F.A.Q's

 

1. Are my goods covered by insurance?

Freight companies DO NOT automatically cover your cargo with 'all risks' insurance. Goods are handled subject to trading conditions and usually, liability has to be proven. If successful, claims are then settled on a LIMITED liability basis which usually will not cover the FULL value of the goods.
It is therefore STRONGLY recommended that our customers arrange all risks insurance cover for every shipment. If you need the name of a suitable broker, then we can advise on this.

 

2. Will I be charged on the weight or size of my goods?

This depends on the mode of transport and the relevant volume equation. We have itemised the three modes;

ROAD FREIGHT

Most carriers, including ourselves, work on the basis of 1 cubic metre (1m3) to equal 333kg.
For example,

70cm x 80 cm x 90 cm turning the measurements in to metres IE, 0.7 x 0.8 x 0.9 = 0.504 m3 0.504 x 333(kg) = 168kg which is the volumetric weight.

Therefore, if the gross weight of this box is greater than 168kg, it will be charged on the gross weight.

If the gross weight is less than 168kg then it will be charged on the volumetric weight.

 

AIR FREIGHT

Most carriers, including ourselves, work on the following equation; take the dimensions in centimetres and times all three together. IE, 70 x 80 x 90 cm = 504000 then divide by 6000 = 84 volumetric weight.

Therefore, if the gross weight of this box is greater than 84kg, it will be charged on the gross weight.

If the gross weight is less than 84kg then it will be charged on the volumetric weight

 

SEA FREIGHT

Most carriers work on the basis of 1m3 to equal 1000kg. IE, take the dimensions in metres and times them out to give you the cubic metres (m3) 0.7 x 0.8 x 0.9 = 0.504 m3 0.504 x 1000 = 504 volumetric weight.

Therefore, if the gross weight of this box is greater than 504kg, it will be charged on the gross weight.

If the gross weight is less than 504kg then it will be charged on the volumetric weight.

 

3. Could my consignment be charged on something other than its weight or size? 

Yes. If your freight cannot be stacked up to the height of the trailer/container, then it may be charged on loading metres. This is the FLOOR space taken up by your cargo and most carriers, including ourselves, work on the basis of 1 loading metre = 1750kg. 

 

4. How do I convert inches into centimetres? 

Times the inches by 2.54 = centimetres.

 

5. What are the internal dimensions of a trailer? 

Each trailer manufacturer builds to a slightly different specification. We have therefore used AVERAGE figures as a guide only. If you need dimensions specific to a consignment, then please contact us. Please note the door dimensions are less than those below. All sizes are in metres.

13.6 metre trailer - length 13.4m x width 2.44m x height 2.5m. 

 

6. What are the internal dimensions of a container? 

Each container manufacturer builds to a slightly different specification. We have therefore used AVERAGE figures as a guide only. If you need dimensions specific to a consignment, then please contact us. Please note the door dimensions are less than those below. All sizes are in metres.

40 foot standard container - length 12m x width 2.34m x height 2.38m.

20 foot standard container - length 5.88m x width 2.34m x height 2.38m.

 

7. What is the maximum weight I can load into a trailer or container? 

Each trailer and container manufacturer builds to a slightly different specification. We have therefore used AVERAGE weights as a guide only. If you need a weight capacity specific to a consignment, then please contact us.

13.6 metre trailer - 23,500kg (25,000kg to some destinations).

20 foot container - 20,500kg

40 foot container - 24,000kg 

 

8. When is VAT charged on your invoices? 

For UK based companies that have movements within the EU (including UK domestic movements), the standard rate of VAT is charged.

For NON UK based companies no VAT is charged.

For UK based companies that have movements outside the EU, in most circumstances, VAT is not charged. 

 

9. What are shipping terms? 

They define the responsibilities of the buyer and seller in contracts. The international chamber of commerce (ICC) have produced standard commercial terms, Incoterms. They have been fully revised for the new millennium - version 2000 in line with developments in commercial practice. Published in September 1999, Incoterms 2000 may be used from 1 January 2000.

The full and authoritative definition of each of the 13 Incoterms is published in Incoterms 2000, Publication 560, obtainable from the Business Bookstore. In summary they are as follows;

 

EXW EX WORKS (... named place)

FCA FREE CARRIER (... named place)

FAS FREE ALONGSIDE SHIP (... named port of shipment)

FOB FREE ON BOARD (... named port of shipment)

CFR COST AND FREIGHT (... named port of destination)

CIF COST, INSURANCE AND FREIGHT (... named port of destination)

CPT CARRIAGE PAID TO (... named place of destination)

CIP CARRIAGE AND INSURANCE PAID TO (... named place of destination)

DAF DELIVERED AT FRONTIER (... named place)

DES DELIVERED EX SHIP (... named port of destination)

DEQ DELIVERED EX QUAY (... named port of destination)

DDU DELIVERED DUTY UNPAID (... named place of destination)

DDP DELIVERED DUTY PAID (... named place of destination)

 

10. What are your bank details? 

Natwest plc

Sort code - 60-70-08

Account name - Freight First Ltd

Account number - 24341258