Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for successful International Freight Shipping with AllCargo Express
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Why do I need a Freight Forwarder?
The job of a Freight Forwarder is to simplify the shipping process.

As a Freight Forwarder, we have contracts with steamship lines, air lines, and trucking companies worldwide, which allows us to offer you competitive pricing.

As a Freight Forwarder, we educate and guide our customers through the often complex and ever-changing import and export regulations and process. Most importantly, you communicate only with us as your Freight Forwarder representative rather than several parties.

For many small to medium-sized businesses, the Freight Forwarder acts like a shipping department caring for the company’s logistics needs.

How does the entire process work?
Contact us with the details of your shipment to help us determine the size/volume and weight of your shipment. Details should include Length, Width, Height, and Weight of your shipment. For vehicles or machinery, please provide the make and model and any other detail that is important to the estimate.

We will send you a quotation and we recommend that you compare it with other forwarders. Keep in mind that all costs are taken into account when comparing. Once an agreement is made, we can work out further details, including pick-up dates and required documentation.

How long will my shipment take?
Shipping times vary from port to port by distance, routing and congestion. Transit time is calculated once the container is on board the vessel and confirmed departed. Quoted transit times do not take into account delays that may occur due to poor weather conditions, customs processing and/or examination. Consolidated cargo will take longer considering earlier cut-off times to allow for the documentation and loading process.
What does Door-to-Door delivery mean?
Door-to-Door delivery is a full service where we arrange to pick up the shipment from its location of origin to its destination, right to the specified address. This commonly refers to the freight charges. Charges on top of Door-to-Door can be exempt of offloading, customs, and port charges.
I am shipping my vehicle. Can I load all my personal items inside?
If you are shipping your car in a container of your exclusive use, you can put items in your car. However, you must provide a detailed list of the items in the car for Customs reporting. The driver’s seat must be accessible to a driver and all mirrors visible.

If your vehicle is being shipped in a consolidated container, no items can be put inside the vehicle. Exceptions are made to the vehicles that are OEM equipment, such as tools, jacks, and spares tires.

How do I prepare my vehicle for shipment?
Vehicles cannot be shipped if they are financed, leased, or not in the shipper’s name.

Exceptions are
– a bill of sale with a signed transfer form, or
– a letter from the Finance or Leasing Company allowing the exportation of the vehicle.

The vehicle must be shipped with one-quarter (¼) of a tank of gas or less. Anything more than that is considered hazardous goods and this has a higher rate structure.

If the car is delivered with gas, we can drain the tank for a fee. The battery of the car will also be disconnected when loaded into the container, as part of the Hazardous Goods regulations.

The temperature of the container can be significant, so we recommend no fluids in the vehicle that can spill, overflow, or burst during transit.

We recommend that cars be washed free of any mud or dirt. Some destinations, for example, will require a complete fumigation or steam clean, however it’s best to have the car washed for any destination.

What forms of payment are acceptable?
We accept, bank draft, cash, e-transfer, direct deposits, wires, and Visa/Master card.
Do you sell insurance?
Yes, we sell insurance.

We recommend that you Insure your shipment. We offer Insurance for Vehicles, Personal Effects, Commercial Goods, and more All Risk and Total Loss.

Ships very rarely sink. Most often, the damage occurs when the cranes pick up the containers and the contents are shaken. There is movement from side to side, and also up-and-down movement on the vessel or plane that can damage the shipment. Weather during transit can cause significant movement also.

What services do you offer?
We provide
– Free Consultation
– Free Estimates
– Consulting on the best mode of transport for your shipment depending on budget or time
– Warehouse and Storage Service if you need to store goods here before shipping
– Pick-Up Services, Crating, and Pick-and-Pack services for commercial clients

Send Us Your Question

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How much does my shipment cost?

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Questions about packing or shipment? Our experienced team of international movers is happy to help.