Don't underestimate the remarks column of freight charges in import agency. There are big secrets hidden in it

In the complex process of import trade, import agencies undertake many crucial tasks. The remarks column of freight charges, which seems to be just an inconspicuous small section, actually contains important information that affects trade costs, logistics efficiency, and risk control. Many importers and agents often inadvertently overlook this detail when busy with various documents and procedures, thus laying hidden dangers for subsequent work. Today, let's conduct an in-depth analysis of the mysteries behind the remarks column of freight charges in import agency.

The remarks column of freight charges will first clearly display the specific composition of freight charges. Among them, the basic freight charge is the fundamental part, which is the cost calculated based on factors such as the weight, volume, and transportation distance of the goods. For example, Mr. Zhang imports a batch of electronic products from a foreign port to a designated domestic port. The basic freight charge is determined based on the total volume of this batch of goods and the route distance. Besides the basic freight charge, it may also include a bunker surcharge. This is because fluctuations in fuel prices have an impact on transportation costs, and shipping companies charge this additional fee to balance the costs. In addition, there are also charges such as port congestion surcharge. If the destination port has been congested with goods recently, the shipping company may levy this charge, and these charges will be clearly listed in the remarks column of freight charges.

Transportation terms are also significantly reflected in the remarks column of freight charges. Common ones include FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight), etc. Taking Ms. Li's import of clothing as an example, if the FOB term is adopted, the remarks column will clearly indicate that the seller is only responsible for transporting the goods onto the ship at the port of shipment, and the freight charges and insurance premiums from the port of shipment to the destination port are to be borne by the buyer; while if the CIF term is adopted, the seller is required to bear the freight charges and insurance premiums for transporting the goods to the destination port. Different transportation terms not only determine the party responsible for the freight charges, but also define the division of responsibilities between the buyer and the seller during the transportation of the goods, which is directly related to the attribution of trade risks. Therefore, they must be clearly marked in the remarks column.

Sometimes, imported goods may have special requirements, which will also be reflected in the remarks column of freight charges. For example, some precision instruments require special packaging and transportation conditions, such as shockproof and moisture-proof. The remarks column will note the relevant packaging requirements and the costs of special transportation operations. Or if the goods need to arrive within a specific time, the shipping company may charge an expediting fee for this and at the same time explain the specific arrangements and precautions for expediting transportation in the remarks column. If these special requirements are not carefully checked in the remarks column, deviations are likely to occur during the transportation process, resulting in damage or delay of the goods and bringing unnecessary losses to the importer.

The remarks column of freight charges in import agency is by no means dispensable. It is an important window for information communication among all parties in trade. Whether it is an importer or an agent, they should develop the habit of carefully checking the information in the remarks column. Before signing a transportation contract, it is necessary to confirm each item in the remarks column to ensure that the costs are clear, the responsibilities are definite, and the special requirements are met. Only in this way can risks be effectively avoided in import trade and the smooth progress of the trade process be ensured. Let's no longer overlook this small remarks column and escort import trade with professionalism and meticulousness.