Shipping Somali cargo? Here are 10 most common questions asked by shipping customers
If your business is involved in the importing and exporting Somali cargo, you will more than likely need a shipping company or freight forwarder in your corner. Most successful businesses require the assistance of reliable and leading freight service to Somalia that can manage their shipments.
Unfortunately, a lot of first-time shippers typically do not know where to start when it comes to global shipping of commercial cargo to Somalia. The freight shipping process can appear complex on the surface particularly if you are new. While most wish shipping could be as simple as stuffing messages in a bottle, the truth is that there are far more regulations and processes that one has to deal with to achieve success.
The good news is that with a shipping solution such as Air Cargo Global Somalia, you can depend on fast and secure shipping of your cargo and have it delivered at any Somali location of your choosing. Of course, there are various varieties of shipping services that can be provided based on what your business requires. In any case, if your company primarily deals with cargo and its transport, then the importance of proper freight management cannot be overstated.
Lucky for you, there is no shortage of freight companies today that can handle your needs. To find the right partner, however, you can only work with the best of the best because not all shippers are created equal. Whether you are looking for a shipping partner for your Somali Cargo that can transport your commercial goods by air, sea or road, there are common questions that shippers ask before they can hire a forwarder for their Somali cargo.
To guide you and make sure that you are doing it correctly- and to give you a sneak peek of how we run business-below are Air Cargo Global’s 10 most common questions asked by our shipping customers:
- Can Air Cargo Global Somali handle my Somali Cargo right?
When you are looking for a shipping company to work with, this is one of the most important considerations that you have to make for your business particularly if you are involved in the transport of fragile, delicate, dangerous or perishable cargo. Some cargo requires special handling during transportation so you want to make sure that your forwarder is capable of meeting your needs. Good freight companies have all the relevant tools of the trade to accommodate your product needs. However, the most qualified freight companies like Air Cargo Global Somali will go the extra mile and provide specialized handling based on your shipment’s needs.
- Can Air Cargo Global Somali handle all my international shipping needs?
The best shipping partner for your Somali cargo should be large and technologically advanced enough to be able to take care of all your service needs. As such, your partner should be able to provide you with shipping services of all types including land, air and sea shipping, as well as customs clearance. The most reliable freight forwarders usually will have the tools and resources needed to safely deliver your items to Somalia.
- I hear F.O.B a lot. What does it stand for
In international shipping, FOB refers to the “name of originating port”. In manufacturing and global procurement, however, FOB stands for Free on Board. FOB is an indicator that demonstrates that the ownership of a package has been transferred from a seller to the buyer.
- Does Air Cargo Global Somali have a strong agent of networks in Somali and internationally?
The best shippers and freight forwarders rely on a strong network of international shipping agents and staff members that can deliver goods safely and on time. The best shipping partner for your Somali cargo will want to sit down with you and map out the routes and players involved with your shipment. This is very imperative considering that your goods might be moving from one destination to another and that they may be in different hands and parties concerned in the transport process before everything reaches your final decision.
- Does Air Cargo Global Somali have cargo insurance?
It is extremely important to find out if your chosen shipping partner has cargo insurance. The best freight companies will have insurance because it is necessary to protect the client’s goods in the event that they sustain damage. Cargo insurance is vital for reimbursement of the items to occur. With cargo insurance, you can be assured that your business will not end up suffering if some accidents or delays were to happen.
- What are some of the shipping documents that I will need for international shipping?
There is a lot of documentation required for international shipping. To successfully deliver goods and make money, there are some standard export and import documents you need to understand in order to be successful. The most important include:
Sea Freight Price Quotations
- Booking Confirmations
- Shipping Instructions
- Dock Receipt
- Valued Packing Lists
- Insurance Certificates
- Freight Invoice
- Sea Freight Bill of Lading
- Proforma Invoice
- Commercial Invoice
- Certificates of Origin
- Shipper’s Letter of Instruction
- What is involved in ocean freight?
In shipping, there are some types of freight that can only be shipped and transported via containers. During ocean freight shipping, goods are packed in shipping containers. Please note that although your Somali cargo may be transported via ocean freight, other forms of transportation will also be needed to complement ocean freight. For instance, the transportation of your Somali cargo to and from container yards at the ports of origin and destination is typically done by trucks.
- What is a 3PL?
3PL stands for Third (3rd) Party Logistics. When you are dealing with a 3PL company, it means that you are dealing with a shipping company that handles every aspect of the freight shipping process; from the moment your business requests a quote for your Somali cargo all the way to delivery of said cargo.
- Can I estimate my freight dimensions and weight?
In the world of shipping, precision is critical. As such, you should NEVER attempt to estimate the freight dimensions or the freight weight of your Somali cargo. You must always measure the length, width, and height of your Somali cargo to the closest inch especially when using containers because carriers often rely on EXACT dimensions to determine how much of your cargo can fit into the container. Incorrect measurement can cost you and result in a costly carrier adjustment.
- What is a container yard?
A Container Yard (CY) is a location where empty and loaded containers are accepted to be loaded onboard. Containers are also stored and off-loaded at container yards.
Final Thoughts
At Air Cargo Global Somali, we deliver on our promises when it comes to the transport of your Somali cargo both on a national and international scale. To contact one of our offices to see how we can collaborate or add value to your business, please visit our contact page and give us a call or email and we will respond immediately.