Dubai is the business hub of Middle East where international trade, tourism, aviation and logistics accounts for large portion of the country's revenue. Also, at least 80% of the UAE residents are expats. These factors acts as the catalyst for the shipping companies to flourish in UAE.
For global trade or personal cargo shipping, the product to reach the right person at the right time is the most daunting process. So, we have to be careful while choosing and rendering services from shipping agents. Here goes some of the common questions that come to your mind while choosing a shipping companies and agents to send your cargo.
How to choose the right shipping agents:
Here are some basic steps to be followed for choosing the right one from the crowd. It is essential that the shipping companies / agents you shortlisted have a registration license that are fully compliant with the transport industry. Reputation of the shipping company and its establishment in the receiving country are also important, so there is very less chance of the shipment being lost or damaged. Note and compare all what services that are covered by the shipping company. Services such customer clearance service, insurance, warehouse storage, Packaging Service, Loading service, special container needs (Refrigerated Containers, tanks, car carrier) can be compare to make a better choice. Some shipping companies can do doorstep pick and even deliver it to the receiver's the door. Most of the shipping agents provide loading services in which they pack the items in a more secured state and load them on to the shipping containers. Packing the shipment is a bit complex as it depends upon the item being shipped and it can be handled better by the shipping company in order to deliver the items safety. They can even take the responsibility of transporting from the warehouse to the port as well, like Three Lines Shipping which does end-to-end logistics services in GCC since 2001.
Delicate items, perishable goods or valuable items such as paintings, antiques that needs extra care are loaded in reefer containers to maintain a standard temperature. Thus checking on the container varieties becomes a must in choosing the right shipping agent.
How to pack my item for shipping:
Different items are being sent in the container, and each kind of items will have a specific packaging method. Using bubble warp for packing glassware and chinaware items is the most ideal solution. For some a carton box with polystyrene would do. Hence it is essential to choose the right material that adds less weight to the volumetric weight of the parcel. Too much of packing will add unwanted expense for the packing material as well as shipping cost. Too less of packing can damage the item sent. Packing the item in a right packaging material and quality packing method, prevents the external damage of the item we are sending. Along while packing, labeling the parcel with the key information like destination, property of the item inside (flammable, fragile, glass) and how careful it should be handled is one best way to handle the shipment. Companies like Advanced Cargo and Shipping LLC, Dubai, can easily take care of packing and even warehousing and provide consolidated services.
Is insurance required:
Based on the product that you intend to ship, you can decide to insurance it or not. We may intend to send item of high net worth or used items to relocate to a different place. Though most of the shipping agents provide free coverage to a minimum declared value on certain terms and conditions. If the net worth of the item is more than the minimum value covered by free insurance, then it is essential to purchase a supplementary insurance. It helps you to claim for the entire value of the package in case of any damage / losing it / destroyed, according to the terms of the insurance.
Can I get a discount:
There are festival seasons, where shipping companies are in peak work capacity. And there are some non-seasonal dull time, and the shipping containers are not getting filled up. Most of the shipping agents provide discount when negotiate and send your product for a bargained price. You can also follow the shipping company website to find offers and promotions that they run from time to time. You can always get the phone number from our link and call the companies to check for good deals.
How quickly will I get updates about my shipment, and how often:
Communication plays a major role when it comes to shipping. You shipment could be taking a long journey making stops at some warehouses from time to time. Accordingly you would need an update about the progress from time to time. They can either send you SMS or email about the currently location, expected time to be delivered, any expected delays due to bad weather and things like that. Tracking and frequent update will keep the anxiety levels low and you will have a peace of mind. Also most shipping agent are providing online tracking portals which can give you the information about the shipment, the exact location at the moment and status of the item.
