Questions and Answers

Buying and selling goods internationally can be challenging, which is why the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) developed the Incoterms. The Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are simply rules that specify which party in the supply chain is responsible for certain duties, expenses, and hazards related to the shipment of products. The Incoterms have been in use for more than 60 years and are acknowledged by all international courts and organizations. Their primary goal is to decrease or eliminate uncertainty caused by varying interpretations of the rules in different countries. Because of this, theIncoterms are frequently used in contracts all over the world to clearly state what is expected of allinvolved parties. Understanding the Incoterms is essential, since they will be invoked in the event of a misunderstanding or legal conflict. Any logistics expert will recognize this note on the box or document. Within these regulations, some phrases have particular definitions. Among the more significant ones are:

• Delivery – The moment in the transaction in which the risk of loss or damage to the goods is transferred from the seller to the buyer
• Arrival – The moment up to which the transport of goods is paid
• Free- Obligation of the seller to deliver the goods to the designated place where the carrier picks them up
• Carrier – Any person/company who undertakes to carry out or provide goods transportation by contract
• Forwarder – A company that arrangesor assists in making arrangements for shipping of goods
• Prepared for export – Transmitting the sender’s export declaration and obtaining an export permit

Visit the cargo-partner website for additional details, or get in touch with us for an in-depth consultation!

The impacts of the coronavirus have led to capacity shortages in transport between China and Europe. Many companies are looking for alternatives to secure the delivery of important shipments. In contrast to air, road and sea transport, rail transport from China remains a relative “island of stability”, as it has been largely unaffected by anti-epidemiological measures. Moreover, this method of transport provides significantly shorter transit times compared to seafreight.

Rail transport is suitable for a range of products including automotive, fashion and high tech goods, from machines to components and raw materials. There are a few products which cannot be transported by rail, including perishable goods and dangerous goods such as batteries or explosives. Since rail transport is up to 50% faster than seafreight and up to 60% more cost-efficient than airfreight, it is not surprising that an increasing number of companies choose this alternative. The low CO₂ footprint is a welcome side-effect.

cargo-partner offers weekly rail transport solutions for part-load (LCL) shipments with transit times from 18 to 22 days from China to Europe. We have been organizing full and part load container transports between Asia and Europe by rail for over half a decade and have a long-standing reputation as a provider of rail transports across the New Silk Road. In addition, we also have experience with organizing block trains – entire trains dedicated to freight transport.

With our dense network of hubs throughout China as well as Central and Eastern Europe, we can provide a door-to-door solution. Our service includes distribution and storage with a range of value added services such as stuffing, unloading, palletizing and securing of containers as well as comprehensive customs clearance support and expertise in China and Europe. Modern GSM tracking tools ensure transparency throughout the supply chain.

Would you like to know more about how you can save time and costs with rail transport across the New Silk Road? Our rail transport experts look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics