How to judgeMaritime TransportationProfessional qualifications of agency companies?

When selecting a shipping agent, pay special attention to the following qualification documents:

• Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier Certificate (NVOCC): Verify their international transportation qualifications
• (Applicable to essential oil products containing alcohol): Basic qualifications required by China Customs
• Industry association certifications: Such as FIATA, CIFA membership qualifications
• List of cooperating shipping companies: Ensure booking channels with mainstream carriers (e.g., MSK/MSC)

What are the main items included in ocean export costs?

Typical ocean freight cost structure for 2025:

• Basic fees
  • Ocean freight (charged by container type)
  • Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)
  • Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS)
• Additional service fees
  • Customs clearance service fee (500-2000 RMB per shipment)
  • Document processing fee (including bill of lading fee)
  • Container demurrage fee (200-800 RMB per day beyond free time)

How to choose between FCL and LCL transportation?

Make decisions based on cargo volume:

• Full Container Load (FCL): Preferred for shipments exceeding 15 cubic meters
• Less than Container Load (LCL): More economical for small batches (<10 cubic meters)

Note the newly added in 2025smart LCL system, which can reduce LCL damage rate by 15% through AI algorithms.

What key information must be verified on ocean bills of lading?

Six essential elements for bill of lading review:

• Spelling of shipper/consignee names
• Container number matching seal number
• Consistency between cargo description and HS code
• Accuracy of port of loading/discharge codes
• Freight payment terms (prepaid/collect)
• Number of original bills issued (typically 3 copies)

How to prevent ocean cargo delay risks?

Recommended 3D prevention system for 2025:

• Time buffer: Reserve 10-15 days before planned delivery date
• Route planning: Choose direct routes (e.g., Shanghai-Los Angeles express)
• Technical monitoring: Use blockchain cargo tracking system

Which types of goods have high customs inspection probability?

According to 2024 General Administration of Customs data, these categories have over 20% inspection rate:

• Anti-dumping goods (e.g., aluminum alloy products)
• High-value electronics (declared unit price >$500)
• Chemical products (require MSDS certification)
• Food contact products (require FDA/EC certification)

What risks should marine insurance cover?

Recommended coverage should include:

• Total loss due to natural disasters (ICC Clause A)
• Accidental damage during loading/unloading
• General average contribution liability
• War risk additional clauses (when passing sensitive waters)

How to handle undelivered cargo at destination port?

Phased handling plan:

• Within 30 days: Negotiate resale or return shipment
• After 60 days: Face auction risk (must pay storage + demurrage fees)
• Final solution: Activation of overseas agency supervised warehouses (new service in 2025)

What are the new trends in digital services for shipping agencies?

Three major technology applications in 2025:

• Intelligent customs declaration system (automatically generates declaration data)
• Carbon emission monitoring platform (meets EU CBAM requirements)
• AR inspection system (remote real-time cargo condition verification)

How to cope with drastic fluctuations in shipping prices?

Recommended adoption of three pricing strategies:

• Long-term agreement pricing: Sign quarterly freight rate contracts
• Freight index linkage: Floating tied to SCFI index
• Hybrid booking: Simultaneous use of spot rates and contract rates