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
- Veterinary certificate: This is a key document confirming that veterinary products are healthy and safe for use. The veterinary certificate is issued by the competent veterinary inspection in the exporting country and must be recognized by the veterinary authorities in the importing country.
- Export/import permit: In some cases the import and export of products of animal origin may require a special permit from the authorities. This permit may be mandatory for certain types of veterinary products or for export to certain countries.
Sea shipping is a popular method of transportation when vehicles need to be moved across long distances, such as international shipments between different continents. If you decide to ship your company car by ship, then a closed container is the safest solution.
In addition to container transport, there are also so-called RO-RO ships (roll-on/roll-off ships), which are designed to transport “rolling” or wheeled cargo such as cars, trailers, etc. They have built-in internal ramps that allow the cargo to roll during loading and unloading, and the cars are secured on the open deck during transport. Although this solution is less expensive, it does not provide the same level of protection as container transport.
Inside the container, cars are protected from the weather, dust and road debris. Thus, container transport is frequently used for luxury, classic, old-timer, or high-value vehicles that require special care and protection while in transit. Enclosed transport is slightly more costly than open transport, but it provides more security. If you plan to ship your car by container, keep the following things in mind:
Vehicle dimensions: Before arranging transport, it is necessary to know the dimensions of your vehicle (length, width, and height), as this will influence the choiceof the appropriate container and ensure that your car will fit inside it.
Choosing a container: Choosing a suitable container depends on the size, type, and number of vehicles you plan to transport.
Vehicle preparation: It is importantto adequately prepare the vehicle prior to loading. This includes cleaning the vehicle, removing personal belongings, draining the fuel, and confirming that all vehicle components are working. A minimum fuel level reduces not only the weight of the shipment, but also the risk of potential damage.
Lashing and securing: Vehicles must be securely fastened during transit to prevent movement and damage. Special straps are used to further secure the vehicle inside the container.
Insurance: Because vehicles are valuable assets, they must be properly insured. Due to the increased risk of damage or theft, it is advisable to pay an additional fee for insurance.
Tracking and transparency: To facilitate your transport planning, find a logistics partner who allows you to track the shipment and provide information about its journey.
Vehicle value: The value of the vehicle affects the handling of the transport itself, the cost of customs duties, and insurance rates.
Logistics and paperwork: Careful logistics and paperwork are required to plan the transport. This includes creating loading and unloading schedules, tracking trips, and completing the necessary legal paperwork. Transporting any typeof goods across borders requiresknowledge of the importing country’s customs and regulatory procedures.
These guidelines will assist you in properly preparing your vehicle for container shipping.
cargo-partner‘s logistics professionals will gladly provide you with additional advice and ensure the smooth and safe delivery of your vehicle to its final destination.
Best regards,
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics
Modern times have brought tremendous advances in technology and in the automotive industry, but they have also increased the complexity of the supply chain. Due to the unique nature of this business, the transport of automotive parts can present a number of challenges. In the following, we will examine what to consider when it comes to transport in the automotive industry:
Sensitivity to damage: Automotive parts are often sensitive to shock, vibration, and external impact, requiring proper
protection and packaging to prevent damage during transport. This may include special packaging, padding, covers, protective coatings, and shock-absorbing materials.
Handling: To prevent damage, fragile items such as glass, auto bodyparts, or electrical components must be handled carefully. Personnel should be trained in how to handle automotive parts and the associated special equipment.
Dimensions and special requirements: Automotive parts range in size from small electrical components to huge car body panels. Selecting the appropriate mode of transport will depend on the height, width, and weight of the cargo. Large and heavy shipments require the use of a logistics partner capable of providing specialized
trucks and integrated systems, while items such as batteries or chemical materials may require unique transit conditions or permits due to potential risks or restrictions.
Availability and speed: The automotive sector has created complex supply chains involving numerous suppliers and distributors. It can be difficult to get everyone in the chain to work together and follow the rules, and it becomes even more difficult when availability and speed of delivery are equally important. You may be familiar with the JIT (just in time) and JIS (just in sequence) inventory management techniques developed by automotive manufacturers to minimize “idle time” on the assembly line. From all this, we can conclude that the transport of automotive parts cannot be considered in isolation, but rather as part of a logistics chain in which transport routes and speeds must be coordinated with production dynamics. In addition to scheduled shipments, there are sometimes very sudden and urgent deliveries, which is why working with a flexible logistics partner can provide a significant competitive advantage.
cargo-partner has created a special EMERGENCY service to meet the needs of its customers. A team of cargo-partner experts is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to offer you the best solution for truly urgent shipments and ensure priority in scheduling air transport and customs clearance. cargo-partner’s online platform SPOT provides easy access to important documents and the ability to track your shipment at any time.
Customs and legal requirements:International shipping of automotive parts can be subject to a variety of customs duties, fees, and laws. Large manufacturers’ factories are typically located within free trade zones, allowing vehicle parts to be transported between countries without paying customs charges until they are incorporated into the final product. However, legal requirements can also slow down the delivery process and require additional paperwork and administration.
Based on many years of experience in working with leading manufacturers producers and suppliers around the world, cargo-partner can provide comprehensive advice and support in automotive logistics: from transport and warehousing up to customs and documentation.
Best regards,
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics
When goods are imported for processing, i.e. when they undergo some kind of processing, repair, transformation, or value addition before being re-exported, companies are often exempt from paying duties or entitled to a refund. By taking advantage of these benefits, companies can lower their production costs and increase their competitiveness in the global marketplace.
This is also known as a “special purpose customs procedure” or “customs procedure for processing goods with re-export”. This customs procedure usually requires special permits, records and customs documentation to track the journey and processing of the goods. Failure to comply with this procedure can result in customs violations and fines.
Here are some important things to keep in mind:
Customs procedures:Familiarize yourself with all applicable customs procedures, including those relatedto import/export for processing in your country of origin.
Merchandise management: Keep careful records of the imported goods and their movement through the production process. To facilitate thelater export of the finished product, you must explicitly identify and document any imported raw materials or components.
The ability to re-export duty-free depends on the laws in the country of origin, so be sure to review them. In some cases, the commodity must undergo sufficienttransformation in the importingcountryto qualify for an export duty refund.
Enrichment value: Make sure to calculate the enrichment value accurately. This is typically the price differencebetween the imported raw materials and the final exportable product. This value is used to calculate customs benefits or refunds.
Deadlines: Comply with all deadlines related to import/export for processing, including the period in which the finished product must be exported to qualify for duty drawback or refund.
Documentation: Maintain accurate and complete import and export documentation. This includes customs declarations, invoices, certificates of origin, and any other relevant documents.
If you need support with any aspect of this process, consult cargo-partner experts in customs and international trade to ensure a successful and legal import/export of your items.
Best regards,
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics
Export of essential oils, mostly immortelle, basil and lavender, have experienced great expansion in recent years. Serbian essential oils have found their place in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies around the world.
Although apparently not, essential oils are treated as dangerous substances in transport due due to their chemical composition and biological activity. The main reason why they fall into this category is the low flash point. Some of the oils can ignite even at a temperature of 50 °C. Otherwise, the term hazardous substances means all substances that have such characteristics that they can cause consequences harmful to health and the environment. This is most often due to irresponsible and / or unprofessional handling, packaging, storage or transport.
Special attention should be paid to the transport of dangerous goods in terms of choosing transport means, technical and technological means of manipulation, environmental research, and especially the education of persons who come into contact with dangerous goods.Since the quantities of essential oils that are shipped are relatively small, and the product itself has a great value, they are most often transported by air.
A prerequisite for a transport company is to be registered for this type of service, and that its staff is certified and trained to handle hazardous materials. In case of air transportation that should be – IATA DGR – International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods regulation, which is the main document at the global level when it comes to the safe air transport of dangerous goods.
At the same time, the manufacturer / consignor is obliged to provide the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) issued by an authorized laboratory after performing the necessary analyzes. It is a technical document that contains all the relevant information regarding the substance being transported and, in fact, defines the level of danger to humans and the environment.
During a preparation of a shipment of essential oil for transport, special attention is paid to the packaging. Packaging instructions are included in the MSDS, and the procedure may only be performed by a certified person (the manufacturer or the agent representing him).
The process of packaging hazardous materials is a very sensitive segment and requires great attention, because it directly affects the safety aspect of transport. On that occasion, it is necessary to choose quality packaging with pre-tested performance prescribed by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). In addition to the packaging itself, adequate marking and declaration is also necessary.
After finishing packaging process, we prepare transport documentation – AWB (Air waybill) and DG declaration, which is a clear instruction to all participants in the supply chain of hazardous substances.
If this process seems complicated to you, the cargo-partner team will be happy to provide you with additional information and organize transport for you!
Best Regards,
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics
According to studies, the global consumption of honey is increasing every year. Beekeeping is one of the oldest crafts in Serbia, and this year’s favorable acacia flowering conditions signal record domestic production. In the first 10 months of 2022, Serbia exported a total of 1,479 tons of honey. The main importers of Serbian honey are Germany, Poland, Belgium, and Spain. Despite its high production output, Serbia purchased around 485 tons of foreign honey from Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, and New Zealand. In the following section, we will discuss what you need to know if you plan to trade honey internationally.
Basics of storing and transporting honey
Honey is not as demanding as other foods such as meat and dairy products that spoil at sub-optimal temperatures. However, this does not mean that exporting honey is without its challenges. When honey is exposed to heat or moisture, its consistency changes, which means that if your final destination is in a country with high air humidity, it could result in a loss of product, flavor, and therapeutic properties. One way to avoid this is through efficient packaging. The best option is a sealed container because it protects the goods and prevents illegal access during transit.
A vehicle with an open load area can also be used, because honey does not require a strict temperature regime, but then the honey must be covered in order to prevent contamination with dust or insect attacks. We also recommend using thermal blankets to prevent severe temperature fluctuations in the vehicle and/or the warehouse. The best storage conditions are at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. In addition, honey cannot be transported or stored with items that have an overpowering odor. Honey may require more or less care in handling depending on whether it is packaged in glass, metal, or plastic.
Import of honey
The importer must be listed in the central register of food business establishments at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy of the Republic of Serbia, and the warehouse must be listed in the register of food business facilities at the same Ministry. In order to import honey into Serbia, you will also need documents proving compliance with veterinary and sanitary regulations.
Export of honey
Your destination country may have additional requirements that you must meet. Some countries have much stricter and less profitable requirements, which may eliminate them from your export list.
Choosing the right freight forwarder, who will analyze your needs and the characteristics of the cargo, create optimal delivery routes, and ensure compliance with all safety measures during transportation, transshipment, and storage, will help you get your goods to the final destination smoothly.
For more information, please contact our experts at cargo-partner!
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