FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

We know that shipping and logistics can sometimes feel complex — that’s why we’ve put together this list of common questions to make things simpler for you. Whether you’re new to international freight or a long-time customer, here you’ll find clear answers about our services, processes, and how we keep your cargo moving smoothly and reliably.

What types of freight services do you provide?

We offer comprehensive logistics solutions, including air freight, ocean freight, road freight (FTL, LTL, and drayage), as well as customs brokerage and supply chain management services.

 

Yes. We provide Full Container Load (FCL) and Less Than Container Load (LCL) for ocean freight, as well as Full Truckload (FTL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL) options for road transport.

Absolutely. Our door-to-door services cover the entire shipping process, from pickup at origin to final delivery at your chosen destination.

We provide real-time shipment tracking through our online system, ensuring you always know the status and location of your cargo.

Yes. With our national Customs brokerage license, we handle all customs clearance and documentation to ensure a smooth, hassle-free process

How can I request a quote?

You can easily request a free, no-obligation quote through our website’s contact form or by reaching out to our customer service team directly.

We recommend booking as early as possible — especially for international shipments — to secure space and the best available rates. However, we also accommodate urgent and last-minute requests whenever possible.

Thanks to our long-standing relationships with major carriers, we have the flexibility to negotiate the best rates and provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on service quality.

We handle a wide range of cargo, including general goods, perishables, oversized shipments, and time-sensitive cargo. Specialized handling is available upon request.

Yes. We have an extensive global network that allows us to deliver cargo to and from all major U.S. ports and international destinations, including remote trade lanes.

INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS

When shipments arrive at a port of entry in the United States, they are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). During this process, CBP officers inspect the documents associated with the shipment to ensure that all required information is present and accurate. 

The most common documents required for clearance are:

  • Proof of insurance
  • Invoice (unless a commercial sample is worth less than $25)
  • Port spending (when applicable)
  • A packing list
  • Certificate of origin (when applicable) 
  • Air waybill, inland bill of lading, through bill of lading, and ocean bill of lading 
  • Pre-shipment inspection certificate (when applicable)
  • Transportation invoice

Once CBP has verified all the necessary documentation, they will clear the shipment for entry into the United States.

After your shipment has been inspected and all required import documentation has been filed, you’ll need to pay any taxes or duties owed on the goods before Customs will release them for delivery. The amount of tax and duty owed depends on several factors, including the type of goods you’re importing, their declared value, and the applicable customs laws. 

For example, if you’re responsible for paying taxes and duties (i.e., if your shipment is delivered duty unpaid, or DDU), you need to arrange for payment with the customs authority in your country before they can deliver the goods. 

On the other hand, if your shipment is delivered duty paid (DDP), the taxes and duties are included in the price of the goods, and you won’t need to make any additional payments. Either way, it’s essential to be aware of the potential costs involved in importing goods so that you can budget accordingly and avoid a late payment penalty.

After Customs inspects and assesses the goods, they are released from the warehouse where they have been held. The release process can vary depending on the type of imported goods but typically involves paying any customs duties or taxes owed. Once the release paperwork has been completed, the importer can take possession of the goods and move them to their final destination.

In some cases, goods may be released on a conditional basis, meaning that they must meet specific requirements before they can be moved off-site. For example, toxic chemicals may need to be appropriately labeled and packaged before they are released from customs. Ultimately, the customs clearance process aims to ensure that all imported goods meet all applicable regulations before they enter the domestic market

When sending international shipments, be aware that they need to clear customs in each country your goods must pass through. This means that your goods will be subject to a customs clearance check in each country, and each country’s customs clearance process may have its requirements, standards, etc.

One of the best ways to ensure successful customs clearance is to expect multiple checks. This way, you can be prepared with all the required documents and information for each country and know exactly what to expect at each process step. It’s also a good idea to research the customs clearance requirements of each country in advance so that you can be sure your goods meet all the necessary standards