Amber Stellingwerf

Freight forwarders will provide you with a range of options to find the most cost-efficient rate, however, be familiar with freight markets so you can gain the most competitive rate. Your overseas buyer will often specify the preferred option and this could depend on ease of customs clearance at the port of discharge or the frequency and reliability of sailing. Transhipment is a common feature of liner shipping. ‘Hub’ ports such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai distribute containerised cargo to other ports by ‘feeder’ vessels. Make sure, however, that the transhipment hub is efficient so your cargo does not suffer delays. Most freight forwarders have space and freight rate deals negotiated with sea and air carriers. What’s important is to locate a forwarder who caters for your business profile – both in scale of operation as well as geographic coverage.

The ADR (Agreement on Dangerous Goods) concerns the land transport of dangerous goods. It is the European agreement that classifies these dangerous goods and provides the regulations for their transportation.

When the dollar is stronger:Imports will increase since companies and citizens have a higher purchasing power (i.e. the same US Dollar buys more goods in foreign countries like Canada). Exports will decrease since goods become too expensive for customers paying in foreign currency. When the dollar is weaker:Imports will decrease since the country's companies and citizens have a less purchasing power (i.e. the same US Dollar buys less goods in foreign countries like Canada). Exports will increase since goods become less expensive for customers paying in foreign currency (i.e. these foreign buyers have a higher purchasing power).

Abandoned containers may become a burden to the shipping line or freight forwarder. Any container that is not moving leads to a loss of money for one of the parties involved in the process. This is the reason why the shipping lines cannot afford holding containers in the storage for a long time. In such cases, the shipping company will try to get rid of the cargo and avoid additional expenses. Thus, the companies hold abandoned cargo auctions. When the cargo is abandoned, the shipping company has a right to: Unpack the cargo from containers; Place the cargo into a bonded store; Sell the cargo; Offset all costs incurred from the proceeds of the sale; Take legal action to recover the difference between the sale price and costs incurred; If the sale price does not cover the costs incurred by the shipping company, then there is a provision in international law for action to be taken against the shipper. In cases of containers abandoning, the freight forwarders most likely will decide to dispose of the content through an auction. Shipping line may sell the cargo by public or private auction. Customs allows the general public to view the goods and vehicles in advance and, it also announces the abandoned cargo auctions date in the print and broadcasting media. The list of the goods and vehicles to be sold by the department is also available in different Customs Centers but it all depends on the country. Usually, customs are not giving any guarantee on the condition, quality or quantity of the goods sold at the abandoned cargo auctions.

The Association of Port Health Authorities is responsible for health controls at sea and airports, with the primary objective of preventing the introduction into the country of dangerous epidemic, contagious and infectious diseases and ensuring the wholesomeness of imported food.