(1) Submit import documents: The consignee provides the freight forwarder with a full set of import documents. The freight forwarder finds out the shipping company, carrier, shipping agent and where the goods can be exchanged for the bill of lading (small bill of lading). Import documents generally include: the original bill of lading with endorsement or the copy of the telex release, packing list, invoice, contract (general trade). The freight forwarder contacts the terminal in advance and confirms the container pick-up fee, container unloading fee, loading fee and empty return fee.
(2) Exchange bill of lading: The freight forwarder specifies the shipping agent or shipping company to confirm the arrival time and place of the ship. If transshipment is required, the name of the second leg of the ship must be confirmed. With the endorsed original bill of lading (if the goods are released by telex, the fax of the telex release and the letter of guarantee can be brought) go to the shipping company or shipping agent to exchange for the bill of lading (small bill of lading).
(3) Inspection: The Inspection and Quarantine Bureau confirms whether the goods need to be inspected according to the supervision conditions in the “commodity code”.
(4) Customs declaration (customs clearance): If the consignee has his own customs broker, he can do the customs clearance by himself, or he can entrust the customs broker of the freight forwarder or other powerful customs broker to do the customs clearance. The customs declaration materials include the endorsed original bill of lading/copy of telex release, packing list, invoice, contract, and small bill of lading.
(5) Handling of equipment handover form: The freight forwarder goes to the container management department of the shipping company or shipping agent with the endorsed original bill of lading (fax copy of telex release and letter of guarantee) to handle the equipment handover form. The equipment handover form is the certificate for exchanging containers and other mechanical equipment between the container returner, container transporter and container manager or his agent when the container enters and leaves the port area or terminal, and has the function of issuing container certificates by the container manager. It is divided into two types: entry and exit, and the exchange procedures are all handled at the gate of the terminal yard. Note: For LCL cargo (delivery under CFS terms), the freight forwarder shall pay the import document fee at the container management department with the notification form of the import department of the shipping agent business department, and then directly pick up the goods at the terminal with the “small bill of lading” and the split bill, without the need to handle the equipment handover form.
(6) Picking up the container: The freight forwarder shall go to the container management department with the small bill of lading and the “Container Pickup Application Form” of the trailer company to handle the deposit procedures for the import container overdue use fee, container unloading fee, import document fee and other fees. If the guarantor is not the consignee specified on the bill of lading, the guarantor must issue a letter of guarantee (guarantee) agreeing to deposit the money for the consignee and pay the corresponding fees. After the deposit is completed and authorized by the shipping agent container management department, go to the import container release post to handle the container pick-up procedures, receive the container equipment handover form, and check whether its content is correct. After the consignee unpacks the imported goods, he shall return the empty container to the designated container return location. After the empty container returns to the designated yard, the consignee shall promptly go to the container management department with the deposit voucher to handle the settlement procedures for the container fees.
(7) Pick up goods: The freight forwarder or consignee uses the small bill of lading to contact the trailer to pick up the goods at the wharf or terminal designated by the shipping agent. The guarantor goes to the container management department to handle the container deposit settlement procedures. Note: LCL cargo needs to be signed by the shipping company or shipping agent for bulk bill of lading (sub-bill). When picking up the goods, use the small bill of lading and sub-bill to pick up the goods at the wharf.