http://excitesearch.netscape.com/search.gw?lk=excite_netcenter_us&search=freight+forwarders+%2B+usa.
GENERAL INFORMATION
When preparing your shipments to the field site, the instructions below should be followed; however, freight forwarders/shipping departments can give you additional specific guidance for shipping. Information regarding the services of freight forwarders in the U.S. can be found at http://www.ncbfaa.org/forwarder.html; international freight forwarders are listed at http://excitesearch.netscape.com/search.gw?lk=excite_netcenter_us&search=freight+forwarders+%2B+usa.
SPECIFIC INFORMATION
1. Markings on shipping boxes
NOTE: Any markings from previous shipments should be effectively obliterated to avoid confusion.
Address labels should be on the top and two sides of each box. Other instructions, such as Fragile, This Side Up, etc., should be marked on the top and sides, as appropriate.
1. FROM:
** TO:
- 24 Feb. 99
Tel: (+960) 33-1724
Fax: (+960) 32-4739
E-mail: indoex@environment.gov.mv
"XXX" indicates final destination, i.e. Malé, Hulule, KCO
An agent designated by your freight forwarder will assist in customs clearance and notify the consignee when the shipment is cleared and ready for pick up or delivery to the site.
2. The following information must be in the upper right hand corner of the top, front and back of each box:
length ______ in., width______ in., height______ in.
Box________ of________
NOTE: 3. Mark "INDOEX-XXX" on the top and four sides of boxes.
XXX indicates final destination, i.e. Male, Hulule, KCO
B. INBOUND (From the research site)
1. FROM:
2. TO:
We suggest that the inbound address be painted or affixed to the box permanently. The outbound labels may be stapled or taped to the box for the original shipment, then removed (revealing the inbound address) for the return shipment. You may want to mark all your boxes with some identifying feature (paint corners all one color, logo of your institution, etc.). This is helpful when boxes are transhipped and they need to be located on a dock, in a warehouse, etc. If you use an identifying feature specific to your shipment, please note it on the packing list.
2. Packing lists
NOTE: Packing lists MUST be completed accurately and include ALL information requested on the form.
The UCAR Joint Office for Science Support (JOSS) has made an agreement with Maldives Customs officials to send copies of all packing lists to their office prior to arrival of shipments. Therefore, all packing lists must be copied to Diane Lask, UCAR, JOSS; fax: (1) 303-497-8633 or e-mail: lask@ucar.edu and she will forward them to Customs Officials at the destination site before the shipment is delivered. This procedure will expedite clearances and minimize delays. Since all INDOEX shipments are being cleared through the Ministry, it is recommended that you use the packing list form attached. The Ministry will then get accustomed to seeing the same document for each shipment and clearance may be easier.
A packing list form must be completed -one for each box. The value of items should be listed as actual (if new) or depreciated value (if used). The list should be as accurate as possible, especially the description, serial numbers, weight, and outside dimensions of shipping boxes. The packing list form will be examined during customs clearances. All boxes may be opened and inspected both on the outbound and inbound shipments - hence the need for accurate packing lists. A packing list must be affixed to the outside of the box; this should be in a plastic shipping envelope and taped or stapled to the box. In addition, a packing list should be placed inside each box.
Nuts, bolts, and screws may be described as "assorted hardware," and electronic parts like resistors and capacitors may be described as "assorted electronic parts." Wherever possible, pack expendables separate from return items and personal items should never be packed with scientific equipment.
Identify expendable (X) and return (R) items in the appropriate column to alleviate any problems with customs clearance for the return shipment.
Participants should take several extra copies of the completed packing list for each box to the final destination of that box. Blank copies may also be needed when packing for your return shipment.
If the contents in the return (inbound) box are exactly the same as the box delivered to the site (outbound), you may use the original packing list. As each box is being packed for return, please verify that the items are the same. If the contents of the box changes slightly, you may add or delete items (as appropriate) on the original packing list. Don't forget to correct destination site and designate for air or sea shipping. If the contents of a return box changes drastically from the original contents, prepare a complete new packing list.
The return packing list must also be accurate. If not properly documented, items can be confiscated by Customs for misdeclaration. Place a copy of the packing list in a plastic shipping envelope on the outside of the box and one copy inside.
3. Required shipping documents
Information regarding the Exporter's Shipping Declaration can be found at http://www.dhl- usa.com/shipping/documentation/exp-dec.html
4. Dangerous goods
Dangerous goods are articles and/or substances which are capable of posing a significant risk to health, safety or to property when transported by air and which are classified according to regulations. Dangerous goods are divided into 9 different classes and divisions; the list can be found at http://www.finnair.com/cargo/dangerous_goods.htm. The descriptions, maximum amounts, packing, handling and marking of dangerous goods are specified in detail in the dangerous goods regulations manual published annually by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These regulations are based on instructions from the International Civil Aviation Organization, which are in turn derived from United Nations' recommendations concerning the transportation of dangerous goods. Additional information regarding transport regulations can be found at http://www.iata.org/cargo/dg/dgr.htm.
Transportation of dangerous goods to and from the U.S. is regulated by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act '92 (http://www.lehder.com/transpor.htm). A freight forwarder/shipping department certified in handling dangerous goods can assist you in packing, labeling and preparing the required documents correctly. Dangerous goods must be packed separately, according to specified procedures and noted in the proper place on the packing list for their box.
Note that transporting dangerous goods usually takes longer than regular freight because of inspection requirements at transhipment points.
5. Export licenses
Certain equipment may require an export license from the U.S. To determine if your equipment requires a license, see the Bureau of Export Administration fact sheet at http://www.bxa.doc.gov/facts1.htm.
6. Hand carried equipment and security bonds
It is not advisable to carry equipment with you as part of your personal baggage when traveling to the field site. Hand-carried items, whether in an aircraft cabin or checked as extra baggage may require different clearances when you arrive in the Maldives. If you must hand carry something to get it to the field on time, notify JOSS immediately and provide a detailed packing list along with your flight details. JOSS will inform the Customs Officials in the Maldives.
NOTE: The packing list required for hand carried items is the same as the packing list for shipped items. Along with your packing list, the details of your travel is also required, i.e. flight number, arrival time. The Ministry will try to arrange assistance for you in advance of your arrival. The items being hand carried should be labeled:
If traveling from and to the U.S., duty charges when you return can be avoided by contacting your nearest U.S. Customs Office (http://www.customs.treas.gov/infomap/cmcmess.htm); they will provide you with detailed information and the appropriate form for personally carried equipment.
Contents of baggage, whether hand-carried or checked, are frequently examined by Customs Officials. We advise that you not carry or check food, plants, dangerous goods, etc. These items could be confiscated by Customs Officials, and you probably would be subjected to a lengthy, and/or costly clearance delay.
7. Packing and crating equipment
All packing, unpacking, and repacking of equipment is the responsibility of individual participants. Do not assume that assistance will be available at the field site in the form of labor, tools, packing material, boxes, tape, etc. Therefore, it is advisable to bring tape, labels, etc. with you to the field.
Pack items in a shipping box with sufficient packing and padding material to protect the contents (from rain, sea water, rough roads, etc.) during its transport. Unless the contents are expendable, the box must be of a type that will be reusable for the return trip (cardboard is not recommended). It is advisable to use screws rather than nails for fastening covers so they can be removed and replaced easily during a customs inspection.
2. Keep in mind that loading, unloading, and moving boxes may be accomplished by manpower. Attached handles will facilitate moving boxes weighing several hundred pounds or more. The weight of individual boxes should be limited to 300 lbs.
At the final destination:
2. After unpacking equipment from a shipping box, replace the packing list in the box so it will be readily available for the return shipment.
3. At the end of the experiment pack equipment in its original shipping box. Each group is responsible for repacking its own equipment (less expendables consumed) in the original boxes. Be sure to correct and verify packing lists, box markings, addresses, etc. Usually, there are only slight changes to the contents, hence to the packing list; these are easier to note than rewriting the complete list. Either add or delete items, as appropriate.
8. Estimated transit times
Please note that specific dates of air carrier flights and vessel sailings for your shipments may be obtained through your freight forwarder/shipping department. Delays could occur during winter holidays (late November through mid January).
Pick up at your facility, customs clearance in the Maldives and delivery times to the final destination have been taken into consideration in making the following estimates.
Start thinking now about the date on which you need your equipment in the Maldives and calculate backwards to determine the date you need to ship.
If you have questions or need clarification regarding information contained in these Bulletins, contact Ms. Diane Lask, JOSS, at (+1) 303-497-8684, lask@ucar.edu.
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Last modified: 24 February 1999