What is the specific operational process for export booking agency?

The complete booking process consists of five key stages:

• Pre-booking stage
  • Provide detailed cargo information (name/volume/weight)
  • Obtain freight rate comparisons from at least 3 shipping companies
  • Confirm free container period and closing time
• Formal booking stage
  • Submit booking order (S/O)
  • Obtain shipping company space confirmation
  • TrackingThe containerAllocation progress
• Document preparation stage
  • Verify bill of lading sample information
  • Handle dangerous goods declaration (if applicable)
  • Prepare customs pre-loading manifest

What hidden costs are included in booking fees?

In addition to basicThe Maritimecosts, pay special attention to the following five potential charges:

• Peak seasonAdditional fees(Peak Season Surcharge): Common on Europe-America routes during Q3-Q4 annually
• Low sulfur fuel surcharge (LSF): Fluctuates according to shipping companys quarterly announcements
• Congestion Surcharge: Charged when major ports experience sudden congestion
• Amendment Fee: Fee applied after more than 2 bill of lading amendments
• Telex Release: Average USD25-35 per shipment

How to verify an booking agencys industry qualifications?

Professional agents should possess the following three core qualifications:

• FIATA certification:International freightMember of Freight Forwarders Association
• NVOCC license: NVOCC license (mandatory for US routes)
• WCA network member: Certified by Global Freight Forwarding Alliance

Proposal to passCustoms Office websiteCheck company registration information and verify their contract qualifications with at least 3 major shipping companies.

What are the common risks during the booking process?

Three major risks requiring special prevention in 2025:

• AI scheduling risks: Increased rollover rates due to shipping companies intelligent space allocation
• Green shipping policy risks: Schedule adjustments caused by EU carbon tariffs
• Document digitization risks: Matching issues between electronic bills of lading and L/C terms

It is recommended to clarify in the contractRollover compensation clauses, and require agents to provideReal-time visual tracking system.

How to ensure booking timelines meet delivery deadlines?

Three Major Factors Affecting Timeliness and Countermeasures:

• Vessel Schedule Reliability: Refer to the carrier on-time performance ranking published by Sea-Intelligence
• Port Turnaround Efficiency: Prioritize automated terminals (e.g., Shanghai Yangshan Phase IV)
• Document Processing Speed: Adopt blockchain bill of lading system to reduce processing time by 2-3 working days

It is recommended to reserve15% time bufferwhen booking and purchasecargo delay insurance.

How to effectively claim compensation for rollover incidents?

The industry rollover rate is projected to reach 12% in 2025. Claim considerations:

• Evidence Collection: Retain carrier rollover notification emails and container yard-in records
• Claim Basis: Refer to Article 41 of Maritime Regulations and agency contract terms
• Time Limitation: Formal claims must be filed within 30 working days after the incident

Professional agents should assist clients in obtainingcarrier-stamped rollover certificatesand negotiate compensation of3-5 times the freight value based on cargo value.