Most affordable Port to Port Transport (RAS)
The size of international marketplaces has recently significantly increased. This indicates that ports are now busier than they were previously.
The capacity of the world's container fleet is increasing as a result. This implies that there are additional technical considerations for those working in the shipping industry.
Conditions at sea are frequently unstable and unpredictable. The shipping process is therefore unpredictable to some extent.
Port to port transport is expensive, and there is occasionally a risk of cargo loss. This is due to the fact that the owner or forwarder manages the entire process themselves.
It is advisable to look up the cargo trailers' VIN numbers so that one can pinpoint their specific location.
How Does Port-to-Port Transport work?
From one port to another, cargo is transported in shipping containers.
Transportation services for cargo, either from the port of origin or to the destination, are not included in this sort of shipping. Usually, the handler or owner is in command of the entire procedure. Thus, it is advised for experienced shipping professionals.
Experienced shippers frequently know how to carry out the shipping procedure smoothly and also how to handle problems that may develop.
They are capable of managing papers, handling customs clearance, and organising transport and storage services.
It is usually crucial throughout this process to search for the VIN number of the cargo trailer that is hauling your items. You can always track your shipment with this number.
Port to Port Transport factors
Inland Transportation
You will need to set up inland transportation to get your shipment to and from the ports of loading and discharge, respectively, depending on the origin location and ultimate delivery point of your consignment.
This could involve rail or trucking services, or a combination of the two. We advise you to plan ahead and take into account the recent trucker shortage while setting up inland transportation in the US.
Schedule for port
You will be responsible for making sure your shipment is delivered to the port in time to make the sail date and picked up from the port of origin once it arrives to avoid late fees like demurrage if there are no pre- or on-carriage services.
To prevent unneeded difficulties, double-check the port authority's schedule and operating hours before scheduling your drop-off and pick-up. Remember to keep an eye out for any public holidays, the port or terminal's operating hours, and/or potential port worker strikes.
clearing customs
You must go through origin customs clearance in order for your cargo to sail. Typically, port-to-port shipping prices and reservations do not cover this step. This could turn out to be a time-consuming operation, depending on your goods.
We suggest you speak with a qualified and trustworthy customs broker so they can provide you advice on any unique documentation you might need to submit, such as those for medical or pharmaceutical products, among other things.
Before you are authorised to pick up your shipment, the necessary documentation and documents must be submitted to customs authorities at your destination. From destination country to destination country, documentation can differ greatly.
It would be better to use a destination agent's services to prevent misunderstanding and potential issues. Destination agents are experts on the import regulations of the country you are travelling to, and they can assist you with the necessary paperwork and provide you guidance on how much tax and duty you should expect to pay.
cargo protection
Port-to-port shipping does not cover cargo insurance, which is a crucial component of every shipment. All shipping companies are required by law to have "carrier liability" insurance for all shipments carried on board their boats.
However, this offers only extremely little protection, which is undoubtedly insufficient to cover your losses even in the event that your cargo sustains even minor damage.
Given the unpredictability of ocean freight transportation, it is always advised to get the right cargo insurance to make sure you have enough protection in case your cargo is destroyed at sea. Please read our post on different types of cargo insurance for more details.
Local expenses
Port-to-port shipping rates typically do not include local fees like the Bill of Lading release fee, associated port fees, wharfage, etc. Nevertheless, as was already indicated, certain port-to-port prices might contain local handling fees for the origin and/or destination.