Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About Freight and Logistics

Freight forwarding is a service that organizes the shipment of goods from one destination to another using various carriers via air, marine, road, or rail.

Yes, we specialize in global logistics and have extensive experience and resources to manage international shipping effectively.

Customs brokerage involves clearing goods through customs barriers for importers and exporters. This service is crucial for international shipments to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

Our contract management services help you optimize your existing logistics contracts, assist with renewals and negotiations, and ensure seamless logistics operations.

We handle a wide variety of goods, ranging from general cargo to specialized freight. Contact us with details of your shipment for more information.

ShipWise Logistics provides a tracking system through our advanced technology platforms, allowing you to monitor your shipment in real-time.

We prioritize safety by adhering to stringent protocols, leveraging our experience, and using advanced technology to ensure the safe delivery of your goods.

To obtain a quote, simply visit our website's quote request page, provide your shipment details, and our team will respond with a personalized estimate.

Regulations may prohibit or restrict the shipment of hazardous materials, perishables, and other specific items. Contact us to confirm if your item can be shipped.

Ensure your items are securely packaged for international transit, using durable materials and considering professional packing for delicate items.

LCL is for smaller shipments that do not require a full container, while FCL is used when you have enough goods to fill a full container.

Yes, we offer temperature-controlled options for shipments that require specific climate conditions.

Costs are calculated based on shipment weight, volume, destination, and service options like speed and special handling.

Transit times vary based on the mode of transport and destination. Contact us with details for an estimated timeframe.

We provide a range of insurance options to safeguard your shipment against potential loss or damage.

Typical documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, and export declaration, but requirements can vary by country.

We maintain customs compliance through detailed documentation and up-to-date knowledge of international trade regulations.

Our specialized equipment and expertise allow us to manage the transport of oversized and heavy cargo effectively.

Intermodal transportation involves multiple transport modes without handling the cargo itself when switching modes. It is ideal for long-distance shipments.

If your shipment hasn't been dispatched, contact us with your shipment ID to discuss potential changes.

We offer comprehensive services including door-to-door delivery for your convenience.

Incoterms are international shipping terms that define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in transporting goods and are essential for clear contracts.

Yes, we offer extensive warehousing and fulfillment services to meet your storage and distribution needs.

We can advise on the best shipping method based on your cargo type, budget, and time constraints.

A Bill of Lading is a legal document between a shipper and carrier, which is necessary for the transportation of goods.

Peak seasons may impact shipping availability and costs. Early booking and flexibility can help navigate these periods.

We implement sustainable practices including efficient routing, reduced packaging, and energy-efficient transport options.

Inco Terms

Incoterms are internationally accepted commercial terms defining the respective roles of the buyer and seller in the arrangement of transportation and other responsibilities and clarify when the ownership of the merchandise takes place. They are used in conjunction with a sales agreement or other method of transacting the sale.

EXW – Ex Works

Title and risk pass to buyer including payment of all transportation cost from the seller’s door. Used for any mode of transportation.

FCA – Free Carrier

Title and risk pass to buyer including transportation cost when the seller delivers goods cleared for export to the carrier. Seller is obligated to load the goods on the Buyer’s collecting vehicle.

FAS – Free Alongside Ship

Title and risk pass to buyer including payment of all transportation once delivered alongside ship by the seller. Used for sea or inland waterway transportation. The export clearance obligation rests with the seller.

FOB – Free On Board

Free On Board and risk pass to buyer including payment of all transportation cost once delivered on board the ship by the seller. Used for sea or inland waterway transportation.

CIF – Cost, Insurance, and Freight

Title, risk and insurance cost pass to buyer when delivered on board the ship by seller who pays the transportation cost to the destination port. Used for sea or inland waterway transportation.

CFR – Cost and Freight

Title and risk pass to buyer when delivered on board the ship by seller who pays transportation and insurance cost to destination port.Used for sea or inland waterway transportation.

DDP – Delivered Duty Paid

Title and risk pass to buyer when seller delivers goods to named destination point cleared for import. Used for any mode of transportation.

 

EXW – Ex Works

Title and risk pass to buyer including payment of all transportation cost from the seller’s door. Used for any mode of transportation.

FCA – Free Carrier

Title and risk pass to buyer including transportation cost when the seller delivers goods cleared for export to the carrier. Seller is obligated to load the goods on the Buyer’s collecting vehicle.

FAS – Free Alongside Ship

Title and risk pass to buyer including payment of all transportation once delivered alongside ship by the seller. Used for sea or inland waterway transportation. The export clearance obligation rests with the seller.

FOB – Free On Board

Free On Board and risk pass to buyer including payment of all transportation cost once delivered on board the ship by the seller. Used for sea or inland waterway transportation.

CIF – Cost, Insurance, and Freight

Title, risk and insurance cost pass to buyer when delivered on board the ship by seller who pays the transportation cost to the destination port. Used for sea or inland waterway transportation.

CFR – Cost and Freight

Title and risk pass to buyer when delivered on board the ship by seller who pays transportation and insurance cost to destination port.Used for sea or inland waterway transportation.

DDP – Delivered Duty Paid

Title and risk pass to buyer when seller delivers goods to named destination point cleared for import. Used for any mode of transportation.

 

Container sizes

Incoterms are internationally accepted commercial terms defining the respective roles of the buyer and seller in the arrangement of transportation and other responsibilities and clarify when the ownership of the merchandise takes place. They are used in conjunction with a sales agreement or other method of transacting the sale.

20 Dry / 4 Dry (8'6)

40 High Cube Dry (9'6)

45 High Cube Dry (9'6)

40 High Cube Reefer (9'6)

20 Open Top

40 Open Top

40 Open Top High

20 Flat

40 Flat Standard

40 Flat High

We also carry 20-tank and 40-tank shipper-owned containers.

Trailer types and dimensions

Trailer types and dimensions

Incoterms are internationally accepted commercial terms defining the respective roles of the buyer and seller in the arrangement of transportation and other responsibilities and clarify when the ownership of the merchandise takes place. They are used in conjunction with a sales agreement or other method of transacting the sale.

Box truck

A box truck’s maximum freight weight is 7,000 – 10,000 pounds.

Box Truck Maximum Freight Dimensions:

Max length 12 ft. – 26 ft.
Max width 6 ft. – 7.5 ft.
Max height 7 ft.

Dry Van

Dry vans can handle different types of cargo such as clothing, non-perishable food, electronics, construction materials and much more.  A dry van’s maximum freight weight is 42,000 to 45,000 pounds.

Dry van maximum freight dimensions:

Max length 48 ft. – 53 ft.
Max width 8 ft.
Max height 9 ft.

Sprinter Van

A sprinter van’s maximum freight weight is to 5,500 pounds.

Sprinter Van Maximum Freight Dimensions:

Max length 10 ft. – 15 ft.
Max width 6 ft.
Max height 5.5 ft.

Refrigerated or Reefer Trailers

A refrigerated or reefer trailer’s maximum freight weight is  44,000 pounds.

Refrigerated or Reefer Maximum Freight Dimensions:

Max length 48 ft. – 53 ft.
Max width 8 ft.
Max height 9 ft.

Flatbed Trailers

A flatbed trailer’s maximum freight weight is 48,000 pounds.

Flatbed Maximum Freight Dimensions: 

Max length  48 ft. – 53 ft.  
Max width  8.5 ft.  
Max height  9 ft.    

Step Deck or Single Drop Trailers

A step deck or single drop trailer’s maximum freight weight is 48,000 pounds.

Step Deck Trailer Maximum Freight Dimensions: 

Max length  48 ft. – 53 ft.  
Max width  8.5 ft.  
Max legal freight height  10 ft.    

Lowboy or Double Drop Trailers

Lowboy’s maximum weight is 40,000 pounds for a 2-axle trailer. Additional weight of up to 80,000 pounds (weight of trailer and load together) can be added depending on the number of axles used.

Lowboy or Double Drop Maximum Freight Dimensions:

Max lowboy well length 24 ft. – 30 ft.
Max legal width 8.5 ft.
Max lowboy well height 18 in. – 24 in.
Max legal freight height 11.5 ft. – 12 ft.
Max legal overall height 14 ft.

RGN or Removable Gooseneck Trailers

A removable gooseneck trailer’s maximum freight weight is 42,000 pounds.

RGN Maximum Freight Dimensions:

Max well length – main deck 29 ft.
Max well width 8.5 ft.
Max legal freight height 11.6 ft.
 

Conestoga or Curtainside Trailers

Conestoga or Curtainside trailers have a sliding tarp design that covers your cargo without damage and allows access on three sides when opened. A conestoga trailer’s maximum freight weight is 42,000 to 45,000 pounds.

Conestoga Maximum Freight Dimensions:

Max length 48 ft. – 53 ft.
Max width 8 ft.
Max height 8 ft.

 

Logistics can be complicated, yet it doesn't need to be difficult.

When you require services for global ocean and air transport, Domestic Transportation, Project Logistics, Customs Brokerage, Warehousing Solutions, Distribution, Amazon Deliveries, or Crating Services, consider reaching out to us. Navigating complexity is our specialty, and together, we can consistently find effective solutions tailored to your business.