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I have been charged for 1600 kilos of freight, but my shipment only weights 850 kilos. Why the difference?
Your chargeable weight was 1600 kilos due to the dimensions of your shipment. All dimensions are multiplied and divided by a standard formula and the sum of that is reflected in volume weight. If that volume weight exceeds your actual or gross weight you will be charged for whichever is the higher weight.
The formula for that is 1:6 or in layman's terms, 1 kg equals 6000 cubic centimeters. If your dimensions, however, are reflected in inches, the factor to consider is 1 lb equals 166 cubic inches.
What must I do when I am told that I must legalize my export?
All export documents must be presented to the receiving country's consulate to have each document stamped with the official seal of that country prior to exportation.
When is a B13 required for exports from Canada?
There are a number of regulations that govern whether a B13 is required. Once of which are goods valued in excess of $2000.00 CAD. There are a number of other exceptions to this requirement.
Numerous regulatory changes are pending under AMPPS. For complete information, contact your local AGS office.
How do I determine the "volume weight"?
Volume weight is determined by using the following calculations for those shipments with dimensions in centimeters: (Length x Width x Height) divided by 6000 = volume in kilograms.
Do all ocean shipments require an original OBL to be surrendered prior to
delivery?
In most cases, this is required. The seller has the option of requesting an "express bill of lading" which will allow for the release of the cargo without the original ocean bill of lading.
Are my airfreight charges based on the actual weight of the cargo
only?
IATA regulations state that the cost of airfreight must be calculated on the "chargeable" weight. IATA defines the "chargeable weight" as the actual gross weight or the volume weight, whichever is greater.
How come my freight did not make the connection from Amsterdam to Tokyo - I
did?
The time between transfers for passengers and cargo differ greatly. While passengers can have schedules with even a ˝ hour to an hour to spare between flights, with cargo it takes a minimum of three-five hours from arrival of one airplane to another. Freight off one airplane might have multiple destinations and has to be transferred. Also, the location on the arrival aircraft could be a factor. This has to do with the balance of the airplane, position goods were loaded in, size of freight and containerized or not.
When does the carriers liability begin and end?
The Carrier shall be liable for loss of or damage to the goods occurring between the time when the carrier accepts and takes the goods into its charge and the time of delivery.
What is the limitation for goods that are lost or
damaged?
For delay, depreciation of or damage to goods, the freight forwarder's liability is limited to SDR (Special Drawing Rights) 8.33 per kg gross of the part of the goods, which have been lost, depreciated or damaged.
* When should I use a common
carrier?
When your item weighs more than 150 lbs., truck transportation is more economical than using a parcel service. Common carriers transport your item on a truck with additional small shipments so that
the costs for transportation are shared. If your shipment weighs more than 8,000 lbs, you may need an entire truck (or have a Truckload shipment).
* Standard procedure for common carriers involves a truck driver backing up to a dock to be loaded by the consignor (shipper), and driving the cargo to the receiving destination to be unloaded by the
consignee. Any service that isn’t considered “standard procedure” may require additional fees.
* Are transit times
guaranteed?
Transit times are guaranteed only if noted as such on the carrier options list returned for your quote. All other transit times are reliable, but not guaranteed. Transit times do not include the day
of pickup.
*
What happens if my shipment isn't ready when the driver arrives for pickup?
Most commonly, the driver will not wait. The driver will be dispatched for the following day, which delays your service. You will be assessed a fee if the carrier charges AGS Global Freight for the
duplicated pickup.
* Can I estimate the weight of my
shipment?
If an inaccurate weight or class is used and a shipment is reweighed or re-classed by the carrier, those costs may be passed on to you. Reweighing may also delay delivery.
* What is the claims
process?
Claims are handled directly between the shipper, consignee and the carrier. AGS Global Freight is not involved in the actual claims process and has no influence in the carrier’s claim decision.
Claims with the carrier must be filed within 7 days of delivery. The claimant should only file for loss or damage on the product which was shipped. ALWAYS be as concise as possible in noting specific
damage on the delivery receipt, have pictures taken where necessary. AGS Global Freight provides a time/date stamped communication form and claim forms. AGS Global Freight will be happy to coach you
on your wording for the claim.
* Do I call the carrier after
scheduling with AGS Global Freight ?
Please do not call the freight carrier or terminal—this will duplicate the pickup. When you schedule with AGS, we dispatch the load information to the carrier electronically.
* What should I do with the Bill
of Lading?
All parties involved should have a copy of the Bill of Lading (buyer, seller and carrier). It is imperative that the Original BL(s) be given the respective office for release of shipments. Keep one
"copy" for your records.
* How should I package my
shipments?
Please package, crate or stack on pallets securely to prevent damage. Secure cartons to the pallet with banding, shrink-wrap, stretch-wrap or breakaway adhesive. Improper packaging may void the
carrier’s liability for damage. Stack cartons squarely on the skid with no overhang. Be sure the top surface is flat. Labels must be placed on every piece or package.
* Can I schedule a shipment and
have it picked up on the same day?
Yes, but this service cannot be guaranteed due to our carriers’ capacity. Please allow a 4-hour window before your docks close so AGS Global Freight can get a driver dispatched out to your location
within that same day, this service is usually on priority or urgent basis which needs to be advise and agreed upon. Please note that carriers normally make pickups in the afternoon and deliver next
day.
* What is a NMFC
number?
This is a numeric indicator that specifically identifies each type of product that can be shipped by a LTL carrier. The National Motor Freight Association presets these product classifications. It is
helpful to have the NMFC number on the Bill of Lading in order to avoid re-classification.
* What if my items are
fragile?
When shipping personal or fragile items, it is best to use Blanket Wrap services (also known as Van Line Services). Freight carriers can move personal items but they will only offer 10 cents per
pound in insuring your freight. Van Lines specialize in moving personal items and will offer additional insurance to cover your item’s value. Common carriers are NOT recommended for shipping costly
fragile items.
* Do fees apply for residential
service?
Generally, yes. Your location may be considered a residence if you are located in a residential zone, even if you open and close at set times. Schools, colleges, and churches located in residential
zones may also incur residential fees. If the driver is required to go inside (beyond the front door or loading dock) to pickup or deliver a load instead of remaining on the dock or in his truck,
additional fees may be applied.
* When the shipping or receiving address does not have a loading dock, manual loading or unloading is necessary, and will require a liftgate. A liftgate is a platform at the back of the truck that
can raise and lower a shipment from the ground to the truck. Additional fees apply for this service.
* Are your rates
guaranteed?
AGS Global Freight has accounts set up with regional and national carriers based on our ability to give them a large volume of shipments. To ensure that you receive the AGS Global Freight rate that
we have quoted, you must provide us with the carrier BOL. This lets us release the shipment to the bearer of the original BL.
* What happens if I receive a bill directly from a carrier.. when there is contract with us ?
Simply call our customer service department and fax a copy of the bill you received. Our customer service staff will be happy to take care of it and have the charges properly credited. This situation usually occurs when the AGS Global Freight prefered BOL is not used. To prevent future problems, please make sure that the shipper gives AGS Global Freight or AGS assigned BOL for every shipment.
* What is dimensional
weight?
Dimensional weight is a standard formula used throughout the freight industry that considers a package’s density when determining charges. Transportation charges are based on the gross weight of the
shipment or the dimensional weight of the shipment; whichever is greater. Simply put, dimensional weight is when the weight of a package is inappropriately less than the actual size of the package.
For example, a box filled with inflated balloons.
* When do dimensional weight
charges apply?
When the actual weight of a package is less than the calculated dimensional weight, carriers charge by the dimensional weight. Weight or Volume (wt.) whichever is higher is your chargeable
weight.