Value’s Guide to Clearing & Forwarding in South Africa

In our quest to make our website as helpful to you as possible, we’ve compiled a list of the things our Clearing & Forwarding department needs to know before you import goods. We hope that it will save you time and money next time you contact the Clearing & Forwarding Agents at Value.

Our Clearing and Forwarding Agents need to know…

What Commodities do you Import?

Is this a product that Value Clearing & Forwarding would want to handle and is it compatible with the other goods we handle? You’d also need to specify whether or not your goods to be imported require special care or expertise.

Do you have Literature on the goods you want to Import?

When it comes to customs we need to ensure that we pay the right duties. With literature there can be no doubts.

Are any of your Goods to be Imported Hazardous or Temperature Controlled?

We need to know about the contents of your goods so that we can use Freightpak if they’re hazardous. We’ll also need to have the right documents in place for road transport if your goods are hazardous.

We use specialised vehicles for goods that need to travel in a temperature controlled environment. We also need to know for customs purposes to ensure we don’t allow them to hold the cargo if temperature controlled in a normal warehouse.

Which Countries do you Import from?

It’s important that we’re aware of this information as we are stronger in certain countries and will know how to quote correct rates. In addition to this, certain countries have certain rules for cargo.

Are your Shipments Air Freight, Sea Freight or both?

We need this information to quote and to give us an idea about how you conduct business. We also need to know about the nature of your goods. Consider whether your goods are small and expensive or large and bulky?

Are you Importing Full Container Loads (FCL) or Less than Container Loads (LCL)?

The size of your containers gives us a good idea about how to quote and also helps to determine the size of your account.

20’ or 40’ FCL’s and are they Standard or High Cube Containers?

Again this gives us an idea of the nature of your imports and assists us when it comes to drawing up your quote.

Are you using Rail or Road Transport for your FCL Containers?

This information enables us to evaluate whether or not we’re processing your account correctly. We’ll also be able to assist you by highlighting alternative transport methods that may better suit you and Value Clearing and Forwarding Agents.

Which Ports of Discharge are you using in South Africa?

This gives us an idea of where your business is concentrated and whether or not we are well represented at your preferred ports of discharge.

Do you have a preferred Shipping Line that you want to use?

There are many shipping lines and Value deals with all of them.

What is your Volume of Shipments on a monthly basis?

This tells us how we should quote you and the size of your account.

Approximate Duty and VAT per month

This gives us an idea about the size of your account and whether or not you qualify for credit.  In addition to this, please advise your INCO (International Commercial) shipping terms to give us an idea of how to quote and help us determine if we can offer you a better way of shipping.

What payment terms do you require?

We prefer shortened payment terms to reduce our risk and will offer better rates for shortened payment terms.

We hope this short guide has helped you. If you’re feeling confused about anything don’t hesitate to contact our Clearing and Forwarding Agents now.