Clear answers about booking, customs, delivery, billing and insurance. If you do not find yours, our freight desk is one call away.
Five topics and the questions we hear most, answered in plain words by our freight desk. Pick a topic to see its questions.
How to book, what we need from you and how soon your cargo can move.
Request a quote online or call the freight desk at +1 (312) 555-0148. When you accept the price, your coordinator books the space, confirms the pickup window and sends you the booking details.
Within one business day. Quotes for common lanes often arrive the same day. Every fee is listed on its own line, so you know the full cost before you book.
The pickup and delivery addresses, the ready date, the weight and size of the cargo, the type of goods and any extra services, such as customs or storage. For dangerous goods, we also ask for the safety data sheet (SDS).
For ocean freight, book two to three weeks before your ready date, and eight weeks ahead in peak season (August to October). Most road loads are picked up within 48 hours of booking. Air cargo can often fly on the next flight out.
Our licensed brokers handle your entries in house, from papers to duties.
Yes. Shipvora is a licensed U.S. customs broker. Brokers on our own staff classify your goods, file the entry and pay the duties for you. There is no handoff to another company.
Most imports need a commercial invoice, a packing list and a bill of lading or air waybill. Some goods also need permits or certificates. Our brokers check your papers before the goods ship.
The HS code is a number that tells customs what your product is. It sets the duty rate you pay. A wrong code can mean a higher bill or a delay, so our brokers check every code before we file.
Most entries clear in one to two days after the goods arrive, if the papers are complete. If customs picks your shipment for an exam, it takes longer. We tell you the same day and keep you updated.
When your cargo arrives, what happens at the door and who to call.
Your quote gives the expected date. Your coordinator confirms it when the cargo is booked, and calls you if the date changes.
Yes, until the cargo is out for delivery. Call your coordinator with the new address. If the change adds a cost, we tell you first.
The driver calls the receiver to agree a time. The receiver checks the cargo and signs for it. We email the signed proof of delivery to you.
Call the freight desk at +1 (312) 555-0148. The emergency line is open 24/7, so a real person answers at any hour. Your coordinator follows up during desk hours.
What is in your price, how to pay and when a bill can change.
Every fee is on its own line: freight, fuel, port and terminal fees, and the services you add, such as pickup, customs or storage. The price you accept is the price you pay, unless the shipment details change.
By bank transfer (ACH or wire) or by company credit card. You get one invoice for the whole job, even when it uses more than one mode.
New customers pay before the cargo is released at the destination. After your first shipments, you can apply for a credit account and pay once a month.
Only when the shipment changes, for example a higher weight, a new delivery address or port storage fees when a container is collected late. We tell you before we add a charge, and every change is listed on the invoice.
How your goods are covered, what cover costs and how claims work.
Carriers pay only a small amount by law, based on the weight or the number of packages, not the value of your goods. For full cover, add Shipvora cargo insurance when you book.
Up to $250,000 per shipment, for loss and damage from pickup to delivery. For higher values, ask your coordinator and we arrange special cover.
It usually costs about 0.3% of the cargo value. Your quote shows the exact price, so you can decide before you book.
Take photos of the damage and note it on the delivery receipt before you sign. Then tell your coordinator as soon as you can. We file the claim for you and follow up until it is settled.
Our freight desk is based in Chicago. The same team books, clears and delivers your cargo, so one call is usually enough.
Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central. Emergency line 24/7.
Add your booking number if you have one. We reply within one business day.
Tell us what you need. The right person on our team gets back to you.
