Moving your cargo around can be complex but Jade International is here to help! Feel free to browse through the frequently asked questions. If you have questions, it’s easy to get in touch with us.
Demurrage is charged when you fail to pick up your container from the port within the allotted free time (typically 3-7 days), while detention is charged when you don’t return the empty container on time. These fees typically range from $75-$300 per container per day and escalate quickly.
To avoid these charges: know your free time limits, monitor shipment status closely, prepare documentation in advance, arrange pickup immediately upon release, and maintain proactive communication with your freight forwarder. Working with Jade International helps you avoid costly fees through proactive planning and real-time shipment monitoring.
While reputable freight forwarders provide transparent pricing, some fees arise from unexpected circumstances: storage fees, chassis rental, peak season surcharges (September-January), port congestion fees, customs examination fees, re-consignment charges, fumigation requirements, dangerous goods handling, currency adjustments, and remote delivery surcharges.
Key cost-reduction strategies include: consolidating multiple shipments into one, optimizing container space utilization, planning ahead to use ocean instead of air freight, shipping during off-peak seasons (avoid September-January), negotiating extended port free time, choosing LCL for small shipments and FCL for larger volumes, ensuring correct product classification, and leveraging trade agreements like USMCA for duty-free treatment.
A freight forwarder arranges the physical transportation of goods internationally, coordinating with carriers, truckers, airlines, and agents to move your cargo from origin to destination. They negotiate rates, book shipments, arrange documentation, and manage logistics. A customs broker specializes in clearing goods through customs, ensuring compliance with regulations, filing entries, calculating duties and taxes, and interfacing directly with government agencies.
Many companies, including Jade International, offer both services, providing seamless end-to-end logistics. While a freight forwarder gets your goods moving, a customs broker ensures they clear customs legally and efficiently.
LCL (Less than Container Load) is for smaller shipments that don’t fill an entire container. Your cargo shares container space with other shippers’ goods, and you pay only for the space you use (typically priced per cubic meter). LCL is cost-effective for shipments under 13-15 cubic meters but takes longer due to consolidation and deconsolidation. FCL (Full Container Load) means you rent an entire container exclusively for your cargo, paying a flat rate regardless of how full it is. FCL is faster, more secure, and more cost-effective for larger shipments.
Essential documents for international shipping include: Commercial Invoice (describes goods and their value), Packing List (details contents, weights, and dimensions), Bill of Lading (receipt and contract for transportation), Certificate of Origin (declares where goods were made), and any required permits or licenses for restricted products. For imports to the US, you’ll also need an Importer Security Filing (ISF) submitted at least 24 hours before loading.
Additional documents may be required based on product type and destination country: FDA documentation for food/medical devices, USDA certificates for agricultural products, textile declarations, hazardous materials certifications, or specific country requirements. Jade International guides you through document requirements for your specific shipment and ensures everything is prepared correctly.
Incorrect product classification using the wrong Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code can result in overpaying duties (if you use a code with higher rates), underpaying duties (leading to penalties, back duties with interest, and potential fraud investigations), shipment delays while customs corrects the classification, or loss of trade agreement benefits you were entitled to receive.
Customs can audit your entries up to five years after import, and repeated classification errors raise red flags that increase inspection rates. The importer of record is ultimately responsible for correct classification—even if your supplier or freight forwarder suggested the code.
A freight forwarder manages the transportation and logistics of moving goods from one point to another, while a customs broker handles the paperwork and compliance required to clear goods through customs. Many companies, like Jade International, offer both services under one roof to simplify international shipping. Having both ensures your cargo moves efficiently while staying compliant with all import and export regulations. This integration helps reduce delays, avoid penalties, and create a smoother supply chain.
Cargo insurance protects your shipment from loss or damage during transit. While carriers offer limited liability, it often doesn’t cover the full value of your goods. Comprehensive cargo insurance covers risks like theft, fire, weather damage, and mishandling. Jade can help you evaluate your risk exposure and arrange proper coverage to safeguard your cargo and your investment.
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