The shipping reconfiguration process involves several critical steps to ensure smooth transportation arrangements. Here's a breakdown of the procedure:
- Initial confirmation: Coordinate with the sales team to verify changes in sailing schedules and freight rates.
- Booking modification: Contact the booking department to process the reconfiguration.
- Document preparation: Obtain the carrier's stamped "Non-loading Certificate" — typically requiring three copies, or four for hazardous materials (note that some carriers have specific format requirements).
- Customs procedures: Submit the prepared documents to customs brokers for cancellation processing. Brokers generally require 1 to 1.5 business days to complete the cancellation.
- Transport coordination: Provide the new vessel name, voyage number, and bill of lading number to the responsible trucking company or warehouse to finalize the reconfiguration, which may incur additional fees.
- New documentation: Prepare a fresh set of customs declaration materials for the brokers' use.
During this process, container detention fees typically accrue. These charges are usually finalized 30 days or more after vessel departure. Customer service representatives can make preliminary estimates based on individual carriers' detention fee standards and enter them into the system.
