Guide to Shipping
Types of Shipping
Horner Agencies specialises in sea shipping, also known as Sea or Ocean Freight, and we also partner with other agencies to offer other types of shipping to our clients.
What you need to consider
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The type of product (commodity) you are shipping and whether it is general or is fragile, perishable, hazardous or needs any special handling
Not all logistics companies offer refrigerated containers (reefers) or ship dangerous cargo. If your product has special requirements, you need to make sure that your preferred company can support these.
The weight and dimensions of your shipment (cargo)
You will need to calculate the total size in metres cubed (m3) and the total weight of your shipment, as well as the number of boxes or pallets you are shipping. The weight and dimensions of your shipment are a key element in determining the costs for your shipment.
If your shipment is less than a full container load (FCL), it will be combined with other customers’ orders, and you will only pay for the space you need.
The origin and destination of the shipment
The origin and destination of your shipment is another factor in determining both your transport requirements and the associated costs. Is your shipment domestic or international? Do you need to ship door-to-door, or will your client collect their order from a transport hub? If you are shipping internationally, door-to-door, you will probably need inland transport as well as sea freight or air freight. This will be arranged by your logistics supplier but it affects the costs. Where your shipment starts and ends also affects whether you need insurance and custom clearance services.
When your shipment should arrive at its destination
With shipments, there are always variables. Certain times of year bring delays in certain areas of the world. Different regions have different holiday and festival seasons. Coming up to Christmas, for example, logistics services are in high demand, Chinese New Year is the same. There may also be delays that are unforeseen, such as the closure of the Panama Canal or regional conflicts. Bear in mind that your mode of transport will affect your schedule too – air freight being the quickest, and sea freight the longest. However, for large shipments, sea freight is often the optimal option.
Documentation and Compliance
Documentation is a vital part of shipping and there are a number of documents involved including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, customs forms and declarations, and bills of lading.
Shipping and Insurance Costs
Shipping costs are calculated based on weight, size, destination and how quickly your shipment needs to be delivered.
Shipping Insurance can also be provided by your Freight company or by a third-party insurer and needs to be taken into account when working out your total costs.
Customer Communication
Good customer communications are vital in the logistics business and Horner Agencies is proud of our reputation in this area. We endeavour to proactively inform our clients or any changes or unforeseen circumstances that may affect the arrival date so that you in turn can keep your customers informed, and we respond promptly to any enquiries you may have in relation to shipments.
Still have a questions? Just give us a call – we are happy to help.