo transportation regulations, particularly with ISPM15 regulations. It may be prudent to pay extra, but be sure you won't get in trouble at the end of your international shipping due to your goods' improper packaging.

C. Shipping LCL:

Yes, typically, you can ship household goods and personal items from the U.S. overseas using international sea freight carriers instead of hiring an international moving company.

If you can pack all your goods in boxes or crate them, then our Economy LCL Sea Freight Service is worth considering. This service is specifically designed for shipping relatively large cargo packed in boxes or crates. It is undoubtedly more cost-effective than sending goods from the USA overseas with international moving companies.

By opting for LCL Sea Freight, you can save a significant amount of money while ensuring the safe transportation of your belongings and:

• When you share a sea freight container for shipping goods packed in boxes, crates, or pallets from the USA with other exporters, you pay only for the space used in the container. Then, it is obviously more cost-effective than shipping from the U.S. an entire 20 or 40-foot container using FCL freight (Full Container Load).
  
  
• For cargo delivered directly to ocean freight carriers' terminals (CFSs) for shipping from the U.S. using LCL freight, freight rates are typically calculated by the cargo volume (per cubic meter or cubic foot). Not by the weight. Most of the time, weight in LCL freight is not a pricing factor but only the overall shipping cargo volume. You may find more about dimensional weight in ocean freight and U.S. domestic LTL trucking on this website.
  
  
• If shipping from the U.S. LCL, you may save on inland trucking. Suppose you self-deliver your shipping boxes, which can easily fit into your own or rented truck, to an ocean freight carrier's terminal (CFS). In that case, you will eliminate pre-carriage expenses that are pretty high in your total international shipping cost. Pre-carriage expenses in international shipping from the USA may even exceed the cost of ocean freight.
   
  Note: In shipping cargo from the USA using LCL freight, Ocean Freight means the price paid for cargo transportation between international ocean freight carriers' terminals (professionally called CFS - Container Freight Stations) in countries of origin and destinations.

• You can deliver your boxes to a CFS loose. The CFS will then palletize the loose boxes for a reasonable fee of $35-75 per pallet, including the certified pallet cost. By palletizing loose boxes, you make them safe for international shipping from the USA. It is much easier to handle light shipping boxes than heavy pallets. You can palletize loose shipping boxes and request to ship irregularly sized items separately. Then, it eliminates some adding-volume charges related to the palletizing.
   
  Note: International moving companies should also box, crate, and palletize your shipping goods. However, international moving companies will charge you for the labor, materials, etc., on top of other charges related to international cargo transportation.
  
  
• Shipping goods from the U.S. that are packed in cardboard shipping boxes complies with ISPM 15 regulations. You can purchase regular cardboard shipping boxes at U-Haul, Walmart, Office Depot, etc. For extra protection, we recommend using heavy-duty cardboard shipping boxes. Then, you will palletize your shipping boxes on certified or plastic pallets.
  
  
  If you self-deliver loose cardboard shipping boxes to an ocean freight carrier's terminal (CFS), most of the time, the CFS will properly palletize and shrink-wrap your boxes for shipping from the USA. The fee is typically $35-75 per pallet, including the cost of the certified pallet. Use the opportunity. Do not palletize shipping boxes by yourself. Deliver light shipping boxes to CFS and leave the palletizing to professionals. Besides that, loose shipping boxes are easy to handle; you will transfer responsibilities on ISPM 15 compliance to the sea freight terminal (CFS). Then, your shipping boxes should not face any problems related to ISPM 15 when shipping from the USA. Otherwise, consider purchasing bulk containers or crates manufactured for exporting goods overseas. Here is an example at ULINE.
  
  
• Using LCL ocean freight service in international cargo transportation, you can ship boxes, crates, or pallets of any size and form as long as they fit into a 40' ocean freight container. But please remember that cargo exceeding 7 (seven) linear feet must be pre-approved and subject to surcharges.

When shipping freight LCL from the USA, some specific rules and limitations must be kept in mind. These regulations may seem daunting initially, but they are pretty logical. By using common sense and adhering to the guidelines below, you can ensure everything goes smoothly.

 

2. Pack all your goods in boxes or crates. Palletizing, insurance, restricted, and prohibited commodities.

I. With LCL freight, all shipping items must be appropriately packed. I.e., boxed or crated and labeled for international delivery.

Sometimes, customers ask: "Can we ship unpacked items? Particularly pieces of assembled furniture such as a sofa, chair, dresser, etc."

The answer is: "No. You can't. With LCL freight, all shipping items must be boxed or crated."

If boxing, we recommend using heavy-duty cardboard moving boxes, which are widely available in stores and online.

If crating, keep in mind ISPM15 regulations or use crates designed for international shipping, such as Uline crates. 

Please pay extreme attention to the packing of your goods. Whenever it is possible, hire a professional packing company. Remember that if you insure your shipment under an "All risk" policy, NOT PROFESSIONALLY PACKED GOODS, TURN AN 'ALL RISK' POLICY INTO A 'TOTAL LOSS' POLICY.

After shipping goods are boxed, the boxes must be palletized. I.e., they will be stacked on pallets in skids and shrink-wrapped.

You can self-palletize your shipping boxes. Otherwise, an ocean freight carrier's terminal should properly palletize and shrink-wrap your shipping boxes. Ocean freight carriers' terminals are called Container Freight Stations or CFS.

a. The palletizing at CFS should cost you $35-75 per pallet, depending on CFS. The fee includes the cost of the certified pallet that complies with ISPM15 regulations.

b. If you ship numerous boxes, CFS may charge you hourly for the labor. However, please remember that palletizing too many shipping boxes may not be available at certain CFSs. If you ship too many boxes (say 30-50+), you should consider palletizing your cargo before or during the delivery to CFS.

The cost of palletizing is not included in the quotes. The palletizing fee will be added to the carrier's sea freight.

c. It is essential to understand that palletizing increases the chargeable volume of your cargo. However, this is the only way to ship a number of boxes safely from the USA abroad, by protecting cargo from damage and loss. Ocean freight carriers may not accept shipping more than 3-5 boxes from the U.S. unless palletized. To decrease the "dead" volume, we recommend using boxes of the same size and shipping an even number of boxes to fill rows of boxes on pallets. Then, they should fit pallets evenly. Find more about palletizing on this website. If possible, follow this rule when considering the sizes and number of shipping boxes.  

At a glance, these palletizing requirements may look complicated. Not at all. Use common sense. Your palletized boxes will be handled by forklifts, professionally loaded, and secured into a 40-foot multimodal sea freight container. Palletized cargo is protected from damage, loss, and theft at each stage during international transportation from the USA overseas. If you palletize your load, you can pack shipping items in moving boxes purchased at Walmart, Home Depot, etc. Using heavy-duty boxes in shipping from the USA overseas is preferable.

Shipping cargo on pallets is the standard in LCL freight. Experienced international shippers are aware of that. However, sometimes, inexperienced international cargo transportation customers are frustrated about the increasing chargeable volume after palletizing. Using our online freight calculator, they accurately enter the dimensions of boxes, box by box. Then, they expect the final shipping cost based on the calculated total volume. That's not correct. Palletizing always increases chargeable volume and adds a fee to the freight cost. However, it's worth it.

People ask, "How can I know the chargeable volume after the palletizing?" The answer is: Unless your boxes are stacked on a pallet and shrink-wrapped, no one can predict the dimensions of the skid. However, CFS's employees are professionals in palletizing. They should do their best to make your skids as accurate and safe as possible. You can read how to estimate the chargeable volume on our website.

People ask, "Can we ship items from the U.S. abroad in luggage cases, plastic bins, etc.?" The answer is: If you ship it loose, then no, you can't. However, if you palletize, then yes, you can. Just ensure that it is strong enough to keep its shape. We recommend labeling each unit. In case your skid falls apart during international transportation, all your shipping items in the skid can be identified. Our shipping instructions will provide a web link to print your shipping labels.

II. People ask, "I want to send some valuables from the U.S. by sea. Is it safe?" What should we answer? Almost everything you see in Walmart, Costco, etc., comes by sea in 40-foot sea freight containers. Add extra protection to your unique items. Bubbles wrap them. Insulate it. Hire a professional packing company. The majority of sea freight shipments from the USA arrive at their destinations without damage or loss. If you consider extra protection, then insure your cargo.

Please remember that the typical deductibles are $500 for commercial cargo and $1,000 for shipping household goods.

IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND! NOT PROFESSIONALLY PACKED GOODS TURN AN 'ALL RISK' POLICY INTO A 'TOTAL LOSS' POLICY. For more information, refer to MARINE CARGO INSURANCE.

III. Restricted and prohibited commodities:

To simplify it, when packing goods for international delivery from the U.S. overseas, do not add items prohibited for shipping abroad in parcels listed in your local USPS post office. Stay away from the shipping of:

• NO FOOD STUFF, WINE & DRUGS. Shipping of foodstuffs, including wine, medicines, and drugs, and any edible item, including food items, edible animal byproducts, supplements, etc., is subject to detailed regulations. Violations of these regulations can result in detention, confiscation, or destruction of cargo, fines, and criminal charges. Responsibility for proper documents, permits, and incurred costs is for the shipper/consignee account.
• Live animals, plants, and seeds
• Shipping of dangerous goods is restricted and subject to approval and special procedures.
• Aerosols
• Liquids
• Cash, Money orders, credit, and  debit cards
• Passports and other confidential documents
• Valuable jewelry, art, and antiques
• If you ship overseas something containing a battery (even a dry battery), the entire shipment may be considered dangerous goods. 
• If you pack shipping goods into used boxes, erase all the previous shipping labels. Pay extreme attention to dangerous goods labels.

Commodities that are subject to special U.S. export regulations:

• Sensitive goods include firearms, missile technology, fingerprint analysis equipment, chemical and biological controls, encryption items, etc. These goods may require an export license or be subject to restrictions depending on the destination.
• Items could affect national security, nonproliferation, foreign policy, or human rights. These items are controlled by the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the Commerce Control List (CCL). The EAR and CCL classify items by their Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) and assign them a reason for control.
• Items subject to sanctions or embargoes by the U.S. government are prohibited or restricted from being exported or re-exported to certain countries, entities, or individuals that are subject to U.S. economic sanctions or trade embargoes. Some of these countries include Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Russia-Belarus.
• To determine whether your product, technology, or service might need an export license or be subject to other legal requirements, consult the U.S. Export Regulations website or contact a Bureau of Industry and Security counselor.

If you are not confident that some of your goods are legal for international shipping from the USA abroad, do not put your entire shipment at risk. Leave it. Do not ship.

 

3. Cargo delivery directly to a sea freight carrier's terminal (CFS) is the most cost-effective option for shipping goods from the U.S. overseas.

CFS is the abbreviation for a Container Freight Station. CFS is a warehouse under U.S. Customs supervision that accepts cargo for further consolidation and international shipping out of the U.S.

In the freight calculator's dropdown list of origins, CFSs are HIGHLIGHTED in green and listed WITHOUT asterisks. For example, PHILADELPHIA.

Shipping freight directly from a CFS is the most economical way to ship goods in boxes, crates, or on pallets from the U.S. overseas. The capacity of cargo vessels is not limited to cargo weight but by the hold of the ships. Therefore, the weight of cargo delivered directly to a CFS is not a pricing factor unless its density exceeds the carrier's density limit, typically equal to 2206 lbs (or 1000 Kilograms) per Cubic Meter. To certain destinations, using smaller cargo ships, particularly to Central America and the Caribbean, the density limit may vary by one cbm = 750 kilos, one cbm = 500 kilos, etc. Regular general cargo most likely will not exceed the density limit.

Freight rates for cargo self-delivered directly to a CFS are calculated by the overall cargo volume per Cubic Foot or Cubic Meter. You estimate the cargo weight delivered to CFS for Customs and statistical purposes.

People ask, "Will the sea freight rates be rounded to whole cubic meters?"

The answer is "No. The overall volume calculation results include fractions. 1.73 CBM or 6.745 CBM, for example.

However, in LCL freight, there is always a minimum charge. Most of the time, the minimum equals shipping of ONE CUBIC METER (or ~35 Cubic Feet). For example, if your overall cargo volume is less than one cubic meter, say, 0.75 CBM, you will be charged for shipping one cubic meter anyway. However, the minimum could be two or three cubic meters for certain non-transatlantic or transpacific routes that use smaller vessels, shipping to Central America, for example, or to non-transportation-demanding countries. Carriers should specify it at the time of booking."

Also, please remember that your cargo must be palletized unless you ship a few items weighing less than 75 lbs each.

You can self-palletize your cargo before the delivery to a CFS. When self-palletizing, keep in mind the wood-packing restrictions (ISPM15) in international freight.

Otherwise, most CFSs should palletize your cargo for a fee.

IMPORTANT! Do not confuse self-deliveries to CFS with self-deliveries to an LTL terminal to line-haul your cargo to a CFS. Using our online freight calculator, if you decide to deliver cargo to the nearest freight terminal, then please pay attention to the essential difference between the U.S. origins' freight terminals WITH or WITHOUT ASTERISK (*) as listed in the drop-down list of U.S. terminals of our online freight calculator. CFSs are HIGHLIGHTED in green and listed WITHOUT asterisks. For example: PHILADELPHIA, PA.

 

SEA FREIGHT CARRIER'S BOOKING NUMBER IS THE KEY NUMBER IN YOUR SHIPMENT: As long as we process a booking request, all the information that you entered in our online booking form is transferred to a sea freight carrier and stored under the unique carrier's booking number. The booking number that you received with our shipping instructions is always on our dock receipt. Please do not confuse our Customer Reference Number assigned to your shipment when booking on our website with the Carrier's Booking Number, which you receive with our shipping instructions.

While we process your shipment, you can request that we correct the information submitted in your booking request. However, the Carrier's Booking Number will remain the same. 

Please remember that CFSs typically accept cargo from different consolidators (in respect of LCL freight - Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers, NVOCCs). CFSs do not manage international shipments and are not great at customer service. Their business is to accept and process cargo for already booked shipments. That's why IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO PROVIDE A SEA FREIGHT CARRIER's BOOKING NUMBER upon cargo delivery to a CFS. 

You can self-deliver your cargo to a CFS or arrange delivery with a local moving company, a third-party logistics company, or an LTL freight company. You don't have to deliver cargo in person. Anyone you trust can deliver your cargo on your behalf.

However, IF USING A THIRD-PARTY IN CARGO DELIVERIES TO CFS, ENSURE THAT THE CARRIER'S BOOKING NUMBER IS THE KEY REFERENCE NUMBER ON YOUR DELIVERY DOCUMENT. It is on your Dock Receipt. Otherwise, your delivery order or LTL Bill of Lading must show the carrier's booking number as the key reference number. If your delivery document misses the Carrier's Booking Number, the CFS may not recognize your cargo and may reject or misroute it. Keep a copy signed by the CFS document as Proof of Delivery (POD). 

POD (PROOF OF DELIVERY): Always be able to provide POD. Online tracking is NOT considered a POD. POD must be signed by CFS and dated.

If you deliver your cargo to CFS with our Dock Receipt, your POD is a copy of the Dock Receipt signed and dated by CFS. 

However, if you use a third-party trucking company, such as FedEx Ground Shipping, UPS Freight, etc., always request a signature on delivery. For example, always select the Signature Confirmation Option when submitting a delivery order. Then, you should be able to ask the trucking company for a formal POD (copy of Proof of Delivery with a signature). Online tracking does not consider POD.

The reason is that sometimes delivery drivers leave cargo at the gates of freight terminals unattended without obtaining signatures on shipping documents. As a result, drivers could leave the load at the wrong freight terminal or gate or deliver only part of the cargo.

IMPORTANT!: If a shipper cannot provide a formal POD, then CFS may reject any claims and will not initiate an investigation on missing cargo.

Also, effective Monday, October 3rd, 2022, due to changes in FedEx and T-Force Freight detention and re-delivery policies for LTL cargo, CFSs are no longer allowing deliveries or pickups from these two companies. Please arrange to use an alternative carrier to deliver cargo to a CFS. IF NOT POSITIVE, CONTACT CFS BEFORE ARRANGING A THIRD-PARTY DELIVERY.

 

4. Need a pickup? Then, please be prepared for the pickup.

If you need us to arrange a cargo pickup (collect cargo "at your door"), please select a pickup option and provide a valid ZIP (U.S. postal) code for your cargo location when using the online freight calculator. You will then receive a quote that includes the pickup option.

When booking a shipment for pickup, you must include the name and valid U.S. phone number of the person responsible for submitting the cargo to the pickup. The consigner's (shipper's) contact information can differ. However, the person must answer phone calls related to the pickup, meet the pickup driver, and submit their cargo to the shipment accordingly. 

We use U.S. LTL domestic carriers for cargo pickups, not moving companies. LTL cargo transportation primarily operates between commercial facilities with loading docks and forklifts. There will be only one driver in the pickup truck. So, if it is a residential pickup, LTL drivers may refuse to handle an excessive number of boxes or oversized or heavy cargo, as it is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Therefore, you must be prepared to help the driver with your cargo load at pickup time.

NO INSIDE PICKUP IS PERMITTED. Cargo must be located on ground level with easy access to the pickup truck, such as a porch, garage, etc.

IF YOU'RE GOING TO SHIP MANY LOOSE BOXES, THE PICKUP OPTION MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE. There is no particular limit on the number of boxes on residential pickups. However, based on our experience, submitting more than 6 (six) boxes may become problematic. It would be best to consider self-palletizing your shipping items or hiring a moving company to do the job for you. If palletizing, use ISPM15 stamped or plastic pallets. Request a liftgate pickup truck in our online booking request form's 'Comments and Questions' line.

If a residential pickup is scheduled but you are unsure about the pickup possibility, you may call the LTL company's customer service directly. The phone number is on our shipping instructions. Discuss the conditions of your pickup in advance. However, please remember that if you call and inform them that you submitted loose boxes, they will most likely insist that your cargo be palletized. So, be creative when calling.

After submitting loose boxes, they may be temporarily palletized at the LTL carrier's freight terminal for domestic transportation to the CFS, where they will be shipped overseas. If, upon arrival, your cargo at CFS is considered insufficient for further international transportation, then the CFS should properly re-palletize it for a fee.

Please understand that if an LTL carrier refuses a residential pickup for any reason, we can't do anything with it. If they refuse to pick it up, you must request that they cancel the pickup. Afterward, inform us to switch our shipping instructions to self-delivery to the nearest freight terminal. Then you will self-deliver your cargo to the terminal using our revised shipping instructions. The pickup cost will be eliminated in our final invoice. 

You can always hire a local moving company to palletize and transport your cargo to the freight terminal on your behalf. If you hire a moving company, make sure that they follow our shipping instructions. Otherwise, your shipment may be rejected or misrouted. You may follow them and control the delivery into the terminal for further shipping from the USA overseas.

LIFTGATE: If you ship items heavier than 100 lbs, you may need a pickup truck with a liftgate. Liftgate trucks are subject to surcharges of $75-150, depending on the pickup zone. The surcharge is not included in the quotes and will be added to our final invoice. Liftgate trucks are not always available.

If a liftgate is not requested in the 'Comments and Questions' line when submitting our online booking form, but is required by the description of your cargo, we have to include the liftgate option in your pickup anyway. Otherwise, you should be able to discuss the liftgate needs by calling the LTL company's dispatcher phone number provided in our shipping instructions.

Liftgates are limited to 2500 lbs and should handle freight equal to or less than 96 inches wide and 48 inches deep. However, if the width of a shipping unit exceeds 60", using a liftgate becomes problematic and may not be permitted.

PICKUP WINDOW: Please remember that the pickup time window is typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You may call the trucking company's dispatcher on the pickup day to find a more specific driver's arrival time. The dispatcher's phone number is in our shipping instructions. When calling, refer to the reference number in our shipping instructions and your LTL BOL.

RESCHEDULING A PICKUP: If, for any reason, you are not ready to meet the pickup driver on the scheduled pickup day, then that's OK. However, in this case, you must call the trucking company's dispatcher directly in advance. Otherwise, an attempt to pick up a charge may apply. Assign a new pickup day. Please notify us to track your pickup. No changes in your LTL bill of lading are required. Use the same LTL bill of lading that you received with our shipping instructions.

 

5. If you delivered boxes to a line haul terminal, you may deal with palletizing.

Our online freight calculator lists the domestic U.S. LTL line haul terminals in lowercase with an asterisk (*). For example, Orlando, FL*.

On the one hand, unlike ocean freight carriers' terminals (CFSs), LTL line haul terminals are not obligated to palletize cargo. On the other hand, most of the time, LTL LH terminals temporarily palletize loose boxes to handle loads with forklifts. However, they do not follow ISPM15 rules since the rules do not apply to U.S. domestic cargo transportation.

According to our experience, line haul freight terminals usually accept loose boxes and temporarily palletize them without question. However, they occasionally give you a pallet and ask you to stack your shipping items on the pallet, charge a fee, or even tell you to bring your own pallet. Please be prepared for the worst.

Bringing ISPM15-stamped or plastic pallets along with your boxes to the L.H. terminal is a good idea. Then, upon delivery of your skids to CFS, you don't have to pay for re-palletizing onto ISPM15 stamped pallets for shipping from the USA overseas. Such pallets with your boxes should eliminate the worst scenario if an L.H. terminal refuses to palletize your shipping goods.

Also, before delivering your loose boxes, you may contact the line haul terminal in advance and conduct business to avoid possible confusion at the time of delivery. However, please remember that if you call and inform them that you submitted loose boxes, they will most likely insist that your cargo must be palletized. So, if you contact them in advance, be creative.

If calling in advance, always provide the LTL bill of lading number. The number is on the LTL BOL attached to our email with shipping instructions in a PDF file. Otherwise, the terminal will not recognize your shipment and cannot assist you.

Do not confuse palletizing shipping boxes at LTL U.S. domestic line haul freight terminals with palletizing at ocean freight carriers' terminals (CFS). In our online freight calculator, CFSs are listed in uppercase and highlighted. PHILADELPHIA, PA, for example.

CFSs usually offer to palletize or re-palletize and shrink-wrap an internationally shipping cargo for a $35-75 per pallet fee. The fee includes the cost of certified pallets that obey ISPM15 rules. Find more about palletizing at CFSs. CFSs typically do not accept cash for palletizing. The price will be added to the carrier's freight.

 

6. Submit necessary shipping documents

If you ship goods overseas, please remember that it is the shipper's responsibility to provide all necessary documents to initiate and get the release for international shipping from the U.S. After that, upon arrival of the internationally shipped goods to the destination, the consignee (cargo receiver) must provide all the documents required to comply with the destination country's import regulations.

You should always separate the necessary documents to obtain your cargo release for international shipping from the USA (1) and the required documents to get import release in the destination country (2).

1. Documents necessary to get cargo released for international shipping from the USA:

All ocean freight carriers follow the same rule: "No docs, no ship." That means your cargo cannot be released to international transportation from the USA unless all necessary export documents are in order and submitted to the ocean freight carrier. If the cargo is already at the container freight station (CFS), but some documents are missing, it will remain on hold at CFS until all the necessary documentation is present. Otherwise, the shipper must take the cargo back.

Free storage time is limited. Depending on CFS, free storage time varies from a week to a few weeks. After that, storage charges will begin accumulating. If a shipper decides to take the cargo back, they must pay an "in-out fee" on top of storage charges to get the terminal's release.

Do not delay your export documents. Prepare and submit all documents in advance, or at the latest, on the day after your cargo is delivered and stored at the CFS. 

Do not enclose or attach any shipping documents to your cargo. Do not write a list of the shipping items on boxes. It may attract thieves. All shipping documents must be submitted on our website or via email. Then we'll provide it to your carrier electronically. Only label your boxes with the labels provided in our shipping instructions. The carrier's booking number on the labels refers to all the information related to your shipment.

Even though you most likely palletize your cargo, we suggest labeling all boxes inside your pallet(s). Then, if a pallet falls apart during international cargo transportation, each box can be indemnified. 

Does it look too complicated? Not at all. 

If it is a commercial shipment, then most of the time, you will need to submit a copy of a commercial invoice or purchase receipt. The document should list items you are shipping from the USA abroad and the value of the items in US$.

People ask, "I'm shipping household goods from the USA overseas. How can I get a commercial invoice?" 

The answer is, "It is easy." If you ship from the U.S. household goods or personal belongings, you describe your shipping items and assign the value yourself in the Valued Packing List. This document substitutes commercial invoices.

With AMID Logistics, you will receive an email with shipping instructions that contain web links to print your shipping labels and submit your Valued Packing List online. Find more about the Valued Packing List at this link. You can see what your Valued Packing List will look like in this link. 

When submitting your Valued Packing List, you should list all your shipping boxes, whether you will palletize them or not. However, to save time, you can combine several boxes of approximately the same commodity, value, size, and weight on one line in your valued packing list.

When you create a valued packing list for shipping from the United States household or personal belongings, please keep in mind that you do not have to list every single spoon and fork. Provide a general description, such as used tableware, clothes, disassembled furniture, etc. 

However, avoid too uncertain descriptions like "17 boxes with mixed household goods. The total value is $2,499". It may be OK to get your goods released for shipping from the USA. However, the destination country's customs may ask your consignee (the recipient of your goods at the destination) for a more detailed list.

Therefore, we highly recommend creating a comprehensive Valued Packing List when initiating your international shipment. In such a case, you will most likely avoid unnecessary questions from officials at the time of your import recovery in the country of the destination.

H.S. Code: International cargo transportation regulations require providing harmonized codes (H.S. Codes) on shipping documents. At least the first eight digests. Regarding international shipping from the USA of mixed household goods or personal effects, if no major commodity is described, we may suggest H.S. Code 4016.99.05, "Household articles not elsewhere specified or included." Otherwise, shippers may search the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule at http://hts.usitc.gov/

Occasionally, when the shipping documents are submitted, and a cargo consolidator confirms the release for the cargo departure from the United States, the shipping line or overseas agent may demand to change a U.S. H.S. Code to an H.S. Code that is used in the destination country. Then, we usually follow their recommendations and approve the amendment of the H.S. Code on the Bill of Lading.

You'll receive a web link to print your shipping labels in our instructions. Even though all your boxes will be palletized, we recommend labeling each box. Write in your shipping labels like Box 1 of 20, 2 of 20, 2 of 20, etc. Then, each shipping item can be identified if your skid falls apart during international transportation from the U.S.

Depending on the destination country, the ocean freight carrier may ask shippers for additional documents like copies of photo IDs, tax info, etc. However, there should be nothing complicated about submitting the necessary documents. Freight Forwarders should inform and guide you in the documentation required to obtain the release of your goods to depart from the USA.

IMPORTANT: If, in your valued packing list, you assign the total value of goods US$2500 or higher, then according to the U.S. CBP regulations, you must submit the U.S. Shippers Export Declaration (SED in ACE). You can submit the Shippers Export Declaration by yourself, or we will file it on your behalf for $35. To do so, we will need either the shipper's EIN (U.S. tax ID) or a copy of the shipper's foreign passport. U.S. passports or SSNs are NOT accepted. If you are a U.S. citizen exporting goods overseas valued at US$2500 or higher, whether for commercial or personal purposes, you must obtain an EIN. Read more about the Shippers Export Declaration at this link.

 

2. Documents necessary to get the import release in the destination country.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND that as soon as your goods are entered into the commerce zone of your destination country, any issues related to the import recovery, including providing all required by the destination's customs import documentation, are the consignee's responsibilities (in respect of dealing with customs, consignees called "importers of records"). Neither a freight forwarder nor an ocean freight carrier can assist you. 

Suppose you ship overseas and are unsure about what documents you will need to provide at the time of your import recovery. In that case, you should find that in advance by contacting your destination country's consulate in the U.S. or a licensed customs broker in your destination country.

Most of the time, the set of documents you have submitted when getting your cargo released from the U.S. is enough. However, some countries may have additional regulations for importing goods.

With LCL freight, you are not alone. With LCL freight, your bill of lading always contains the ocean freight carrier's destination agent's contact information. The agent should issue an official arrival notice to your consignee and guide the consignee through the complexity of import recovery. Read more about the arrival notice at this link. However, providing all the documentation the destination country officials require is the consignee's (importer of records) responsibility.

Please understand that you are the one who is sending the cargo from the U.S. abroad. Freight forwarders and carriers are only assisting with your needs. Therefore, you are responsible for providing proper documentation in shipping your goods from the U.S. overseas, but no one else is. If you encounter difficulties with your import recovery, we recommend that your first step should be to seek assistance from a customs broker licensed in your destination country.

 

6.1 Commercial or Personal shipment?

Sometimes, customers ask: "I'm buying items in the U.S. for personal use and need to ship them overseas. Should I declare my shipment as commercial or personal goods?"

Recovering imports at destinations is usually easier for commercial shipments. If the shipper provides a purchase receipt and the consignee's business tax ID, we recommend declaring the shipment commercial. Otherwise, declare it personal, submit a detailed valued packing list, and, if necessary, provide any additional information or documents required by the import regulations of your destination country.

 

7. Sea freight cannot guarantee transit time.

Sea freight shipments typically depart and arrive as scheduled. Once the cargo reaches CFS and is in a sea freight carrier's possession, the carrier tries to ship it as soon as possible to free up storage space.

However, delays can occur. Delays can happen for various reasons, not just due to severe weather conditions. The transit time of your multimodal LCL shipment depends on factors such as cargo and document cutoff at CFS, trucking or rail traffic, hubs, seaport conjunctions, and other variables while transporting your cargo from the United States to your destination country.

Please understand that once the carrier (cargo consolidator) processes a shipment, there is nothing a freight forwarder can do to expedite it. If a delay occurs, we promptly forward any updates we receive from the carriers to our customers. In the event of significant delays, we work closely with the carrier to determine the cause and provide explanations to our customers. We kindly ask for your patience in such situations.

Shipments with trans-shipping: If a Port of Discharge on your bill of lading differs from the Place of Delivery (the final destination), then the ETA in your shipping from the USA may NOT be the ETA to the final destination but rather to the Port of Discharge. From there, your cargo must be trans-shipped to the final destination, which may involve reloading onto another vessel, ground transportation by rail, truck, or a combination of both. Consequently, additional time should be expected for your cargo to reach the designated delivery point, as specified in your bill of lading.

If the cargo needs to be transported from a port of discharge to a landlocked city, the process can take an additional 10-15+ days. For hub-seaport routes, such as Europe to Africa or Asia to Oceania, the transit time may exceed 25 days before reaching the final destination.

U.S. CBP Inspections: Besides the routine delays associated with various factors during cargo transportation from the U.S. overseas, it is essential to highlight the possibility of delays caused by cargo quarantines enforced by the United States Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).

CBP can either inspect an entire container loaded with cargo from multiple shippers or order an inspection of a specific shipment before it is loaded into a container. If CBP orders an inspection of an entire container, consolidators typically inform all cargo owners and provide updates until the inspection is complete. However, when CBP inspects specific cargo from a particular shipper, they may instruct the carrier not to notify the exporter. Then, the consolidator only sends sailing schedule updates without informing of the reason for the delay until the cargo is confirmed on board.

Delays related to CBP inspections are infrequent. However, if the CBP flags a container or a shipment for examination, the delay duration becomes uncertain. Neither the freight forwarder nor the carrier controls this situation. U.S. Export regulations govern it. The cargo cannot be released for shipping from the U.S. until Customs completes inspection and approves the release.

Moreover, additional charges will likely be incurred due to the examination and added to the carrier's freight breakdown. If CBP inspects a whole container, all owners of cargo loaded in the container will share the inspection costs equally. If CBP inspects a particular shipment, it is on the shipper's account.

Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid these costs. Any complaints should be directed to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

We understand the frustration that can arise from these unforeseen circumstances and strive to provide our customers with the best possible service. However, it is essential to acknowledge that certain factors, such as CBP inspections and their associated delays, are beyond our control. We appreciate your understanding and patience in such situations.

In summary, it's essential to understand that sea freight does not guarantee transit time. While sea freight is a reliable mode of transportation, occasional delays may occur. In some cases, there may be significant delays.

 

8. Import recovery. DESTINATION CHARGES ARE ON ACCOUNT OF THE CONSIGNEE.

Once you have decided to ship your goods from the U.S. abroad, it should be clear that U.S. laws will not apply to your freight once your goods leave the U.S. commercial zone.

You should clearly understand that THE RECOVERY OF IMPORTING GOODS IN THE DESTINATION WILL BE UNDER THE DESTINATION COUNTRY's IMPORT REGULATIONS. COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS AND ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE IMPORT RECOVERY ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF YOUR CONSIGNEE AND ON ACCOUNT OF THE CONSIGNEE. As soon as imported goods arrive in the destination country, neither a U.S. freight forwarder that dispatches shipments on the shippers' behalf nor an ocean freight carrier will be able to manage or affect your import recovery overseas. A carrier (in respect of LCL freight, a cargo consolidator) is obligated to deliver cargo to the destination in bond. In-bond means imported merchandise is to be entered at a port of entry without appraisal or payment of duties. Then, all the import clearance formalities, shipping documents turnover, cargo deconsolidation handling, etc., are under the destination country regulations.

With LCL freight, an ocean freight carrier's destination agent should coordinate your import recovery upon arrival of your cargo at the destination. The agent's contact information is on your bill of lading. Typically, it is under "FOR DELIVERY PLEASE APPLY TO." However, depending on the form of your bill of lading, it may be under another heading.

The agent should guide you in your import recovery. However, the agent is not a U.S. business. If you encounter any issues with the import recovery at the destination, only your consignee (referred to professionally as the Importer of Records for import recovery) can address and resolve the problems.

Yes, International Maritime Laws apply to your sea freight. However, the laws may be interpreted differently depending on the country you ship to. Do not say anything about other subjective factors peculiar to your destination country.

You should expect an Arrival Notice from the carrier's destination agent as soon as your cargo arrives at the destination. You should expect it several days before your goods arrive at the destination. Please expect and don't miss or ignore the Arrival Notice. Start working with the carrier's destination agent on your import recovery without delay.

Typically, with LCL freight, you do not need to hire a destination country's Customs broker. Most of the time, the carrier's destination agent is also the Customs broker. However, in certain circumstances, the destination agent may ask you to clear your goods with Customs. Then, your consignee has to seek a Customs broker licensed in the country. Also, in case of problems with your import recovery, we suggest that your first step is to seek an independent Customs broker.

 

DESTINATION CHARGES: ANY IMPORT IS SUBJECT TO DESTINATION CHARGES. NO MATTER WHETHER YOU SHIP COMMERCIAL CARGO OR YOU SEND FROM THE USA HOUSEHOLD GOODS OR PERSONAL BELONGINGS. Destination charges (sometimes called local charges) occur at the destinations. Therefore, they are not considered freight charges. We inform shippers about destination charges while initiating every single shipment. When booking, shippers must agree with this statement: 'I understand that Destination charges are payable by consignee...'. Otherwise, shipments cannot be initiated. 

Do not confuse destination (local) charges with customs duties. The main part of the destination charges is handling cargo deconsolidation, documentation turnover, storage, and release. Read more about destination (local) charges on this web page.   

Skilled exporters are aware of and always consider destination charges in their business. However, inexperienced international shippers sometimes do not pay attention to the facts. Then, upon arriving with their goods at the destination, they are frustrated or even complain about the arising charges. The destination charges are the main reason for the frustration of inexperienced exporters. If you are involved in international freight, regardless of the mode of transportation, always keep in mind the destination charges.

To estimate destination charges, you may contact the carrier's destination agent in advance. The carrier's destination agent contact information is typically in our shipping instructions. The shipper may contact the agent before proceeding with a shipment.

Suppose shippers would like to estimate the charges before booking a shipment. Having a quote obtained from our online freight calculator, they may ask us for the contact information of the prospective carrier's destination agent. After that, they may contact the agent to find out about cargo recovery procedures at the destination and estimate the charges.

If contacting, you should inform the agent about the U.S. consolidator (indirect carrier, NVOCC) considered for your international shipping from the U.S. It is not AMID Logistics. AMID Logistics is a U.S. Freight Forwarder that dispatches your shipment with the consolidator. We will determine the consolidator based on your quote from our online freight calculator and let you know.

Please remember that the carrier may change its agent while processing your international shipping. The agent's contact information must be reconfirmed on your bill of lading. However, the procedures for your import recovery and destination charges should typically remain about the same.

Please understand that we cannot see your shipment routing without a quote or booking reference number. Then, before requesting an ocean freight carrier's perspective agent contact information, you should obtain a quote or booking reference number on our website.

SHIPMENTS WITH TRANS-SHIPMENTS: If a Sea freight Bill of Lading shows that a PORT OF DISCHARGE is different from the PLACE OF DELIVERY BY ON CARRIER, then the cargo will be reloaded from the vessel in the port of discharge on board another ship, rail, or truck for the transportation to the place of delivery by on carrier (to the final destination).

A PLACE OF DELIVERY BY ON CARRIER can be a seaport or a landlocked city, even in a different country than a PORT OF DISCHARGE. Then, depending on routing, the transshipment can be by a transcontinental vessel, a smaller feeder vessel, or by rail or truck.

By Maritime Law, regardless of the PORT OF DISCHARGE, the freight (the cost of transportation on a rated bill of lading) includes the cost of cargo transportation to a CFS (bonded warehouse) in the greater city area of the PLACE OF DELIVERY BY ON CARRIER.

IMPORTANT! Please remember that a carrier's agent may contact the consignee when the cargo arrives at the port of discharge. Then, the consignee has to provide the information necessary to set up the transshipment to the place of delivery by oncarrier. I.e., the import recovery may begin at the time of arrival of shipping goods to the port of discharge before the shipping goods arrive at the final destination (PLACE OF DELIVERY BY ON CARRIER).

Also, depending on the destination country's customs regulations, a part of or all destination charges may be required to be paid at a port of entry, but not at the place of delivery by the on-carrier. In this case, the cargo will continue traveling to the final destination, cleared by customs. Otherwise, it may be transferred to the final destination in bond. It must be cleared with customs at a bonded freight terminal (destination CFS) at the place of delivery.

Sometimes, destination charges may be divided by separate invoices related to particular parties involved in import recovery.

What can we suggest if you experience problems while recovering your goods at the destination?: 

1. If, for any reason, you are not contacted by the sea freight carrier's destination agent on/within a few days before ETA (estimated day of arrival), do not wait and contact them first. The contact information is on your bill of lading.
2. Always request a legal Arrival Notice. Your arrival notice must be dated and contain the agent's letterhead and a breakdown of destination charges. Phone calls or random emails are not enough.
3. Work appropriately with the sea freight carrier's destination agent. Respect the agent's job. Their business is to get a release for your goods as quickly as possible. Follow the agent's instructions. Pay destination charges (sometimes called Local Charges) and possess your released goods.
4. If you face a problem with your international cargo transportation, please get in touch with us. However, if you do not provide a copy of your legal arrival notice, we will most likely be unable to work with the carrier on your behalf. I.e., we will always need a copy of your arrival notice.
5. Finally, suppose you are still experiencing problems recovering your imported goods at the destination or would like to dispute the destination charges. In that case, you should seek assistance from a customs broker licensed in the destination country. You may also contact officials in the relevant organizations of the country.

Remember: Import recoveries are time-sensitive! The quicker you begin working on it, the less likely you will face deadline penalties: storage, demurrage, customs penalties, etc.

Suppose you are not aware of specific import regulations in your destination country. In that case, you may contact the consulate of the country in the U.S. or a customs broker licensed in the country in advance. You may find specific import regulations and limitations in your country in this link.

 

9. Door deliveries at destinations.

Sometimes, customers ask us about a "door-to-door" service. 

At the origin, in the United States, you can self-deliver your boxed or crated cargo to a freight terminal. Otherwise, we should be able to arrange a pickup of your boxed or crated cargo "from your door." Please pay attention to the certain limitations that apply to residential pickups.

However, your goods will be shipped to a bonded warehouse (CFS) located within the greater area of the designated city in the destination country assigned in your booking request. Not "to the door." I.e., the shipping cost obtained with our online freight calculator does NOT include "door delivery" service in destination countries.

The ocean freight carrier's destination agent assigned in your bill of lading should contact you a few days before your shipment arrives with an Arrival Notice, guide you in your import recovery, and get your freight release.

The carrier's destination agents and CFSs typically offer cargo delivery services within your destination country at an additional cost. Then, you should be able to order a "door delivery" and pay for the service directly to them at the destination. Otherwise, your consignee may hire a local cargo transportation company and arrange a pickup of released goods "to the door."

A bonded warehouse, professionally called CFS - Container Freight Station, is a freight terminal under the destination country's customs supervision. If the CFS does not release the freight, it is still outside your destination country's commerce zone.

Please note that CFS is not a seaport. CFSs may be located near seaports or in landlocked cities. Sea freight cost includes inland transportation from/to seaports to/from CFSs in landlocked cities. However, due to certain countries' import regulations, the consignee (the cargo receiver) may be required to begin working on the import recovery at the time of the entry of the goods into the destination country's commerce zone. I.e., upon arrival of imported goods at a seaport, before they are transported to a landlocked city as stated on your bill of lading. Then, your consignee can conduct the "door delivery" business in advance.

Please remember that the Arrival Notice is NOT a freight release document. An Arrival Notice is a document that allows the consignee to file an entry of importing goods into the commerce zone of the destination country and initiate the import recovery under the country's law. Upon receipt of the Arrival Notice, you must begin working with the agent to get your freight released without delay.

Most of the time, the agent is a customs broker as well. You must follow the agent's instructions, pay destination charges, and obtain the release. Cargo will be available for pickup or for "door delivery" to the consignee after customs clearance and release are completed.

 

10. 75% deposits. The actual shipping cost will likely differ from the estimated quoted shipping cost.

Sometimes, people ask us about COD (Cash on Delivery) or Freight Collect service. They probably confuse international cargo transportation with the sale of goods by mail order, where payment is made on delivery rather than in advance. If the order is not paid, it returns to the retailer. It doesn't work with LCL freight.

If you are a first-time shipper with us, we welcome you to use our service. However, when we book a shipment on your behalf with a carrier, we assume responsibility for all associated costs. Therefore, to secure funds, you must pre-pay at least 75% of the estimated shipping cost calculated based on the weight/measurements (w/m) information you provided in your quote and booking request.

When using our online freight calculator to get a quote, it may be difficult to provide the exact number of shipping units, sizes, and weights. Do not be frustrated. That's OK. Just roughly estimate it. If you are not an experienced exporter and do not ship cargo in pallets and crates, the actual volume, weight, and number of shipping units will probably be different from the measurements and quantities you provided at the time of booking.

After your cargo is delivered to an ocean freight carrier's terminal (CFS), the CFS WILL VERIFY AND RECONFIRM THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF SUBMITTED SHIPPING UNITS, THE OVERALL VOLUME, AND THE WEIGHT on their warehouse receipt. Then, we'll provide you with a copy of the warehouse receipt. If, for any reason, you disagree with something you see on the warehouse receipt, you may dispute it directly with the CFS.

If you quoted more than three loose boxes (or other smaller shipping units), then the boxes should be palletized at CFS. Typically, CFSs provide palletizing services. However, the palletizing will add a fee and increase the chargeable volume of your shipment. Unless you quoted pallets or forkliftable crates, our freight calculator does not reflect an increase in shipping costs due to palletizing.

After palletizing your cargo, we will provide you with a document from CFS that reflects the chargeable volume after the palletizing. We suggest you follow the guidelines to decrease the "dead" volume. 

You should clearly understand that your invoice will be based on the actual weight/measurements (w/m) of the cargo you have shipped, but not on the estimated w/m you provided when quoting and booking. The invoice may also reflect unaccounted costs from the carrier that are not included in the initial booking (if any). It can be charges related to palletizing or re-palletizing due to ISPM15 restrictions, fumigation, etc. I.e., you pay for what you actually have shipped, but not what you had estimated to be shipped.

In other words, the more accurate the w/m provided when quoting, the more precise the price quote is. If you have overestimated your w/m, then you pay less. If you have underestimated your w/m, you pay more. That's why we request a 75% deposit, but 100%. Please note that such a billing practice is expected in the industry.

Also, please keep in mind that you will receive our final invoice, less the deposit already paid, NOT upon arrival of your cargo to the destination country, but when your freight is confirmed onboard the vessel for departure from the USA. I.e., you should expect our invoice/within a few days after the ETD (Estimated Time of Departure), as per your shipping documents and updates. The ETD is when the carrier's Sea freight Bill of Lading is generated. Occasionally, if transit time in your international shipping is short, we may invoice you upon receipt from the carrier a rated proof copy of your Bill of Lading.

By following this web link, you can learn more about the unaccounted costs that may arise during shipping from the U.S.

 

11. A discrepancy in the number of shipping units.

When using the online calculator to estimate international freight costs, you may not yet be ready to provide the exact numbers, sizes, and weights of your shipping units. Don't be frustrated. That's perfectly fine. Just roughly estimate everything.

As your cargo is delivered to the ocean freight carrier's terminal (CFS), the CFS will verify the number of shipping units, total volume, and weight on their warehouse receipt.

We will then provide you with a copy of the warehouse receipt. International shipping costs will be based on the actual weight and measurements of the cargo, not the estimates provided during quoting and booking. You pay for what is actually shipped, not for what is estimated to be shipped. If you overestimate your w/m, you will pay less. If you underestimate your w/m, you will pay more. That's why we request a 75% deposit, but 100%. 
 
However, after a shipment is booked on a certain number of shipping items and our shipping instructions are already emailed, customers frequently ask, "There are changes in the number of items I'm going to submit to international shipping. Should I request changes in your shipping instructions?"
 
For example, you booked to ship 16 boxes and received our instructions to send 16 boxes. However, after you finished packing, you ended up with 12 boxes. Should you request that we change the number of shipping items in your Dock Receipt or the LTL bill of lading (if applicable)?
 
The answer is NO. YOU DON'T NEED ANY CHANGES TO YOUR DOCUMENTS. Use the document you initially received in our shipping instructions.

• Your printed Dock Receipt in a weblink with our shipping instructions is the key document for self-delivery to an ocean freight carrier's terminal (CFS).
• Your printed LTL U.S. domestic Bill of Lading, which is attached to our instructions, is the key document for self-delivery to a line-haul terminal or pick-up.

When submitting your cargo to the freight terminal or the pickup driver, have at least two copies of the document. Then, ASK THE PERSON WHO ACCEPTS YOUR CARGO:

• WRITE ON YOUR COPY OF THE DOCUMENT THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF ITEMS RECEIVED, and;
• Put any comments on it, if necessary.
• Date and sign it.

KEEP THE SIGNED COPY OF THE DOCUMENT ON YOUR RECORDS. It is the Proof Of Delivery (POD) confirming the actual number of shipping units submitted for international shipping. It should also be a good idea to picture the document and email the picture to us for further tracking.

Upon delivery of your shipping items to CFS, we will email you an update with proof verifying your cargo's weight/measurements at CFS. If you need to dispute the W/M from CFS, you should dispute that directly with CFS. 

If you use a third-party trucking company, such as FedEx Ground Shipping, UPS Freight, etc., for your cargo delivery, always request a signature on delivery.

 

12. Do not confuse LCL freight with parcel services. The minimum charge is one cubic meter. Destination charges.

 

 

FOR FURTHER REFERENCE: If you process a shipment with us, please do not confuse our Quote or Booking Customer Reference Number, assigned at the time of quoting-booking on our website, with the Carrier's Booking Number, which you receive with our shipping instructions. CFSs accept cargo from different consolidators (in respect of LCL freight -Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers, NVOCCs). That's why, upon cargo delivery to a CFS, it is necessary to provide a sea freight Carrier's Booking Number. The booking number is always on the dock receipt with our shipping instructions.

 

15. Is there a hidden cost in your quote?

Freight quotes obtained in our online freight calculator are based on the weight/measurement (w/m) information provided and the options selected when quoting and booking. However, your final shipping cost will be based on what you actually have shipped but not what you had estimated to be shipped.

In respect of international cargo transportation using LCL freight, sea freight means cargo transportation between Container Freight Stations (CFSs) in the country of origin and destination.

CFS means a bonded freight terminal under Customs supervision. Cargo received by CFS is not considered to be within the country's commerce zone unless Customs releases it. CFS is not a seaport. It can be near a seaport or in a landlocked city. Sea freight includes inland trucking from or to the CFS to or from a seaport.

Here is what is included in the price quote obtained with our online freight calculator:

• Cost for packing and labeling – NOT INCLUDED
• U.S. domestic ground transportation to an ocean freight terminal (CFS) – DEPENDING ON SERVICE REQUESTED
• U.S. Customs formalities* and the origin THC (Terminal Handling Charges) - INCLUDED
• International ocean freight between CFSs - INCLUDED
• Destination charges (sometimes called "local charges:" Customs, THC, Cargo release, etc.) – NOT INCLUDED
• Cost of delivery "to the door" of the consignee (cargo recipient) - NOT INCLUDED

*Unless subject to special U.S. export regulations.

Basically, the more accurate information you enter in our online freight calculator, the more precise your freight cost is.

However, we always suggest inexperienced exporters read this article before participating in their venture. In particular, they have to pay attention to these two main reasons affecting the final cost of shipping: the palletizing of shipping items and destination charges. Shippers to countries in Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, etc.) must keep in mind an additional cost related to cargo fumigation during BMSB seasons.

You can also learn about other conditions that may affect your shipping cost.

 

16. Why are your shipping costs so low?

Sometimes, inexperienced international shippers ask such a question. They have already shopped around, and they believe the international shipping cost obtained on our online freight calculator is too good to be true.

Our online freight calculator integrates direct freight rates from well-known and reliable Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (cargo consolidators). As a U.S. Freight Forwarder, we work on our service fee, which is separated from the carrier freight in our quotes and invoices. That's why our shipping costs are affordable and among the lowest on the market.

LCL freight is for experienced exporters, but we also offer this service to ordinary customers. Inexperienced exporters then gain benefits from shipping their goods utilizing LCL freight.

However, TO AVOID COSTLY MISTAKES AND FULLY BENEFIT FROM SHIPPING LCL, INEXPERIENCED SHIPPERS MUST PAY ATTENTION TO THE EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED ON THE WEBSITE.

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