FAQ's
1. Who is the consignee and who is the consignor or shipper?
The consignor (or shipper) is the person who is the originator of the shipment.
A consignee is the receiver of the shipment. The consignor or shipper could either
be the actual sender and manufacturer of the goods or the freight forwarder. Please
note that there could also be a "notify party" when the cargo is sent to its final
destination. In such cases, the receiver of the cargo may request the sender or
consignor to add special instructions on the bill of lading. The receiver/consignee
might want his cargo to be custom cleared and delivered by his agent at the final
destination.
2. How can I get a quote for the goods that I want shipped by NATCO?
Quote is available in Request a Quote 24/7 in our website.
You can also fax your quotes to
- 966-2-6521823 (Jeddah)
- 966-2-6274153 (Warehouse)
- 966-3-8340535 (Dammam)
- 971-4-2868264 (Dubai)
Once the enquiry has been registered, customer details are uploaded on our records
for future references. We also cross-check the reliability of our customer's enquiries.
3. Does my shipment need any special packaging?
Yes, your freight needs to be packaged and/or palletized. It is the shipper's responsibility
to package the goods. Shrink wrap, corrugated boxing, palletizing and strapping
or banding are the most common types of packaging in the freight industry. For additional
information on packaging, view our Packaging Guidelines in the
Information Directory link. We can help you determine what packaging alternatives
are available for your specific type of freight.
4. Do I need to know the weight of my goods?
Yes, you need to know the weight of your goods. In most cases you can estimate your
weight on the bill of lading. But be aware that the carrier can and will adjust
the weight which will determine your final cost. The final weight is known as the
"chargeable weight". For air freight transportation, the chargeable weight may be
the dimensional weight if it is greater than the gross weight of the shipment. If
you have underestimated the weight, and the shipment reaches a central terminal,
a dock master will judge the goods and perhaps reweigh them. If reweighed, you will
be billed for the new actual weight. Each mode of transportation has its own set
of rules.
5. Can I have my goods picked up at a certain time to meet my schedule?
We can certainly have the cargo picked up at the shipper's convenience. However,
topographical conditions and area access will play a role in such decisions.
6. What information is necessary in order to estimate transportation costs?
- Volume of the cargo (weight, etc)
- The type of container that would be required for shipping the cargo
- Number of containers
- Value of the goods in totality
- Shipping lines preferred by the customer
- Description of goods (new, used)
- Make and model number
- Any special handling instructions
- Individual dimensions
- Individual gross weight
- Hazardous cargo information
- Pick up point of cargo or goods to ascertain the inland transportation cost
7. What are the inner dimensions of a sea container?
- 20Ft Standard: 19'3 L x 7'7 W x 7'8 H Opening: 7'6 W x 7'5 H
- 40Ft Standard: 39'4 L x 7'7 W x 7'8 H Opening: 7'6 W x 7'5 H
8. If we purchase goods from overseas suppliers/vendors, can NATCO provide shipping
services?
NATCO can certainly provide these shipping services as we have a vast network of
branches and partners worldwide. We provide complete logistics solutions to any
part of the world subject to topographical conditions. If you have any special requirements,
please click Contact us
9. What are all the basic documents necessary for international shipments?
The documents that you need vary from country to country. However, listed below
are the basic documents that you will need:
- Commercial invoice
- Certificate of origin
- Ocean bill of lading or Air Waybill
- Phytosanitary certificate
- Packing list
- Hazardous cargo/ Dangerous cargo certificate
10. How will our company benefit by opting for NATCO Middle East?
You have landed at the right place. At NATCO Middle East, we provide complete logistics
solutions under one roof. Please go through the About us
section on our website for further details.
11. How long has NATCO been in this business?
NATCO has been in the freight forwarding business since 1979. We are headquartered
in Switzerland.
12. How much weight can be loaded into the container?
The weight of the container and the weighing measurements vary from nation to nation.
The standard measurements are
- A 20 Ft standard container should not exceed more than 40,000 lbs
- A 40 Ft standard container should not exceed more than 45,000 lbs
13. How far in advance do I need to book NATCO for shipments?
You need to book our services 15 days in advance for shipments. This will enable
us to make the following preparations:
- Document the criteria for loading
- Send loaded containers to the terminal or sea port
- Follow up with the legalities of customs clearance, inspections, etc
- Send the cargo on the first available vessel.
14. What is "Grey Marketing''?
"Grey marketing" takes place when unauthorized distributors and dealers circumvent
authorized distribution agreements by buying an exporter's products typically at
low pricing reserved only for specific export markets and selling the product in
other markets at a price that is lower than those offered by authorized distributors.
"Grey market" activities are not considered illegal by governments but are of a
great concern to exporters as they can affect a company's distribution and warranty
strategies, and have a negative impact on the revenues of authorized distributors.
15. What are INCOTERMS?
INCOTERMS stands for International Commerce Terms.Incoterms are standard trade definitions
most commonly used in international sales contracts. Incoterms make international
trade easier and help buyers and sellers in different countries to understand one
another. Some of the best known Incoterms are:
- EXW (Ex works)
- FOB (Free on Board)
- CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)
- CPT (Carriage Paid To).