Exporters frequently face the challenge of delayed shipments, particularly when goods miss their intended vessel departure. This situation can lead to complications that require careful handling to minimize financial and logistical consequences.
Financial Implications of Delayed Shipments
When shipments are delayed after completing the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) submission and receiving clearance for loading, additional charges may still apply. While standard procedures suggest no extra fees should be incurred under these circumstances, shipping companies often impose demurrage charges based on specific operational factors.
Critical Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation remains essential for successful international trade operations. Two key documents require particular attention:
- Customs declarations (submitted to the exporting country's authorities)
- Bills of lading (used by the importing country)
The destination country specified on customs documents must be absolutely accurate, as this directly affects tax rebate eligibility. Regarding data consistency between customs declarations and bills of lading:
- Must match exactly: Product descriptions, quantities, and weights
- May vary: Consignor/consignee details (provided the destination country remains correct)
Selecting Shipping Partners
The collapse of Hanjin Shipping serves as a cautionary example of the importance of working with financially stable carriers. Industry professionals who can identify shipping companies solely by bill of lading numbers demonstrate the level of expertise that all logistics partners should aspire to develop.