General Services

A freight forwarder is your indispensable logistics partner in the world of international trade. At "Elaf Cargo," we specialize in organizing and arranging the shipment of goods on your behalf, ensuring their efficient and safe door-to-door delivery. Our integrated services include sea and air freight, customs clearance, inland transportation from origin to final destination, and the preparation of all required documents. We relieve you of the burden of complex coordination and provide a comprehensive solution to meet all your supply chain needs, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

At "Elaf Cargo," we offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to cover all aspects of the shipping process. Whether you need full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL) sea freight, or prefer the speed of air freight, we provide the optimal choice for you. Our services extend beyond mere transportation to include secure warehousing, consolidation/deconsolidation services for increased efficiency and cost reduction. We also ensure comprehensive cargo insurance to protect your goods against any risks and guarantee full compliance with customs procedures to avoid any delays.

The shipping process consists of four main stages that we master at "Elaf Cargo" to ensure a smooth experience. The journey begins with Stage One: Handling at the Origin Country, where we receive the shipment from the supplier. This is followed by Stage Two: Export Customs Clearance, where we handle all official procedures for the shipment's departure. Next comes Stage Three: International Transportation, whether by air or sea, reaching the destination port. Finally, Stage Four: Import Customs Clearance and Handling at the Destination Country, where we finalize procedures and deliver the shipment to you. We manage every step precisely to ensure your shipment arrives safely and on time.

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are global rules issued by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that define the responsibilities and obligations of both sellers and buyers in shipping operations. These terms precisely clarify who is responsible for shipping costs, insurance, and the point of risk transfer from one party to another. For example, the term (EXW) means the buyer bears all responsibilities from the seller's factory door, while in the term (DDP), the seller is responsible for everything until the goods are delivered to the buyer's door. Understanding these terms is essential to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a clear and transparent commercial process.  

To facilitate your international trade, it's important to know the most common shipping terms.

•EXW (Ex Works): In this term, the seller's responsibility is limited to making the goods available at their premises (e.g., factory). From that point, the buyer bears all costs and risks, including transportation and customs clearance.

•FOB (Free on Board): Here, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods and loading them onto the vessel at the port of shipment. Once loaded, responsibility and costs transfer to the buyer.

•CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight): The seller covers the costs of shipping and insurance for the goods until they reach the port of destination. However, the risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are loaded onto the vessel.

China is a global manufacturing hub, and access to its major ports is vital for your business success. At "Elaf Cargo," we provide integrated shipping services to and from key Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, and Qingdao. Thanks to our network of local agents and extensive experience in the Chinese market, we guarantee fast customs clearance, efficient handling, and the best shipping rates. Whether you are importing goods or exporting your products, we are your reliable gateway to trade with China, ensuring smooth procedures from the factory to your final destination.

Europe is a vital market for many businesses, and at "Elaf Cargo," we ensure comprehensive coverage of its most important maritime gateways. We provide regular and reliable shipping services to major ports such as Rotterdam in the Netherlands, which is the largest port in Europe, Hamburg in Germany, and Antwerp in Belgium. Our services also include other vital ports in Spain like Valencia and Barcelona, and in Italy like Genoa. Rely on us to deliver your goods to the heart of Europe efficiently and quickly, while facilitating all logistical and customs procedures.  

The United States represents a massive market requiring specialized logistics expertise. At "Elaf Cargo," we offer comprehensive shipping solutions covering major ports and airports across the country. We serve vital ports on the West Coast such as Los Angeles and Long Beach, and on the East Coast such as New York and New Jersey. We also provide fast air freight services via major airports like Chicago O'Hare and Atlanta. Our extensive network ensures your shipments reach any U.S. state smoothly, with full management of inland transportation and customs clearance operations.  

  "Elaf Cargo" boasts a strong presence and in-depth expertise in the Italian market, making us your ideal partner for all shipping needs to and from Italy. We provide efficient sea freight services via strategic ports such as Genoa, La Spezia, and Naples. Additionally, we offer fast air freight solutions via major airports like Milan and Rome. Thanks to our specialized team and local network, we guarantee you a smooth and reliable service, whether you are importing luxury Italian products or exporting your goods to this vital market.

In the world of shipping, two essential bills of lading are used, and understanding the difference between them is crucial:

•Master Bill of Lading (MBL): This is a document issued by the actual shipping line (carrier) to the freight forwarder (such as Elaf Cargo). This bill of lading is considered the primary contract of carriage between the two parties.

•House Bill of Lading (HBL): This is a document issued by the freight forwarder (Elaf Cargo) to the actual shipper (client). This bill of lading represents an acknowledgment of receipt of the goods and a commitment to deliver them to the final destination.

Simply put, the MBL is for the relationship between the carrier and the freight forwarder, while the HBL is for the relationship between the freight forwarder and the client.

The language of shipping is full of abbreviations, and at "Elaf Cargo," we clarify the most important ones for you:

•POL (Port of Loading): The port where your goods are loaded onto the vessel.

•POD (Port of Discharge/Destination): The port where your shipment will be unloaded.

•ETD (Estimated Time of Departure): The estimated date and time when the vessel will sail or the aircraft will take off.

•ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival): The estimated date and time of the shipment's arrival at the destination port.

Knowing these terms helps you accurately track your shipment's journey.

Terminal Handling Charges (THC) are costs imposed by port authorities for container handling services within the port. These charges include operations such as loading the container from the truck to the port yard, moving it within the yard, and then loading it onto the vessel at the port of shipment, as well as similar operations at the port of discharge. These charges apply to all sea shipments, whether full container loads (FCL) or less than container loads (LCL). At "Elaf Cargo," we ensure full transparency of all costs in the quotes provided to our clients.

Door-to-Door shipping service is the most convenient and seamless solution for clients, where "Elaf Cargo" takes full responsibility for the entire logistics process. Our service begins with picking up the shipment from your location or from the factory (supplier's door), and includes inland transportation, export customs clearance, international shipping (sea or air), import customs clearance, and finally inland transportation to deliver the shipment directly to your final address (recipient's door). This option relieves you of the burden of dealing with any complex procedures and provides a comprehensive and reliable solution from start to finish.  

When dealing with shipments, you will encounter two important numbers for tracking and reference:

•Booking Number: This is a reference number issued upon confirming space reservation for your shipment on a specific vessel or aircraft. This number is used in the initial stages of the shipping process to follow up on arrangements before the final documents are issued.

•Bill of Lading Number (B/L No): This is the unique number printed on the final bill of lading. This number is the official identifier for the shipment after it sails, and it is used throughout all stages of tracking, customs clearance, and the final delivery process.

Transporting Dangerous Goods (DGR), classified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), requires strict procedures to ensure the safety of lives, property, and the environment. These goods include flammable, toxic, or explosive materials. At "Elaf Cargo," we have the expertise and capability to handle this type of shipment. We ensure full compliance with international regulations, including proper packaging, correct labeling, and the preparation of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). When shipping dangerous goods, it is essential to provide us with the UN Number of the substance to ensure all necessary precautions are taken.

Although at "Elaf Cargo" we take the utmost precautions to ensure the safety of your goods, international shipping journeys can involve uncontrollable risks, such as maritime accidents or severe weather conditions. Therefore, Cargo Insurance is a vital step to protect your investment. Insurance provides financial coverage in case of loss or damage to your shipment during transit. We offer our clients comprehensive insurance options at competitive prices, giving you complete peace of mind throughout the shipment's journey from origin to final destination. Don't leave your investment to chance; invest in protecting it.  

  Customs clearance is the official procedure through which imported or exported goods are declared to the customs authorities in a specific country. This process involves submitting a set of documents, such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, in addition to paying applicable customs duties and taxes. The goal of this process is to ensure that shipments comply with local laws and to prevent the entry of prohibited items. At "Elaf Cargo," our team of experts efficiently manages the customs clearance process, ensuring your goods cross borders smoothly and without any unexpected delays.

 To ensure a fast and successful customs clearance process, a set of essential documents must be prepared. The most important of these documents are:

1.Commercial Invoice: Details the goods and their value.

2.Packing List: Describes the contents, dimensions, and weight of each package.

3.Bill of Lading / Air Waybill: Proves ownership of the goods and the contract of carriage.

4.Certificate of Origin: Specifies the country where the goods were manufactured.

Some shipments may require additional documents depending on their type and the import regulations of the destination country. Our team at "Elaf Cargo" will guide you in preparing all required paperwork correctly.

Some goods, such as fresh food, pharmaceuticals, and flowers, require maintaining a specific temperature throughout the shipping journey to ensure they arrive in excellent condition. This is the role of reefer shipping. At "Elaf Cargo," we specialize in managing this type of sensitive cargo. We use advanced refrigerated containers and trucks that can precisely control temperature, with continuous monitoring to ensure no fluctuations occur. When requesting reefer shipping service, it is essential to inform us of the required temperature to ensure the quality and safety of your products from origin to recipient.

A freight forwarder sometimes acts as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC). This means that "Elaf Cargo" can issue its own House Bill of Lading (House B/L) and assumes the responsibility of a carrier towards the client, without owning the vessels themselves. As an NVOCC, we purchase shipping space in bulk from major shipping lines, allowing us to offer more competitive prices and greater flexibility to our clients, especially for Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments. This role enables us to provide a comprehensive and integrated service, combining the advantages of both a freight forwarder and a carrier.  

In shipping invoices, you will often find one of these two terms to define responsibility for paying transportation costs:

•Prepaid: Means that international shipping costs have been paid by the shipper (sender) at the port of origin. This option is common in sales contracts that include shipping costs (e.g., CIF).

•Collect: Means that shipping costs will be collected from the consignee (importer) at the port of destination. This option is common in sales contracts that do not include shipping (e.g., FOB or EXW).

At "Elaf Cargo," we clarify payment terms with full transparency to ensure no confusion arises between the involved parties.

Transit Time (T.T) is the duration it takes for a shipment to travel from the Port of Loading (POL) to the Port of Destination (POD). This time does not include the period required for customs clearance or inland transportation before or after shipping. Transit time is affected by several factors, such as the distance between the two ports, vessel speed, the number of ports the vessel stops at along the way (Transshipment), and weather conditions. At "Elaf Cargo," we provide you with accurate transit time estimates to help you effectively plan your supply chain and determine the expected arrival date of your goods.

When dealing with shipping documents, you will notice two weight fields, and it's important to know the difference between them:

•Net Weight (NW): This is the weight of the product itself, without any packaging or packing materials. This figure represents the actual weight of the goods you are buying or selling.

•Gross Weight (GW): This is the total weight of the shipment, which includes the weight of the product plus the weight of all packaging materials, such as cartons, pallets, and protective materials.

Gross weight is the weight used to calculate shipping and handling costs, as it represents the actual weight that will be transported.

A Delivery Order (D/O) is a document issued by the freight forwarder or shipping line at the port of destination, allowing the consignee (or their customs broker) to pick up the goods from the port or warehouse. The shipment cannot be received without it. To obtain the Delivery Order, the consignee must first surrender the original Bill of Lading (Original B/L) to the freight forwarder and settle all outstanding charges, including shipping costs (if Collect) and local fees. This procedure ensures that the goods are only released to the legally authorized person or entity.

  The Harmonized System (HS Code) is a standardized international classification system for goods, used by customs authorities worldwide to identify products and apply the correct customs duties and taxes. The code consists of 6 to 10 digits. Providing an accurate HS Code for your shipment is crucial because it ensures correct duty calculation, speeds up the customs clearance process, and avoids any fines or delays resulting from incorrect goods classification. At "Elaf Cargo," we emphasize the importance of providing us with this code to ensure a smooth and hassle-free shipping experience.

In every shipping operation, there are two main parties, and understanding their roles is fundamental:

•Shipper / Exporter: This is the party sending the goods. They are responsible for preparing and safely packaging the goods, providing the correct documents (such as the invoice and packing list), and delivering the shipment to the freight forwarder.

•Consignee / Importer: This is the party who will receive the goods at the final destination. Their responsibilities include tracking the shipment's arrival, providing the necessary documents for customs clearance in their country, paying customs duties and taxes, and receiving the goods.

"Elaf Cargo" acts as a bridge connecting both parties to ensure effective communication and a smooth process.

I The Notify Party is the person or company that the shipping line or its agent at the port of destination must inform of the shipment's arrival. Often, the Notify Party is the same as the Consignee. However, it may be a third party, such as the consignee's customs broker or a bank (in the case of using letters of credit). The purpose of this party is to ensure that the entity responsible for following up on customs clearance procedures is notified immediately upon the goods' arrival, which helps expedite the release process and avoid any demurrage charges.

Multimodal transport is the process of moving goods using two or more different modes of transport (such as trucks, ships, and trains) under a single contract and a single bill of lading. For example, a shipment might start its journey on a truck from the factory, then be transported by sea via a container vessel, and finally delivered by train to its final destination. At "Elaf Cargo," we take responsibility for the entire journey as a "multimodal transport operator," simplifying the process for you. Instead of dealing with multiple companies, you only deal with us, and we coordinate all stages to ensure a smooth and safe door-to-door arrival.  

  Packaging might seem like a simple step, but it is one of the most crucial factors for a successful shipping process. Good packaging protects your goods from damage caused by vibrations, impacts, or temperature changes during transit. Use sturdy boxes, sufficient cushioning materials to prevent movement inside the box, and securely wrap liquids to prevent leakage. For heavy goods, use pallets to facilitate handling. Your investment in high-quality packaging is an investment in the safety of your goods and significantly reduces the risk of financial losses.

  Choosing the right freight forwarder is a strategic decision that impacts your entire supply chain. When selecting one, look for a forwarder with an extensive global network and a comprehensive range of services (sea, air, land, and customs clearance). Ensure they provide excellent customer service and transparent communication. Price is important, but don't make it the sole factor; experience and reliability are more crucial in the long run. At "Elaf Cargo," we pride ourselves on offering all these advantages, working as a strategic partner to our clients, not just a service provider, to ensure their business objectives are met.  

    Our services at "Elaf Cargo" extend beyond merely transporting goods from one point to another. We offer integrated warehousing and distribution solutions to help you manage your inventory efficiently. Our secure and equipped warehouses allow you to store your goods for short or long periods. We also provide inventory management, packaging, and order distribution services to your end customers. These services enable you to optimize your supply chain, reduce costs, and focus on your core business, while we handle the entire logistics aspect.

    In the fast-paced business world, the ability to track your shipment in real-time is an indispensable feature. Shipment tracking provides you with clear visibility of your goods' location at every stage of transportation, from departure to arrival. This transparency helps you better plan your operations, inform your customers of expected delivery times, and prepare in advance for the customs clearance process. At "Elaf Cargo," we provide advanced tracking systems that give you complete peace of mind and ensure you stay updated on your shipment's status around the clock.  

      The best way to ensure a smooth import experience is to plan ahead. Don't wait until the last minute to book your shipment, especially during peak seasons. Communicate with your supplier to confirm the goods' ready date, and provide your freight forwarder with all required documents early. Make sure you understand your country's import regulations and applicable customs duties. The more organized and prepared you are, the less likely you are to experience delays or unexpected costs. Our team at "Elaf Cargo" is always ready to provide advice and help you plan every step.

      At "Elaf Cargo," we don't just see ourselves as a logistics service provider; we consider ourselves a partner in your success. Our goal is to empower your business to grow and reach new global markets by providing reliable, efficient, and tailored shipping solutions to meet your needs. Through our global network, deep expertise, and commitment to customer service excellence, we remove the complexities of international trade, allowing you to focus on what you do best. Let us be your bridge to the world, and help you achieve your business ambitions.