What happens to a 20ft container between the factory and your port?
From loading to collection there are six stages. Four you can only wait through; two you must do yourself. Knowing which two explains why cargo sometimes sits a week longer than expected.
What should be confirmed three days before loading?
Four things: that all goods are finished and packed, that inspection is complete, that wood packaging carries a fumigation mark, and when the booking's cut-off is. The third is most often missed — wood packaging without the ISPM 15 mark can be held and treated at destination, with the cost and delay on your side.
What do you look at on loading day?
Three things: the container is dry and undamaged, slabs are standing on edge with separators, and voids are filled and secured. Stone is heavy cargo — a 20ft container of 30mm slabs runs close to the weight limit — so how it is loaded decides the breakage rate. Ask for photos of the loading and of the open doors when finished. That is the only on-site evidence you can check.
What is your role in export declaration and release?
Usually the supplier or their forwarder handles it; you provide consignee details, destination port and the responsibility split under the Incoterm. Your job is to check that the declared description, quantity and value match the commercial invoice. A mismatch becomes your problem at import clearance.
Cut-off, sailing, bill of lading — what is the order?
Cut-off first, meaning declaration and release deadlines, then loading, then the bill of lading after departure. Only once the B/L exists can you pay the balance and have documents sent. So the sailing date is not the key date — the B/L issue date is the milestone you can push. Chase the draft copy rather than waiting for it.
Who is responsible for the goods at sea?
The carrier is responsible for transport, but risk and insurance follow the Incoterm. Under FOB risk passes to you once goods are on board, so you insure. Under CIF the supplier insures, and you should confirm the insured amount and cover are adequate. The only thing you can do in this stretch is confirm the policy is in force, not look for it afterwards.
What two things must you do around arrival?
First, obtain the bill of lading in time and complete endorsement or telex release, otherwise the cargo cannot be collected even after it arrives. Second, declare early instead of waiting until free time runs out — detention and storage are charged by the day and often hurt more than the freight. Both must start before the vessel arrives.
Which stage fails most often?
Not ocean freight — documents. Consignee spelling, destination port, package count, weight: any field on the B/L that disagrees with the invoice can cost you days at the port. Checking those fields with the supplier before loading takes ten minutes and saves days.