Many readers send us questions about particular aspects of cargo transport. To answer the questions, we have launched a project where we consult logistics experts about the topics that interest our readers. Send us your questions regarding transport, storage, forwarding, customs and documentation, implementation of customs regulations by customs authorities and customs agents, representation of clients in customs procedures, administrative, misdemeanor, and judicial procedures related to customs matters, insurance of goods in transit, carrier insurance…
We will provide answers from competent experts. We will publish a new question and answer here every week – stay tuned!
Transport and Logistics
The best transport mode for you will depend on a variety of factors. Costs, transit time, type of goods and shipment size, destination, security… All of these factors will play a role in choosing the best solution.
The “rules” that were in place prior to COVID-19 are no longer relevant in light of the challenges that the logistics industry has faced over the last two years. Closures of cities, ports, and border crossings, lack of drivers, heavy traffic, and the imbalance of supply and demand have significantly influenced the available transport options and their costs.
Taking all this into consideration, we provide a comparison of sea and road transport below, examining the benefits and drawbacks of each transport mode.
Sea Cargo
Advantages of sea freight:
- Suitable for a wide range of goods
- Most environment-friendly
- Worldwide coverage
- Several carriers to choose from
- Shipment security – the container protects your goods from risks like theft, loss of quality, fire or extremely high and low temperatures
Pricing for sea freight shipments differs according to whether you are transporting a full container load (FCL) or less than a container load (LCL). Full containers usually come at a standard price. If you are shipping less than one container, the price will be charged per cubic meter. This makes shipping by sea freight one of the most cost-effective options – not only for large and heavy goods, but also for smaller shipments.
You’ve probably heard the expression “time is money”. Depending on your shipment, this may or may not be accurate. If the orders are received in a timely manner, sea freight can be a viable option due to its low price. A ship’s journey can take up to a month or more, but technology is developing rapidly and ships are becoming faster, so you may even achieve transit times as short as 8 days.
However, if your shipment is time-sensitive, road transport may be the better option.
Road Transport
Despite being the most popular transport mode, road transport has its drawbacks. Trucks can only transport cargo of a specific height and weight. Another disadvantage is their sensitivity to weather, road conditions, and traffic jams.
But transporting your goods by truck also has many benefits:
- Cost-effectiveness for short routes
- Fast and reliable delivery
- Flexibility
- Door-to-door service
- Ideal for short distances and domestic distribution
In addition to all of the above, the destination of the delivery is equally significant. For a long-distance journey, you will most likely choose a ship or a combination of ship and truck. For short distances within Europe, you will probably choose road transport – but there might be another possibility.
Short sea solutions can be an alternative for European destinations. Large shipments can be transported by ship to destinations like Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Scandinavia. In some cases, a ship may even be the only option due to the numerous regulations and paperwork required for road transportation.
In conclusion, there is no one perfect option and we recommend consulting experts when making the decision between sea and road transport. Our team at cargo-partner will gladly guide you in the selection process and identify the best option for your company.
Visit the cargo-partner website for additional information, or contact us for an in-depth consultation!
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics
Nowadays, transport and storage are only a small part of the import and export process. Logistics providers offer a wide range of supporting activities, known as value-added services. These give companies the freedom to concentrate on growing their business by developing, marketing and selling their goods and services, while leaving the logistics to the professionals.
In a previous question, we discussed value added services for online retailers, but what other VAS services can you rely on at the cargo-partner:
Receipt of goods
This includes goods acceptance, quality and quantity controls, and receipt documentation. Then, the goods are sorted, marked and palletized in accordance with the accompanying import documentation. If it is a bonded warehouse, storage is carried out under customs supervision.
Sorting
Items are sorted according to criteria such as type of goods, destination of delivery, weight, handling requirements, sensitivity or size. Next, there will be a separation (creation of smaller units) or a merging of goods (consolidation).
Repackaging, packaging and labeling
Goods are grouped and/or packaged in order to protect them in storage and/or prepare them for further shipment. Then, the packages are labeled – not only to make them easier to identify, but also to add information such as production date, storage conditions, transport requirements, etc. This can include comprehensive services such as printing package inserts and labeling products according to customer instructions.
Storage in a high-bay rack or mezzanine
Depending on the type of goods and the method of distribution, the goods are placed either on pallets or in special packaging on more accessible lower shelves (mezzanines). Space optimization ensures that a customer’s goods are stored using the most efficient and cost-effective approach.
Testing and document insertion
Testing is a service that is often required for technical items in order to confirm the performance of the equipment. After testing, the items are marked as acceptable and the appropriate documents, such as warranty cards or user manuals, are inserted.
Pallet and parcel distribution
Items can be loaded into pallets or delivered in parcels. Stackable pallets maximize shipping space, while more sensitive items are usually loaded on non-stackable pallets. Parcel distribution is used for delivery to the final customers and, in the context of online shopping, may include pay on delivery.
WMS (Warehouse Management System)
Automating the exchange of information is a key requirement in ensuring efficient warehouse operations. Modern warehouse management systems (WMS) support this automation, provide round-the-clock inventory control and increase productivity while minimizing manual effort and costs.
Track & trace and returns
Modern track & trace technology allows logistics providers to react quickly to delays and keep customers updated. Return logistics includes a range of services, including quantity and quality checks of the returned goods. These services are particularly important for online sales.
For more information, visit the cargo-partner website or contact us for a detailed consultation!
Best regards,
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics
The USA is among the most powerful and prosperous economies in the world. Serbian companies can successfully advertise a wide range of services and goods to consumers in this market, and the amount of items being imported and exported to and from the country is constantly rising.
If you want to export goods from Serbia to the USA, you will first need to educate yourself about the customs processes. The best option for you will depend on the urgency and size of your shipment as well as the transport costs you are willing to pay. Export to the USA is typically done via air or sea freight.
Sending products to North America by ship is one of the most cost-effective options if your shipment is not urgent, especially for large and heavy shipments. Shipping containers are also very flexible when it comes to different types of goods. They can carry the widest range of items, including industrial products, automobiles, perishable goods, various kinds of liquids, chemicals, and more.
The main benefits of container shipping to the USA are:
- Security – the container shields your goods from outside harm and security hazards, including theft, loss of quality, fire, extremely high and low temperatures etc.
- Quick delivery with relatively low transportation costs
- Flexibility and variety of goods that can be carried, depending on their size
Full container loads (FCL) are the most efficient option. However, if you have lower transport volumes, you can also choose consolidated transport via less than container load (LCL) services. Hiring a trustworthy partner for your transports is vital in both situations.
As a global logistics provider, cargo-partner serves all ports in the USA and provides decades of expertise in sea freight. We offer a range of transport options to the “land of opportunity”.
Transports to or from Serbia are typically routed through the port of Rijeka, but for Southern Europe, the port of Thessaloniki in Greece is also an option. The German ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven, along with the Greek port of Piraeus, provide additional flexibility in terms of transit times. Our cargo-partner teams at each of these ports in Europe ensure fast and efficient handling of sea freight transports to the USA.
Thanks to our network of own offices and long-standing partners as well as our excellent relationships with shippers, we can create a customized solution for each client. A group of professionals will not only give you all the information you need about the customs clearance process, but will also help you decide which approach is best for your company.
Contact our experts for more information!
Best regards,
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics
Alcohol is a type of cargo that is extremely delicate in terms of legal standards. It requires strict compliance with all storage and transport regulations as well as packaging and labeling rules.
In order to avoid damage and loss of value of the goods, the freight forwarder must ensure that a certain level of humidity, temperature and limited light is maintained during transport (according to the manufacturer’s specifications), and the same rules apply to storage.
We know that beverages are often transported in fragile glass bottles, and even the packaging itself requires special protection measures – durable packaging that allows for physical separation of goods. Loading and unloading special packaging can also incur additional costs.
In addition to the special technical conditions, the biggest challenge in transporting alcoholic beverages is the required permits and documentation. Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of more than 40% are classified as dangerous flammable goods, and they require a material safety data sheet (MSDS). This may include instructions for the safe use and potential hazards associated with a particular material or product, along with spill-handling procedures.
Moreover, in Serbia, alcoholic beverages are among the goods subject to excise tax, and their storage requires additional guarantees and comes with additional costs.
cargo-partner has many years of experience in the transport of alcoholic beverages and the challenges associated with this type of goods. The logistics provider has trained personnel for handling sensitive cargo – thus, every step of the transport and storage process is in safe hands, and compliance with all sanitary, technical and legal norms is guaranteed. In addition, the service may include some of the benefits of an “all risks” insurance policy. This protects the shipper against physical loss or damage to their cargo from external causes, subject to policy terms and conditions. The premium payable is relatively low and is based on the value of the goods and the transport route. Compensation claims are resolved very quickly, without the need to prove the carrier’s liability.
A wide network of our own offices and reliable partners allows us to select an optimal route and handle all required documentation.
Contact your local cargo-partner experts for more information!
China is one of the most sought after destinations when it comes to international transportation services. Goods from China are the choice of many companies, especially as the country is considered to be the world’s factory and the local market is also the constantly developing.
However, the companies’ dilemma is which type of transport is the best solution when we talk about the route between China andEurope. There is no wrong answer- it just depends on your priorities.
If you are handling perishable, sensitive goods or if the speed of delivery is crucial for your business, and the price is affordable, the plane has an advantage. The goods are quickly available for collection, and the processing time of the shipment is significantly shorter compared to other types of transport.
But speed is not the only reason to choose air transport: in addition, precision and safety make it a good choice too. High value goods are an ideal candidate, due to the significantly reduced risk of theft, but also the possibility of courier shipments (OBC). This way, pharmaceutical and organic products are transported from China and during business negotiations, testers of various types of goods are also sent by plane.
When we talk about the Far East, we are often talking about transporting cheap goods from China. It is important to notice that when the price of goods is low, low transport costs are equally important.
Air transport is known for its high price, but due to its speed, it consequently leads to less need for storage, packaging, repackaging, and also gives the possibility of lower insurance rates, so if it the shipment that is not of too big, this type of transport can result in a very favorable purchase price. Like other forms, air transport offers the possibility of full or partial filling of aircraft.
In many situations, the plane may be your only choice, which is why the services are classified into three groups: Economy, Priority, Emergency.
In order to fully use the benefits of air transport from China, it is necessary to not only know a number of regulations and procedures, but also build relationships with global airlines.
cargo-partner will gladly help you, which transport modality is the best for your business and allows your shipments to get to you safely and quickly.
Contact cargo-partner experts for more information!
For many shippers, transportation costs seem to be an enigma. Cost calculation is far more complex than the cost of transport from point A to point B, because it includes additional elements, too. Most carriers will only offer you the price of transport, which does not mean that your goods will be delivered to the final destination. For this, you will have to choose other subcontractors. Additionally you will need adequate support for customs services, accompanying documentation, insurance of goods … All this means that in addition to the basic service (transport), you will pay for at least a few other additional services provided by various subcontractors.
Actually, if price is a decisive factor and transit time and quality of delivery are flexible, then you can look for different offers with regard to financial and organizational terms and invest time and energy in reducing costs. On the other hand, you should keep in mind that hiring more subcontractors usually prolongs transit times (time from sending to the arrival of goods) with one interesting question: have you included your own work and time spent in your calculation? This option is not the worst if efficiency and transport time are not a priority, but you should be aware that the more subcontractors are involved, accountability becomes more complexshould something go wrong during the transport process.
To make their clients’ business easier, many freight forwarders have introduced a door-to-door service. Owners of goods can get detailed consultations and personalized solutions. The door-to-door service (first and last mile delivery) usually includes proposing the best route and adequate means of transport, finding and reserving cargo space (truck, plane, ship, train), preparing all necessary documentation and permits for international transport of goods, solving all customs procedures, loading, transport and unloading of goods with constant monitoring of the movement of the shipment.
There are also additional services offered by freight forwarders – insurance of goods in transport (basic or All Risk), as well as storage of goods in customs bonded or commercial warehouses.
If you are delivering or importing goods from distant destinations, check the size of the international network and the coverage of the potential logistics partner offices. Having a representative of the chosen company in a port or airport can make your plans a lot easier.
For more information, visit the cargo-partner web site or contact us for a detailed consultation!
Best regards,
cargo partner | transport + iLogistics
Jewelry and valuables, exclusive fashion items, top sports equipment, cosmetics, perfumes, electronic devices, pharmaceuticals, but also certain automotive parts or industrial equipment – the list of goods that can be classified as “high value cargo” is quite comprehensive.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) defines a valuable cargo as one whose value per kilogram exceeds $ 1,000 (USD). Nonetheless, there are often situations where different transport service providers have their own different internal policies on what a valuable shipment is. In addition to the total price of the goods being transported, the amount of customs duty to be paid also needs to be taken into account.
The sender’s request to have his cargo delivered on time, with complete security and minimal risk of loss or theft, can be particularly challenging in cases of high value cargo, when the stakes increase exponentially.
Experienced experts in the transport of valuables therefore choose vehicles equipped with security equipment, such as 24/7 tracking solutions, alarm systems, panic buttons in the cabin, additional locking systems, as well as electronic anti-theft devices, such as immobilizers. The business of carriers entrusted with such a cargo must comply with the GDP (Good Distribution Practice) guidelines and TAPA (The Transported Asset Protection Association) certification.
Furthermore, as the data of the TAPA Association show that incidents related to theft of cargo from vehicles are on the rise, and that unsecured parking lots have been identified as the most likely hotspots for cargo crime. For this reason, it is essential to use a network of carefully supervised parking locations, which is regularly monitored and constantly revised. According to TAPA statistics this need is particularly illustrated by the fact that as many as 50% of all incidents in the EMEA region in 2020 occurred due to the lack of safe parking.
In addition, it is important that staff, especially drivers, but also other team members, are properly trained and prepared, as well as that they regularly undergo training by authorized persons (auditors) of organizations preventing cargo theft.
Companies that specialize in providing services in the valuable cargo sector have in their portfolio additional options such as a personal cargo escort, accelerated customs procedures, extended insurance package and the like.
As speed is extremely important in transporting valuable goods, air transport is becoming an increasingly attractive solution. This is especially noticeable in the case of gold, which is in growing demand globally (not only as investment categories, but also as raw materials in healthcare, telecommunications, etc.). Airlines, in cooperation with logistics companies, must first focus on mapping “high value routes” to identify and avoid risky areas, and then implement a number of security procedures (from picking up the shipment, through the airport and warehouse, to the final destination).
Last but not least, it is very important that the company to which you entrust your valuable cargo closely monitors all changes in international law, so that it can adequately respond to them.
Choosing the right freight forwarder, who will analyze the customer’s needs as well as cargo characteristics, create optimal delivery routes and ensure compliance with all safety measures during transport, transhipment and storage, will help your valuable goods reach their destination without fail.
Contact your cargo-partner transport experts for more information!
Best regards,
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics
When it comes to choosing the right truck for your goods, there are several key factors to keep in mind: from the weight and dimensions up to the quantity and type of goods. Below, we will outline the types of truck your freight forwarder might suggest for transports of standard goods.
Choosing the right type of truck is important to ensure the safety and security of your cargo and to keep transport costs low. There are different costs involved in hiring a pickup, van or truck. In addition, prices will depend on whether you book a whole truck load (FTL) or only a part of the space (LTL), or opt for groupage transport.
If you are transporting smaller quantities, a van can be a good option. Vans weighing up to 3.5 t do not have a tachograph, which gives them an advantage over larger vehicles. Their capacity ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 kg, or four to eight EUR-pallets (approx. 10-15 m³). The cargo space is usually around 4 m long, 2 m wide and 1.6 to 2 m high.
If you do not have enough cargo for a regular full truck load, but do not want to use groupage transport, you could also opt for a small truck. Trailers of small trucks are usually 6-7 m long, up to 2.4 m wide and up to 2.7 m high. They can transport up to 3,300 kg and have room for 15 to 18 EUR-pallets (35-40 m³).
Standard tarpaulin trucks come with trailers that are 13.6 m long, 2.4 m wide and up to 2.8 m high. With a cargo capacity of up to 24,000 kg and a volume of up to 90 m³, they offer room for 33 EUR-pallets. Mega trucks are slightly larger than ordinary trucks and are often used for bulky goods. Their trailers are 13.6 m long, 2.48 m wide and up to 3 m high. They can hold a volume of up to 100 m³.
For bulky goods of lower weight and higher volume, tandem trucks can be a suitable option. Tandem trucks have two trailers, each of which is usually 7.5 to 8 m long, 2.45 meters wide and up to 3 meters high. Their total capacity is up to 24,000 kg or 38 EUR-pallets (120 m³).
In addition to these options for standard goods, there are special vehicles for oversized and heavy cargo, temperature-sensitive goods (frigo trucks) or construction materials such as dirt and gravel (dump trucks). Finally, there are also special semi-trailers which are used to transport cargo in coils, such as steel coils.
cargo-partner offers a wide range of solutions for full and part loads, groupage and express shipments. We provide specialized transport services for various goods, such as out-of-gauge and heavy loads, high-value goods as well as products that require temperature-controlled transport.
Contact your cargo-partner transport experts for more information!
Best regards,
cargo partner | transport + iLogistics
The processing of wood and timber products has significantly contributed to the growth of industrial production in Serbia in the first nine months of 2021. Some of these products are for domestic needs, while others are exported. It is interesting to note that we have exported large quantities of unprocessed, but also processed wood to China.
The Serbian timber industry is extremely export-oriented and has significant development potential. According to data from the Republic Bureau of Statistics, in the period from January to May 2021, the export of furniture and products made of wood, cork, straw and paper amounted to 546.8 million euro, which makes up 6.6% of total exports of the Republic of Serbia. Compared to the same period in the previous year, exports grew by 13.3%. In the same period, imports reached 464 million euros. The most impressive output from this industry is made up by exports of furniture, which amounted to a value of 230.8 million euro.
The documents required for exporting wood differ from country to country, and they also depend on what level of processing the goods have undergone. In addition to the standard documents for trade, transport, insurance and customs, exporters should check the required additional requirements in the destination and transit countries, such as certificates, labeling on packaging, fumigation of packaging etc.
Depending on the level of processing, the destination and transit country and the purpose of the given products, it might be necessary to perform additional checks, such as phytosanitary inspections. Therefore, it is best to inform yourself about these requirements early on in the planning phase. In addition, all semi-finished wood products, depending on their tariff number, must be accompanied by a statement confirming that they are not produced from protected species of flora and fauna.
cargo-partner provides a range of transport options for the import and export of wood and timber products by sea, air, road and rail. We will be glad to advise and support you in planning and obtaining the required documentation.
Contact your cargo-partner experts for more information!
Best regards,
cargo partner | transport + iLogistics
The vast majority of goods can be transported by seafreight using containers. This includes food, beverages, chemicals, plastics, rubber, textiles, wood, paper, metal, machinery, furniture, cars, electronics and many other things – from raw materials and machines to finished products.
When sending an inquiry to your freight forwarder or carrier, it is good to know the basic types of containers so that you can make the right choice according to your needs.
Most seafreight vessels carry 20 ‘or 40’ containers. These standard containers or all-purpose containers are suitable for any general cargo, mostly packed on euro pallets or in boxes.
A twenty-foot container can hold a maximum of 21,727 kg, or eleven standard EUR pallets with 120×80 cm each. Forty-foot containers can hold a maximum of 26,780 kg, or 24 EUR pallets. If you do not have enough cargo to fill an entire container (FCL), you can opt for consolidated transport (LCL).
High cube containers are structurally similar to standard containers, but taller. Just like standard containers, they can be used to ship all kinds of cargo. However, they are especially suitable for lightweight, high-volume or bulky cargo.
Of course, special containers are used for specific goods. Refrigerated or “reefer” containers have their own electric cooling / heating units and can be used to transport chilled or frozen goods. They are ideal for transporting vegetables, fruits, flowers, meat, milk and dairy products. Open top containers are used for packing and unpacking goods from above or through a door with a crane, as well as for transporting high loads.
Flat rack containers only have walls at the short ends of the container. They are especially suitable for heavy, high or oversized loads that cannot fit into a standard container. The walls of these containers are strong enough to withstand the necessary cargo securing attachments. It is also possible to stack multiple of these containers on top of each other.
The platform container, which has no walls at all, is an ideal solution for heavy and oversized cargo that cannot be transported using a flat rack or open top container. Flexitank containers are used to transport bulk and liquid cargoes, such as edible oil, fruit syrups and concentrates, oil additives or detergents.
Contact your cargo-partner transport experts for more information!
Best regards,
cargo partner | transport + iLogistics
We are all familiar with how standard-size shipments are transported, but not many people are aware of the possibilities of transporting heavy or oversized items across large distances.
In principle, oversized and heavy shipments can be transported by sea, land or even air. However, since they cannot fit into standard pallets, containers or trucks, you will need to work with a logistics provider who specializes in the transport of large, heavy, complex or high-value items and equipment. In the logistics industry, these shipments are often referred to as “project cargo”.
Detailed planning is crucial to ensure the success of oversized, out-of-gauge or heavy transports. If you take the time to plan every detail of the process, you can save significant amounts of time and money and reduce the risk of unexpected obstacles along the way.
The first step is to determine the exact dimensions of the shipment. Seemingly small deviations can cause big problems. The shipment dimensions will determine the transport route, since tunnels, bridges, overpasses, toll booths, etc. can be an obstacle or even damage the cargo. The dimensions must also be considered in packaging and securing the cargo, so that it is well-protected and does not move around during transport.
Finally, each special transport requires a permit from the competent authorities and may require specific customs procedures, which is another reason to start planning as early as possible. A competent logistics provider will arrange all these processes for you, select the ideal route for fast and safe transport, and make sure the shipment is properly packaged and secured in order to prevent any damage to your goods.
After the preliminary work is finished, transport can begin. The first part of the transport is usually done by road using special vehicles: low-floor trailers with several axles and special tractors. The goods are loaded using special equipment like open-top and flat-rack containers, which are also used for further shipping by sea freight. In case of very urgent shipments, airfreight is also an option.
Would you like to find out more? Our experienced Project Cargo team will be glad to answer your questions and find the right solution for even the most challenging transports.
Best regards,
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics
You have probably often heard that the import procedure for certain equipment, works of art or musical instruments requiresapplying for an ATA carnet.
What is this about?
An ATA carnet, also called a “passport for goods”, is a customs document which is used to simplify temporary import procedures into a foreign country, with a validity period of one year.
Using an ATA carnet, goods are transferred quickly and easily (without hiring a customs agent and freight forwarder), but certain rules must be followed:
– the goods will be re-exported / imported in the same condition as they were temporarily imported / exported
– the goods will remain the property of a person with residence outside the country of temporary admission
– the goods will be used exclusively by a person visiting the area of the temporary import (not intended for rental)
It is important to mention that ATA carnet cannot be used for the temporary import of food and other perishable goods, and is most commonly used for imports of the following three categories:
– temporary import of samples
– temporary import of professional equipment
– temporary import of goods intended for exhibitions, fairs, congresses and similar events
This includes:
computers, repair tools, musical instruments, sports equipment, scenography, concert sound, medical instruments and more.
What does an ATA carnet look like?
The ATA carnet comes in A4 format and has a green front and back cover, with sheets of different colors in between.This whole kit makes up the ATA carnet.
If you plan to travel with an ATA carnet or would like to find out more about this topic, cargo-partner’s customs experts are at your disposal for any further questions.
Best regards,
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics
