Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Freight Forwarder ?
The best description of a freight forwarder is a "travel agent for freight". We take the information you give us regarding your pick-up and delivery times, equipment needs and we take care of the necessary arrangements.
We will take over the management of the transportation elements for you, leaving you to concentrate on your core business. Thompson Freight Services make all the necessary arrangements including the documentation and paperwork as required. We schedule the pickup and delivery in accordance with your requested timings. All you have to do is to ensure that the consignment is packed and ready to go. We take care of the rest.
What is logistics?
As a management discipline, logistics plans, organises, implements and controls the flow of goods and information from procurement via production to distribution. Numerous extra services, such as repacking, scanning, customs clearance, track & trace or IT co-ordination, often have to be provided in addition to the pure transportation of goods.
What are Incoterms ?
Incoterms provides a set of international rules for the interpretation of the most commonly used trade terms in foreign trade. It relates to namely the contract of sale and also deals with a number of identified obligations imposed on the parties such as the seller's obligation to place the goods at the disposal of the buyer or hand them over for carriage or deliver them at destination-and with the distribution of risk between the parties in these cases.
Does your company arrange for Factory Pick-ups ?
We are geared to provide door-to-door pcik-up and delivery to the precise requirements of our customers. Our expertise and experience enables us to extend these services toboth UK and international customers.
What is Cargo Insurance and why would I need it ?
Most people are under the impression that once their goods are with their chosen carrier, whether, road, sea, or air, then that carrier is responsible for that merchandise.
Unfortunately, that is not the case. All carriers have specific terms and conditions relating the their liability for cargo loss or damage. Thompson Freight Services will explain the limits and will also make you aware of the availability of cargo insurance. In most cases it is less expensive to purchase that insurance direct from your normal insurance carrier, but in those cases where that option is not available, Cargo insurance is highly recommended. We operate under the BIFA standard terms and conditions.
Documentation and Procedures
We pay particular attention to complete and accurate documentation, as this is absolutely critical in completing the shipping process. Customs clearance is conditional upon having full and correct documentation; if you don't have it, then your goods will not be shipped.
Exports
For exports we need to submit a customs declaration on your behalf to HMRC and only when HMRC is satisfied and give the green light may we ship your goods out of U.K.
In order to facilitate this you need to supply us with a Commercial invoice, plus a packing list as minimum requirements. Additionally Certificate of Origin signed by the appropriate body- for example a commercial attaché - may be required for certain countries.
Please check with us first.
Many countries require different documentation, some of which can be fairly complicated to complete.We have considerable experience in this area and can assist if necessary.
Particular attention should be followed for exporting to :
• Arabian Countries
• China
• India
• Israel
• Africa
Imports
For import clearance we require a commercial invoice and packing list. Additionally we may on occasions need an import licence particularly for specific goods that may be subject to quotas systems or import control. Please check with us.
