Freight, explained.
The questions shippers ask us most — about modes, customs, documents, tracking, and cost.
Getting started
What is a freight forwarder, and do I need one?
A freight forwarder arranges and manages the shipping of your goods across carriers, borders, and customs — so you deal with one partner instead of a chain of airlines, shipping lines, truckers, and brokers. If you ship internationally, need customs clearance, or want one point of contact and accountability, a forwarder saves time, money, and risk.
How do I get a quote?
Send us your origin, destination, cargo details (weight, dimensions, pieces), and your deadline via our contact page. We quote door-to-door so you see the real total, not just a freight rate.
What information do you need to quote a shipment?
Origin and destination, what you're shipping, approximate weight and dimensions, the number of pieces, whether it needs special handling, and your target delivery date. The more detail, the more accurate the quote.
Modes & cost
Should I use air freight or ocean freight?
Air freight is far faster (1–5 days vs 2–8 weeks) but costs several times more per kilogram. Choose air for urgent, high-value, or lightweight cargo; choose ocean for heavy, bulky, or non-urgent shipments. For very small shipments, compare total landed cost — air can win once ocean's port and LCL fees are added.
What's the difference between FCL and LCL?
FCL (Full Container Load) means you book an entire container — best when you have enough volume to fill or nearly fill it. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares a container with other shippers — cost-effective for smaller loads, though it adds consolidation and handling time.
How much does it cost to ship a container internationally?
It depends on the lane, container size (20ft vs 40ft), season, and current capacity — ocean rates move weekly. We give you a current, all-in door-to-door quote including origin charges, freight, destination charges, and customs, so there are no surprises.
Customs & documents
Do you handle customs clearance?
Yes — our in-house brokerage clears cargo at both origin and destination. Handling customs ourselves is one of the main reasons shipments don't sit stuck at the border while a file gets passed between brokers.
What is a bill of lading?
A bill of lading is the core shipping document issued by the carrier. It acts as a receipt for the goods, a contract of carriage, and — depending on the type — a document of title. Getting it right matters, because errors here are a common cause of held shipments.
What documents do I need to ship internationally?
Typically a commercial invoice, a packing list, the bill of lading (or air waybill), and often a certificate of origin. Some goods need additional permits or certificates. We tell you exactly what your shipment needs and prepare the paperwork.
How long does customs clearance take?
Often same-day to a couple of days when documentation is correct and duties are paid promptly. Delays usually come from missing or inconsistent paperwork — which is exactly what in-house customs handling is there to prevent.
Tracking & delivery
Can I track my shipment?
Yes. Every shipment gets a tracking number the moment it's booked. Enter it on our tracking page to follow live status from pickup, through customs, to final delivery.
What do the tracking statuses mean?
Booked (confirmed) → Picked up → Received at origin → Departed origin country → In transit → Arrived in destination country → Customs clearance → Out for delivery → Delivered. Each update tells you where your cargo is and what happens next.
Do you deliver door-to-door?
Yes — from origin pickup to the final doorstep, including last-mile delivery with proof of delivery on hand-off. You can also choose port-to-port if you handle one end yourself.
Trust & coverage
Is my cargo insured?
We arrange cargo insurance covering your shipment end to end, and advise on the right level based on the goods and Incoterms. Proof of delivery is captured on hand-off.
Which countries do you serve?
We move air and ocean freight on the major global trade lanes, with partners on the ground where it counts. Tell us your origin and destination and we'll confirm routing and transit times.
Talk to a real person.
Our operations desk answers around the clock.