Marine Insurance – Why is it important? How can we help?

Marine Insurance – Why is it important? How can we help?

What was once thought of as a rare occurrence has turned into a almost fortnightly issue facing shippers. Over 3,000 containers have been lost at sea since the ONE Apus incident late last year which saw over 1800 containers lost overboard and thousands of others damaged.

This particular unprecedented container collapse could end up costing $200 million in cargo damage, according to an estimate from a general average surveyor. Although General average has not been declared as of yet, ...

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Industry News, Shipping 101

Packaging Pain – Avoid Damaged Goods in Transit

Packaging Pain – Avoid Damaged Goods in Transit

One of the most common complaints we hear about relates to damaged goods; most of the time this could have been avoided with better packaging.

Before starting your next shipment you should think about everything the goods have to go through to get from one country to the other. As an exporter this will help you determine the best way to pack your goods, as an importer this is something you should discuss with your supplier before the shipment leaves the ...

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Shipping 101

Marine Insurance – Not Just for Your Cargo

Marine Insurance – Not Just for Your Cargo

What are the chances you will lose a shipment during transit?  Is it worth spending the money to insure it, especially if it’s a low value item?

The cost of losing your shipment may be a lot more than just the cost of your cargo.

A little known fact about maritime law is when you put your cargo on a vessel, you actually enter into a joint venture with the shipping line and every other Shipper with cargo on that voyage.

What this ...

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Our Services, Shipping 101

Understanding Incoterms – FOB (Free on Board)

Understanding Incoterms – FOB (Free on Board)

If you are an importer or exporter there are a number of International Commercial Terms (otherwise known as Incoterms) you should be familiar with. In this article we’re going to look at what FOB (or Free on Board) means.

When buying goods FOB basically the seller is responsible for getting the goods on the vessel ready for export. For a shipment to qualify as FOB the following terms needs to be met:

  • The seller must load themselves the goods on board the vessel nominated ...
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Shipping 101

Duty & GST on Imported Goods

Duty & GST on Imported Goods

What duties and taxes will be applied to the goods I have purchased from the internet when they arrive?

Low value consignments up to AU$1,000 are imported free of Customs duty and taxes.Consignments of alcohol and tobacco products are excluded from this and will be charged Customs duty and taxes.

Consignments valued over AUD $1000 will be assessed for Customs duty and taxes. Duty rates vary from 0% to 10%, however most goods attract a 5% rate of import duty and ...

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Shipping 101