Seafreight

FAQ's

1. What freight services do FAMS provide?

FAMS offers a range of  freight services, these include:

  • Customs  Brokerage on export and import
  • Forwarding
  • Consolidation services Tri-Axles and Super links
  • Dedicated truck loads small and big
  • Abnormal loads
  • Full Container Loads
  • Import and export consolidation services ( LCL /FCL, LCL/LCL )
  • Packing of goods
  • Transit  Insurance of  goods
  • Warehousing ( general and bonded warehousing )
2. What is the typical transit time?

Depending on the  service offered, origin collection point , FCL/Consolidation service , and routing of the shipment , the transit times  can vary from 4 days on dedicated trucks to 8 days for long consolidation trucks  coming from neighbouring  countries.

3. How is road freight cost calculated?

Basic Road freight rates are quoted  based on a “chargeable weight” basis which is  the higher of actual weight or volume based  weight
For  road freight  shipments, the cost is calculated by adding the basic freight  rates  to the collection charges , documentation , handling and any storage applicable  ,   including  insurance where applicable .

Rates for dedicated  loads is based  on the pre determined rate for such load as  for a one tonner truck, five tonner truck , tri axle  , super link or abnormal  trucks . The freight volume ratio for roadfreight is 1:2  vis one  ton equals  to 2 Cubes

Roadfreight rates  also vary from time to time depending on peak  and low  volume seasons  as such rates go up and down periodically in response to market demand

4. What type of road freight cargo can FAMS assist me with?

At FAMS we can assist you with all types of road freight services such as but not limited to :

  • Conventional and or  ordinary dimension  type shipments in containers or breakbulk trailers
  • Out of gauge shipments
  • Staged consignments and heavy duty project type  cargo
  • Refer type containerized cargo
5. What products can be road freighted?

FAMS can handle   roadfreight  cargo of different  types via  singular or multimodal  including :

  • Machinery  for mining , manufacturing , energy , agriculture , ICT and other key sectors
  • Bulk Industry raw materials
  • Medicaments
  • Medical Equipment
  • Auto parts
6. What Freight charges I can expect?

FAMS can handle roadfreight  cargo of different  types via  singular or multimodal including :

  • Machinery  for mining , manufacturing , energy , agriculture , ICT and other key sectors
  • Bulk Industry raw materials
  • Medicaments
  • Medical Equipment
  • Auto parts
7. What are the charges and taxes applicable on road freight?

The following taxes can apply depending on the type of cargo air freighted:

  • Fuel surcharge
  • Storage and handling charges  of shipment.
  • Cargo Delivery  and handling
  • Cargo Inspection by port or destination customs and other government authorities  such a port health
  • Import  Duty and VAT (Country dependant)
8. What are the common road freight terms to know

Some of the most common road freight  terms include but not limited to

  • RCN – Road Consignment Note
  • RDM – Road Manifest
  • Customs Electronic Manifest
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • FCL   - Full Container Load
  • LCL – Less than Container Load /Consolidation or groupage shipments
  • ETD – Estimated time/ date of departure
  • ATD- Actual time of departure
  • ETA – estimated time of arrival
  • ATA – Actual Time of Arrival
  • Bonded Warehouse – A warehouse authorized by customs  authorities for the storage of goods on which payment of duties is deferred until the goods enter the customs territory.
  • COC – Certificate Of Conformity
  • COO – Certificate Of Origin
9. Which Carriers do FAMS work with Currently ?

We work with a wide range  of   Local and regional  low  and high fleet road carriers   whom FAMS have signed long term arrangements with for the  carriage of cargo throughout the region

10. Are there any countries that do not allow road freight?

No there is not,  some countries may  only  impose struct rules and guideline son the truck and driver requirements

11. What documents are required for road freight?

There are a wide number of standard documents required for road freight. FAMS can and will assist you all of these documents:

    • RCN -road consignment Note
    • RDM – Road Manifest
    • Commercial invoice:Document establishing the conditions of sale for the goods and their specifications. Serves as proof of sale.
    • Packing list:A list of the contents in a package, completing the information of the invoice, which must be issued by the sender.
    • Customs clearance authorization: Documents with which an importer or exporter authorizes a customs agent to submit one or several customs declarations on their behalf.
    • CD1 Form (Central Bank Exchange Control Document) – for Exports
    • Permits and Licenses where applicable
    • Conformity documents where pre-shipment inspections are required

Should  there are any specific documents you require assistance with please contact your nearest FAMS Logistics Specialist.

12. What documents must the client provide for Road freight to FAMS?
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List (if any)
  • CD1 Form (Central Bank Exchange Control Document) – for Exports
  • Export / Import Permit (where applicable)
  • Phytosanitary Certificate (for plant & plant products)
  • Fumigation Certificate (for wooden packaging/products & pallets)
  • Conformity certificate for listed goods on import
  • Import Permits and Licenses on controlled goods
13. What is difference between road freight and sea cargo?

Ordinarily for Zim ,  most cargo moved by sea from overseas would eventually end up moving by road to Zim  due to Zim being land  linked to the ports in Moz, RSA , Tanzania ,  Namibia and  or Kenya

14. What are the types of road cargo and which ones can FAMS assist with?

There are two types of air cargo – general and special cargo. FAMS can assist clients with both types of cargo, including:

  • Temperature controlled goods using refer containers
  • Hazardous material/dangerous goods.
  • Ultra Heavy weight and out of gauge  freight.
  • High Value/fragile Items.
  • Bulk cargo
15. What are dangerous goods? And how do I know if my Cargo will be classified as dangerous good?

A dangerous good, DG, (also known as hazardous material or hazmat) is any substance or material that is capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce.

Dangerous goods are often indicated by diamond-shaped signage on the item, its container, or the building where it is stored. The colour of each diamond indicates its hazard, e.g., flammable is indicated with red, because fire and heat are generally of red color, and explosive is indicated with orange, because mixing red (flammable) with yellow (oxidizing agent) creates orange.

16. What is a Known Consignor?

A Known consignor means a consignor who originates cargo or mail for its own account and whose cargo handling procedures and facilities meet common security rules and standards sufficient to allow carriage of that cargo or mail on any  carrier.

17. Can FAMS procure Transit Insurance for goods transported sea?

Yes,  FAMS can arrange  insurance  accordingly depending on the customer need both locally and offshore ,it  can be arranged upon  customer’s request.

18. Who will be responsible for packing the export shipment/consignment?

Packing of goods for  freighting  is  the responsibility of the exporter/shipper/manufacturer. However where the  supplier appoints FAMS to perform this function   for a fee, it  can be arranged on behalf of the shipper /supplier

19. Where and how can you make a booking for your shipment/consignment?

Client , either the exporter or importer contacts the nearest  FAMS Office Personnel and provide cargo details eg , actual weight and dimensions including supplier contact details .FAMS staff then  provide a quote for client acceptance before arranging pick up and freighting of the cargo

Cargo pick up would then be arrange by FAMS  including arranging export clearance and import clearances.

20. How do I know/find out my shipment/consignment was delivered to the correct roadfreight gateway or warehouse ?

It is quite simple, use the Track & Trace option on the carrier website or alternatively use FAMS Track & Trace.

21. Is it necessary to bring the shipment/consignment personally to the roadfreight gateway or consolidating warehouse ?

All  one needs to  do as the exporter is to book with FAMS for the freighting of your shipment . For cargo to be collected , the exporter completes the Export Instruction form /Shippers Instruction for with cargo and collection details .FAMS Team will then arrange collection of cargo for loading . However ,cargo which constitutes full truck loads would be  loaded directly from the suppliers premises for shipment to destination to avoid unnecessary double handling and resultant costs.

22. Do the senders have to get customs clearance for their consignment at an interior customs office?

Ordinarily, FAMS will submit documents for customs clearance (upon receipt of export  documents consisting of ,Commercial invoice, packing list, CD1 form & permits/COC/Phyto/COO (where applicable) from exporter) unless where the exporter /importer has different nominated clearing agents

Alternatively, exporter can bring already customs cleared documents to FAMS for freight forwarding.

23. Do you ship exclusively on regular road carriers ?

Depending on  cargo type ,routing  & rates preferred , we ship on the most competitive carriers available from time to time whom FAMS has contracts with .

24. What happens if my cargo is damaged?

While carriers carry cargo at owner’s risk, circumstances surrounding cargo damage might prompt redress to be directed at  specific shipping lines  for consideration and   recompense

However , FAMS strongly  recommend suppliers ( shippers ) to insure cargo in transit for All  Transit Risks  on  goods  being shipped

25. What guidelines should I follow when packing?

When packing your items for  road freight and other modes , we strongly suggest you:

  • Know restrictions based on your cargo dimensions
  • Use sturdy or Double walled boxes
  • Use a tape gun (and high-quality packing tape)
  • Label cargo clearly and as required for your type of cargo
26. What customs procedures should I follow?
  • Exports;
    • Ensure that export regulations/controls for that specific cargo are adhered to (obtain the necessary permits, phytos, COOs)
    • Cargo is export customs cleared
  • Imports:
    • Ensure that, where applicable, cargo is conformity inspected & COC is at hand.
    • Import permits are available.
27 What documentation/approvals are required for me to import from or export to another country?
  • Exports;
    • Exchange Control Document (CD1 Form)
    • Phytosanitary Certificate (where applicable)
    • Fumigation Certificate (where applicable)
    • Export Permit (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Origin (COO)
    • Customs cleared Export documents
  • Imports;
    • Certificate of Conformity (where applicable)
    • Import Permit (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Origin (COO)
    • Import documents (Invoice/Packing List/Bill of Lading)
    • Active BP Number
28. Are there limits to the weight and size of a shipment?

As in all modes of transport, yes. This is done  to suit the internal, truck /trailer  and container dimensions  load specifications

29. What are the hours of operation for each cargo facility?

Generally speaking from 00hrs – 17.00hrs.

30. Does FAMS provide pickup and/or delivery service?

Yes, we do.

31. . Is my shipment guaranteed for shipment on booked load ?

Yes, most of the times  , shipments are moved on the booked trucks  unless under exceptional circumstances where  such trucks break down  or due to unforeseen circumstances as the rise of pandemics etc , shipments are then moved to the next first available load /truck  for shipment   travel as booked

32. Is my shipment guaranteed to travel on the flight it is booked on?

Yes, shipments travel as booked, barring unforeseen circumstances (such as the covid shutdown).

33. Is it necessary to pay in advance?

No it is not.