The job of a Freight Forwarder is to simplify the shipping process. As a Freight Forwarder, we have contracts with steamship lines, air lines, and trucking companies worldwide, which allows us to offer you competitive pricing.
As a Freight Forwarder, we educate and guide our customers through the often complex and ever-changing import and export regulations and process. Most importantly, you communicate only with us as your Freight Forwarder representative rather than several parties. For many small to medium-sized businesses, the Freight Forwarder acts like a shipping department caring for the company’s logistics needs.
How do I get pricing for my shipment?
We can provide rates for your shipments across the globe. Simply request a quote online or call our team and our team will be in touch to help.
I am shipping some personal items, can you help?
Unfortunately, we don’t handle personal shipping. Unless your cargo is business to business, we are unable to assist.
Can I meet with someone to discuss my requirements?
We have dedicated consultants that can meet with you to discuss your business requirements. Call and ask to speak to a consultant and we will arrange a meeting with you at your convenience.
What incoterm should I use for shipping?
Prior to shipping your cargo, you will need to know what shipping term you applying to ship your freight. If you are new to importing you can call one of our consultants to talk through the lncoterms 2020.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL?
FCL or Full Container Load means your cargo will be shipped in a full container. You can nominate the size of your container based on the weights and dimensions of the cargo you are shipping. The most common FCL types are 20” General Purpose Container (20GP) and 40” General Purpose Container (40GP). LCL or Less than a Container Load means your cargo will be consolidated with other shipper’s cargo in the same container. LCL shipping is great if you have a small amount of cargo and do not need all the space of one container. LCL is sometimes a cheaper alternative to airfreight for small consignments.
What is a customs broker, and do I need one?
A customs broker is fully licensed by the Australian Border Force to customs clear cargo arriving in Australia. With ever changing government rules and regulations related to import transactions, it is sensible to engaged customs broker to clear cargo on your behalf. Our customs brokers team will work with you to review your documentation and ensure you are paying the correct duties and taxes for your cargo.
When will my Seafreight shipment become available from the port?
For Seafreight imports into Australia, containers need to be offloaded from the vessel and staged for collection or unpacked in the case of LCL shipping. This means that goods are not immediately available for collection on the same day the cargo vessel lands at port. As a guide you should allow 2 days from business arrival date for your FCL container to become available.
For LCL cargo you should allow 3 -6 business days from date of arrival before we will be able to collect your cargo. This extended timeframe is due to the requirement to unpack the cargo from the consolidation prior to collection.
What documents do I need when importing into Australia?
The main documents you will need when importing into Australia are
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Packing Declaration
Depending on the products you are importing, as well as the country of origin, you may also require:
Fumigation Certificate
Manufacturers Declaration
Import Permit
If this is your first shipment, speak to our consultants for an exact breakdown of what you will need for your consignment.
How is duty and GST calculated on my import?
Import duty is calculated according to the FOB(Free on Board) value of your cargo in Australian Dollars. Import duty is calculated as standard at 5% of this value. However, free trade agreements, tariff concessions or dumping duty can affect this price. GST is calculated on the value of your cargo plus import duty, plus insurance, plus freight.
Once you have this value, the standard percentage rate for import duty in Australia is 10% of this total cost. Our customs consultants can provide an anticipated cost for duties and GST if you provide a commercial invoice for your shipment.
What forms of payment are acceptable?
We accept, bank draft, cash, e-transfer, direct deposits, wires, and Visa/Master card.
How do I book my shipment?
Simply call our team or fil up our form and we can book your shipment. We will need a few details so please ensure you have the below on hand:
Collection Details
Supplier’s name
Supplier’s address
Contact person
Contact number
Email address
Consignment Details
Size of shipment, dimensions and weight
Preferred method of shipping
Commodity
Commercial value
Delivery Details
Buyer's name
Buyer's address
Contact person
contact numbers
email address
Have more questions? Simply contact us. Our team of experts is ready to assist.
