Get your first sea import organised before it sails: compare shipment types, look beyond the freight quote and get your paperwork checked. If that stock will become customer orders, a clear handover plan helps you keep deliveries organised too.
When your stock is ready to move to customers, start on Send to see the delivery options and prices that apply to your parcel.
What is this first-time sea import checklist for?
Use it to make better decisions before booking, spot cost questions early and give your supplier, freight forwarder and clearing agent time to review the documents. The goal: fewer last-minute surprises and a smoother handover from shipment to customer order.
Container or consolidated cargo: which should you compare?
With a full-container shipment, one shipper uses the container for their cargo. With consolidated cargo, your goods share container space with other shipments, which are separated at destination. Don’t assume one option will always cost less: ask your forwarder to compare both against your actual cargo.
- Share the dimensions, weight and number of packages for an accurate comparison.
- Ask for the total quoted charges for each option, not just the initial overseas freight amount.
- For consolidated cargo, ask which consolidation, destination handling and cargo-separation charges are included.
- Ask what assumptions the quote uses, and request an updated estimate if your shipment details change.
What costs should you check beyond the sea freight quote?
The freight amount is only one part of planning your import. Before you book, ask for a written, itemised estimate that separates the overseas freight from other charges that may apply to your goods and shipment.
- Destination handling and cargo-release charges.
- Customs-related payments and clearance charges.
- Transport from the port or release point to your receiving location.
- Any applicable storage, demurrage or detention charges.
- Insurance: whether it is included, what it covers and how to arrange it if needed.
Which import documents should you confirm before the goods sail?
The documents required can depend on what you are importing. Before booking, ask your clearing agent to confirm the current requirements for your specific goods and who is responsible for obtaining each document.
- Check whether you need a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading.
- Ask whether a certificate of origin, permits or product-specific certificates apply.
- Check whether an advance cargo declaration or reference is required and who will arrange it.
- Confirm who prepares, reviews and sends each document: your supplier, freight forwarder or clearing agent.
- Check that product descriptions, quantities, values and package details match across the paperwork.
Easy-to-miss details that can slow your handover
- Get document responsibilities agreed before the goods sail, not after a question comes up.
- Keep one shared shipment folder with the booking details, documents and updates from your supplier, forwarder and clearing agent.
- Set a simple routine for checking arrival, clearance and release updates so you can respond promptly.
- Plan how released stock will be received, sorted into customer orders and handed over for delivery.
- Give customers useful order updates through your normal process rather than scrambling for shipment information.
What is your next step?
First, get your shipment details and document responsibilities in order. Then plan the customer handover: use Send to see the delivery options and prices that apply to your parcel.
