A. Freight forwarding is a service used by companies that deal in international or multi-national import and export. While the freight forwarder doesn’t actually move the freight itself, it acts as an intermediary between the client and various transportation services.

A freight forwarding service handles the considerable logistics of this task for the client, relieving what would otherwise be a formidable burden.

A. Most freight payments are done with a Company check. However, you can also pay with wire transfer or credit card (subject to administrative fee). Payment is sent right around the time the freight is due to arrive, clear customs and be released.

A. We deal with most countries. As shipping can be quite complicated, it is best to give us a call and discuss what your needs are.

A. We mainly specialise in commercial cargo, machinery and business relocations. We also offer self-pack shipping containers for household overseas relocations. As we have been in the freight industry for so long, however, we have shipped almost everything at one time or another. Please come and speak to us about your requirements.

A. Yes, we can arrange that for you.

A. Yes we can if space is available with the shipping lines. It depends on your requirements. Come and speak to us.

A. Quite simply – we can’t. If we control the cargo, we take every care with all the steps in the process and documentation. However, it is standard practice for customs to do random checks for effective border control. To our knowledge, there is no legal way for any importer to avoid these random checks. It is quite simply – the luck of the draw.

A. What a great question! Freight forwarding is a sequence of events. If there is a break in that sequence then sometimes on-time delivery can be difficult. However, with proper planning, most deliveries are on time.

A. Generally a delay will occur because of one of the following reasons.

• Incorrect or late paperwork. This can happen if the customer or supplier present incorrect or late commercial invoices or other necessary paperwork to their customs broker or freight forwarder. This will hold up the documentation process this end. Unhappily, this is the most common reason for delays and is outside of our control. Correct and accurate paperwork from you is very important.

• Short shipments by both air and sea. This can happen during busy periods of the year; again we have no control over this. Airlines and shipping lines have limited space and may be overbooked.

• a random customs check.

• ‘An Act of God’ i.e. ocean conditions – excessive stormy seas, piracy, shipping accidents, or flight delays due to bad weather conditions. Luckily, this happens very infrequently.

• Strikes, wars.

A. You should always have freight insurance. We can arrange this for you if necessary.

A. International freight has no GST. However, GST may be applicable on import and all local charges.

A. Yes.

A. Yes, of course. that is part of our service.

A. We can arrange insurance for you. As a rule, individual carriers do not provide cargo insurance.

A. Yes. We do both.

A. We use our knowledge and experience to get you the deal possible.

A. It is easy to find a freight forwarder. It is less easy to find the quality of service you need if things get rough.

A. No. Whilst we have many long-term customers, each transaction is considered individually.

If you have other questions not on this list, or you would like to discuss your international shipping needs, please contact us at customercare@waterlinkpak.com