As an international freight forwarding company firmly rooted in Qingdao, we are well aware of the intricate complexities of global trade and how precise operations ensure the smooth progression of each transaction. In this article, we will provide a detailed breakdown of our company’s international freight process, spanning from quoting to settlement, offering insight into our meticulous operations.
（1），Quoting Stage: The inception of international trade involves product inquiries and quotations. Collaborating closely with clients, we comprehend their requirements and provide accurate product quotations. Quotation details encompass product quality levels, specifications, special packaging demands, quantities, delivery periods, and more, ensuring comprehensive satisfaction of client needs. Common quotation methods include FOB, CNF, CIF, and others.
（2）Ordering Stage: Upon mutual agreement on quotations, both parties enter the ordering stage formally. Buyer and seller incorporate agreed-upon terms into a “Purchase Contract,” outlining product names, specifications, quantities, prices, packaging, origins, and other details. This contract serves as the legal foundation of the trade, ensuring transaction legality and safeguarding the interests of both parties.
（3）Payment Methods: Payment methods are a pivotal aspect of trade. We support payment methods such as letters of credit, TT payments, and direct payments. Letters of credit are widely used in international trade to ensure secure payment reception for exporters, while TT payments offer a more flexible payment approach.
（4）Stocking Stage: After contract signing, the stocking process commences. We rigorously verify product quality and specifications to meet contract and letter of credit requirements. The scheduling of stocking aligns with the shipping schedule to ensure timely shipment.
（5）Packaging: Appropriate packaging ensures the safety of goods during international transit. We select suitable packaging methods based on the nature of goods, following export packaging standards to safeguard goods’ intactness. Special packaging requirements receive thorough consideration.
（6）Customs Clearance: Customs clearance is a pivotal step impacting the smooth departure of goods from the country. We assist clients in obtaining export commodity inspection certificates to ensure legal departure of goods. Our professional customs clearance team prepares required documents to facilitate a smooth customs clearance process.
（7）Loading: Based on the quantity and nature of goods, we choose appropriate loading methods, such as full container load or less than container load. To ensure the safety of goods during transport, we also assist clients in acquiring suitable transport insurance.
1) Full Container Load: The following are detailed specifications and information for various container types:
20-foot Standard Container (20′ Dry Container): Volume of 5.69 meters x 2.13 meters x 2.18 meters, general gross weight of 17.5 tons, volume of 24-26 cubic meters.
40-foot Standard Container (40′ Dry Container): Volume of 11.8 meters x 2.13 meters x 2.18 meters, general gross weight of 22 tons, volume of 54 cubic meters.
40-foot High Cube Container (40′ High Cube Container): Volume of 11.8 meters x 2.13 meters x 2.72 meters, general gross weight of 22 tons, volume of 68 cubic meters.
45-foot High Cube Container (45′ High Cube Container): Volume of 13.58 meters x 2.34 meters x 2.71 meters, general gross weight of 29 tons, volume of 86 cubic meters.
20-foot Open Top Container (20′ Open Top Container): Volume of 5.89 meters x 2.32 meters x 2.31 meters, gross weight of 20 tons, volume of 31.5 cubic meters.
40-foot Open Top Container (40′ Open Top Container): Volume of 12.01 meters x 2.33 meters x 2.15 meters, gross weight of 30.4 tons, volume of 65 cubic meters.
20-foot Flat Rack Container (20′ Flat Rack Container): Volume of 5.85 meters x 2.23 meters x 2.15 meters, gross weight of 23 tons, volume of 28 cubic meters.
40-foot Flat Rack Container (40′ Flat Rack Container): Volume of 12.05 meters x 2.12 meters x 1.96 meters, gross weight of 36 tons, volume of 50 cubic meters.
Furthermore, containers can be further classified based on material and purpose:
Container Material Classification: Containers can be made from various materials including aluminum alloy, steel plate, fiberboard, and fiberglass-reinforced plastic.
Purpose Classification: Containers are classified based on usage, including dry containers, reefer containers, dress hanger containers, open-top containers, flat rack containers, and tank containers.
These data and insights hold significant relevance in international freight, providing a foundational basis for both freight forwarding companies and clients to select suitable containers, ensuring safe and efficient goods delivery to their intended destinations.
2) Container Consolidation: Container consolidation is a pivotal operation that involves the rational arrangement of multiple batches of goods to maximize container space utilization, reduce transport costs, and ensure the safety and stability of goods during transport. Different container types vary in size, capacity, and weight, necessitating our professional team to calculate and devise optimal consolidation plans based on cargo characteristics and destination requirements.
For 20-foot and 40-foot standard containers, as well as high cube containers, we arrange cargo placement in line with dimensions, weight, and volume to fully maximize container interior space. For open-top containers and flat rack containers, we carefully plan cargo loading while ensuring cargo stability during loading and unloading.
Throughout the container consolidation process, we strictly adhere to international shipping standards and regulations, ensuring optimal packaging, securing, and protection of goods. Our professional team possesses extensive experience and technical expertise, capable of handling various types of consolidation needs, including peculiar shapes, fragile items, and hazardous materials.
(8)Transport Insurance: Transport insurance provides comprehensive protection for goods during transit. We offer various choices including marine cargo insurance and land-air-sea freight insurance, ensuring adequate safeguarding of goods during transport.
(9)Bill of Lading: The bill of lading is a crucial document for ocean cargo handover, as well as an essential document for importers to claim goods and settle payments. We provide clients with accurate bills of lading, packing lists, and invoices to ensure smooth handover to importers.
(10)Settlement: After shipping goods, we prepare various documents as per letter of credit regulations and submit them to banks for settlement proceedings within stipulated timelines. We also support alternative payment methods like telegraphic transfer and bank drafts.
As a Qingdao freight forwarding company, we possess profound understanding of the intricacies and challenges of international trade. Leveraging our extensive experience, professional team, and efficient processes, we are committed to delivering top-quality international freight services, ensuring secure and timely delivery of goods to their intended destinations. For any queries or requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us; we are ready to provide comprehensive support and assistance.
