Shipping cargo can be a stressful and demanding process. There are certain aspects that you need to get accustomed to. Paperwork you must provide your shipping company with is a crucial part of shipping cargo. As you already know, Saudi Arabia has the most stringent customs regulations in the world. That is why it is necessary to find out more about the main types of shipping documentation you need to prepare for import and export.
Gather all the necessary documentation in time
When it comes to international shipping, the administrative procedure is very complex. It is advisable to use the logistic services of reliable shipping and logistics companies. This will greatly facilitate and accelerate the whole process. Inform yourself in advance on the necessary documentation your need to send your shipping company. Here are some of the most important documents required for a successful shipment:
- Bill of lading
- Packing list
- Commercial invoice
- Certificate of origin
- Letter of instruction
- Transport insurance
Paperwork you must provide your shipping company with – Bill of lading
Bill of lading is an important document you must provide your shipping company with. This is a contract between the owner of the goods and the carrier. It also serves as your receipt of goods once they have been picked up. The details that this document includes are: the shipping origin and destination, shipped cargo, payment terms, delivery instructions, contact details. Make sure there is a clear description of your goods including weight, dimensions, and value. This will serve as proof of the value of your possessions in case something gets lost or damaged. There are two types of the ocean bill of lading – a straight bill of lading and a negotiable bill of lading.
Packing list
This is a list of all the items that you have decided to ship. It contains details regarding weight, quantities, height, dimensions, descriptions, commodity classification for each article, information on how goods are packed, etc. The packing list is a document that stays with your shipment during the whole journey. Of course, it should match the information provided in the bill of lading.
Commercial invoice
This is a document that the shipper issues once the sale is complete. This is one of the most important documents that must accompany your goods. It contains information on the price of the goods, type of goods, the date of transaction, details of the seller and the buyer. You should also receive a purchase order number or some other customer reference number. Once the shipment is ready, the shipper will issue the commercial invoice.
Certificate of origin
This document states the country in which the goods were made. There are some countries that require a certificate of origin. The manufacturer issues it and an official organization needs to sign it.
Letter of instruction
One of the most important parts of the shipping process is choosing your freight forwarder. Freight forwarding companies organize the transportation of goods from one destination to another. They can provide help with different types of services – packing, finding a storage unit, providing advice on the customs clearance procedure, etc. Regardless of the forwarder you choose, it is important to provide the company with a letter of instruction. This is a document that contains all the details necessary to transport your goods successfully. A shipper’s letter of instruction states the instructions regarding the way the shipper will deliver the goods as well as the point of destination. It also includes the name of the shipper and recipient, description of goods, weight and dimensions of the shipment.
Remember that shipment of goods is a complex procedure. In case you are planning to move from Great Britain to KSA and need the service of container shipping from the UK to Saudi Arabia, make sure to prepare and send necessary paperwork in time. Otherwise, this can be a stressful and costly process.
Transport insurance
There is always a certain risk when shipping goods, even if you hire an experienced company. You can’t predict or prevent bad weather and natural disasters. In case of a shipwreck, your belongings will be destroyed or damaged. That is why it is important to research the types of transport insurance. Declared value is the amount a shipper stated to the carrier that his shipment is worth. If your shipment is worth more than the stated amount you can declare a higher value and pay additional charges for the increase in liability. On the other hand, cargo insurance guarantees that your will be reimbursed for the insured value of the goods. The transport insurance certificate states the type of insurance. It also contains information regarding the type of products, destination, terms and conditions of shipping insurance.
Conclusion
As you can see, the paperwork you must provide your shipping company with is quite extensive. You need to be familiar with the customs clearance procedure in order to ensure a successful shipment. Sending the necessary documentation on time is crucial to prevent delays and additional costs. If you need additional assistance, ask your carrier or a third-party logistics company to help you and provide additional information. Also, ask them about prohibited and restricted items in Saudi Arabia.
Make sure you understand all the rules and regulations before you start filling out forms. Bear in mind that even small discrepancies between documents can cause delays in your shipment. Prepare everything in time to ensure that your shipment goes as smoothly as possible.
