What are the most important questions to ask a sea freight carrier?

?? One of the most common traps: Choose the cheapest carrier. My take on this? If you have 5 carriers capable of delivering your cargo to the destination = choose the one that will support you when the times are bad, when your cargo is delayed or damaged in transit. What is the carrier that will settle your cargo claims promptly and without avoiding the liability? Make your due diligence folks and engage carriers that will support you in good and bad times = NEVER decide solely on cheapest rates of sea freight!

Make sure you are looking at an apples to apples comparison for rates. A cheap port to port rate with a high dray rate is not always the cheapest option. Look at the all-in door to door cost.

A partir de meu lugar de fala (ponto de vista do Armador), e considerando a fun??o comercial a qual tenho participa??o há mais de dez anos; garanto que a pergunta principal a ser feita no momento da cota??o é: Qual é a estabilidade de servi?o, na rota que demando? Veja bem, sem esta seguran?a (constancia de frota, rota??o, confirma??o de call), todo o resto é perfumaria. Por isso, se atente ao histórico do provedor, e de suas entregas. Cuide para que todo o seu trabalho de negocia??o, n?o vá "por água abaixo"... Pela falta de confiabilidade de seu fornecedor. Um relacionamento de confian?a e parceria será chave para a tranquilidade de seu embarque, principalmente em casos de longo prazo, ou B2B.

It’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that a sea freight carrier can meet your specific needs. Some questions we might consider are : - How extensive is your network? A freight forwarder with a reliable and established international network can facilitate a more streamlined shipping process. - Can I track my cargo? Having a 24/7 track and trace service for your cargo is a must. - Can you help me with customs clearance? Customs clearance is an integral part of any ocean freight process. - What’s included in your rates? Understanding what’s included in the rates can help avoid unexpected costs. - Will there be any costs at destination to consider? It’s important to know if there will be additional costs at the destination.

Evalúate shipping lines Check their published transit times and effective transit times. Too often there is a huge difference. Check their reputation. Check if the lines are real carriers or if they rent space on vessels of colleagues. All these elements should be taken into consideration.

Inquiring about transit time and reliability is paramount when engaging with a sea freight carrier. Assessing the estimated journey duration and the carrier's track record for on-time, damage-free deliveries provides crucial insights. Variability in transit time due to factors like route, vessel, weather, congestion, and customs clearance underscores the need for clarity. Ask carriers for their records, enabling informed comparisons with industry standards to ensure a reliable and timely shipping experience.

What is the estimated transit time from the origin to the destination port? How do factors like route, vessel type, weather, and port congestion affect transit time? Can you provide records of your on-time delivery performance? How do you handle and communicate delays or disruptions in transit? What is your track record for delivering cargo without damage or loss? How does your reliability compare with industry standards?

Planning a voyage across the vast ocean but worried about surprise delays and hidden costs? Demand details! Ask for the ship's schedule, including ETA / ETD and its designated ports rotations, direct voyage, or will it make some transshipment? Most importantly, get the final transit time confirmed – no surprises allowed! During these turbulent times, ensure if the Houthis blockade affects their chosen vessel. Remember, that detour around the Cape of Good Hope can add a whopping 14 days to your journey! While big names like Maersk are industry giants, don't underestimate the smaller players. For Intra Asia routes, Wan Hai might be your best bet for dependable service. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, so always ask around.

Follow these tips for smooth sailin' and constant cargo contact: Track like a pro: invest in a top-notch track & trace system. Think magical spyglass, seein' your cargo live - location, temp, humidity, the whole shebang! Shop around, compare features, demand real-time updates. Communication is key: Set clear channels with carrier & receiver. Agree on regular updates: daily emails, apps, even WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat - information is power! Don't be drowned in documents. BL, CIPL, customs forms, permits - have 'em all in order, readily available. Delays at port cost a fortune. Ocean is unpredictable: Delays, weather, even (rarely) pirates happen! Stay flexible, adjust plans, keep everyone in the loop.

What tracking tools and methods do you use, and how frequently is the information updated? Can I monitor my shipment's location and status online, or through phone or email? Who will be my primary contact for any queries or issues, and how can I reach them? How do you handle communication in case of emergencies or sudden changes? Is your tracking system compatible with external supply chain management platforms like SKUPREME for integrated updates? How do you ensure continuous and transparent communication throughout the shipping process?

When engaging a sea freight carrier, inquire about their insurance and liability options to safeguard against potential damages or losses during shipment. Understand the coverage scope, including protection against accidents, theft, fire, or natural disasters. Assess the carrier's liability for damages due to negligence, error, or contract breach. Seek details on insurance types, coverage elements (cargo value, freight cost, repair/replacement), liability limits, and exclusions (consequential damages, force majeure, acts of war). Comprehensive information ensures a clear understanding of the protection offered and the associated terms and limitations.

What type of insurance do you provide, and what specific aspects does it cover? Does the insurance cover the cargo's full value, freight costs, or repair/replacement costs? What are your liability limits, and under what circumstances are you liable for damages or losses? Are there exclusions in your liability policy, such as consequential damages, force majeure events, or acts of war? How is the insurance claim process managed in case of damages or losses during transit? Can you provide documentation detailing your insurance terms and liability conditions for review?

Can you provide a detailed copy of your terms and conditions for our shipment? What are the specific delivery terms outlined in the agreement? How are the payment terms structured, including any advance payments or deposits required? What are the policies regarding cancellations or modifications of the shipment? How are claims and disputes handled according to your terms, and what is the process for resolution? Could you clarify the arbitration and jurisdiction terms in case of legal disputes?

Avalie o nível de atendimento baseado em experiências prévias próprias e de outros colegas. Leve em considera??o o grau de importancia que a sua opera??o representa para o transportador marítimo, caso seja muito pequena, provavelmente n?o conseguirá um atendimento personalizado e ágil nos momentos que mais precisa. Nestes casos pode ser interessante contar com o suporte de um agente de cargas com boa reputa??o.

How do you manage customer inquiries, requests, and complaints throughout the shipment process? Can you describe your problem-solving approach for any issues or conflicts that arise? Could you provide references or testimonials from previous or current clients? Where can I find online reviews or ratings about your services? How do you ensure consistent quality and efficiency in customer support? What is your response time for customer queries, and do you have a dedicated support team?