FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What is the difference between FCL, LCL, and breakbulk shipping?
- FCL (Full Container Load) – one shipper uses an entire container for their goods. It’s ideal for large shipments and offers more security.
- LCL (Less than Container Load) – multiple shippers share the same container. It’s cost-effective for smaller shipments but may take longer due to consolidation and deconsolidation.
- Breakbulk – cargo that is shipped individually, not in containers. Examples include machinery, steel, or large crates. Breakbulk is used when goods are too large or heavy for containers.
2. What documents are required for international shipping?
Common documents include:
- Commercial Invoice – lists goods and their value.
- Packing List – details packaging and contents.
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill – transport contract and proof of shipment.
- Certificate of Origin – identifies where goods were manufactured.
- Import/Export Permits – if required by the destination country.
3. How are freight charges calculated and what information is needed for a shipping quote?
Freight charges depend on:
- Weight or Volume (whichever is greater) – known as chargeable weight.
- Distance and Route – longer or complex routes cost more.
- Mode of Transport – air freight is faster but more expensive than ocean freight.
- Type of Goods – hazardous or oversized cargo may incur surcharges.
- Fuel and Handling Fees – vary by carrier and port.
To prepare an accurate freight quote, you will also need to provide:
- Pickup address
- Cargo dimensions and weights (for each package or pallet)
- Cargo value (for insurance and documentation purposes)
4. What does “Incoterms” mean in shipping?
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade — including who pays for freight, insurance, and customs clearance.
Examples include:
- EXW (Ex Works) – buyer handles all shipping.
- FOB (Free On Board) – seller delivers goods to the port; buyer covers freight onward.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) – seller covers transport and insurance to destination port.
5. What documents are required for a vessel clearance from Trinidad?
An updated crew list, passports, and departure cards (if crew is local) are required. For signing on foreign crew who have just arrived in the country, the same documents are needed to process Immigration clearance.
6. What documents are required for crew arriving into the country?
You will need the crew passport bio-data page, flight details, and crew rank. An “OK to Board” letter will then be completed and submitted to the Immigration Boarding Station. Once approved, it is forwarded to the crew member for travel.
7. What documents are required to sign off crew?
You will need crew passports, completed arrival cards, and the flight itinerary for departing crew.
8. How do you treat and classify ship spares for vessels internationally registered in local waters?
Such spares are treated as transshipment cargo. Upon arrival, all necessary customs procedures must be completed. The spares are then delivered directly to the respective vessel, which must stamp the relevant documents as proof of receipt.