Seafreight, all you need to know

What is seafreight?
Sea freight is the transportation of goods, consolidated into sea containers via Rotterdam to other seaports or terminals. Onward transportation to an inland terminal may be possible. For the transport, a so-called Express Bill of Lading with a unique number is issued. This Bill of Lading becomes available approximately 4 days after departure and will be send through e-mail to you. Mentioned are the contact details at destination. The original is usually not needed.
Rates
The price is calculated per cubic metre or part thereof; for almost all destinations a minimum of 1 cubic meter (m3) per booking is applicable.
In the rates on our website all surcharges known to us are included.
The rate is up to arrival in the port. At destination local terminal charges must be paid. See also under 7.
WBS will need from you:
1. Name, address or contact-details both in The Netherlands and at destination. If possible, physical addresses; a post-box address may not be accepted. You fill in these details on our booking form.
2. A list of contents or packing list.
3. A copy of your ID or passport. If you deliver at one of our offices, WBS will make a copy.
Delivery to our warehouse
You can deliver your goods to our warehouse Vrachtcentrum Particulieren. Check our opening hours!
You fill in a booking form. WBS will measure, check weigh, will make a booking on a wished sailing and issue your invoice. This procedure will take ca 30 minutes.
Pick up: fill in the booking form
WBS can pick up from your home address. You can calculate the pick up charges at the rates on our website, by inserting your postal code. Fill in the booking form; insert the wished day of collection and the wished arrival date at destination. We would like to have an indication of the expected total weight.
- send in the booking form at least 2 days prior, or earlier!
- the booking will be confirmed per e-mail within 1 working day
- pick ups are possible on weekdays only
- WBS will phone you on the pick up day around 09:00 hr in the morning in order to inform you of the approximate arrival time of the transport.
- the goods must be ready for a quick and smooth loading. The driver may expect assistance.
- within 1 working day you will receive per e-mail the booking details, our invoice and payment instructions.
Payment
Payment must be effected prior to departure. WBS will advise the ultimate payment date and time. A quick way of payment is Internet Banking. Through a secured web-connection, payment with credit card is also possible. At our offices you can pay in cash, with pin or credit card. With regard to the administrative burden, WBS will accept creditcard payments up till € 500,00.
At destination
1. Just before the arrival date you contact the Shipping Lines' agent for details and instructions. Contact details you will find on the Bill of lading or on this list of agents.
2. At destination local terminal charges are payable to the Shipping Lines' agent for unloading, stripping the container and to store the goods in the warehouse. The costs for part consignments can be relatively high. To compare the sort like charges in Rotterdam:
  - documentation, etc. euro 80,00 tot 125,00
  - per m3, also minimum euro 80.00
  - after a few days or weeks , also storage will be charged.
  At some destinations due to security or local regulations, costs may be higher.
3. At non EU destinations the consignee or interested party must arrange customs clearance. In general used personal effects are free of duty or tax. The shipping line, nor WBS has any influence on Customs regulations in any country!
  The clearing procedure can be best outsourced to the Shipping Lines' agent. However you are free to choose any agent, around any port are agents who are willing to offer their services.
  Indication of charges are ca euro 75,00 - 100,00.
  In case of unforseen, customs inspections, there will be extra charges.
Tip: you can ask the Shipping Lines' agent to arrange home delivery.
Important: before you sign for receipt, you check if the goods are in tact! If damaged a remark thereto must be made. If you sign for a clean receipt, any complaint or claim will not be accepted later on.
Departures
Click here for the sailing schedule. Note that WBS will deliver the goods each Monday in Rotterdam; on the Friday before, the consignment must be ready for carriage and the transport charge must have been paid.
Note: Prior to departure, WBS can hold your consignment for a maximum of 4 weeks free of charge! Keep the above in mind while making your planning.
Packing
Packing is the responsibility of the sender! Good packing will guarantee a safe arrival. Read the packing requirements. WBS will seal carton boxes and suitcases on to a pallet. Be informed however that the use of a pallet will increase the total volume of the shipment! This also depends if the goods can be stacked in an optimal way on the pallets.
ATTENTION: WBS can only accept items that fit on pallets, not exceeding 120x80 cm!
For bigger items WBS has a pallet-box and 3 types of wooden boxes in stock.
ISPM 15 wood packing requirements
In case you are planning to make your own box or crate, note that for most destinations the international wood packing requirements are applicable (ISPM International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures).
Liability - Insurance
A consignment is not automatically insured. In any case the Conditions of Transport are applicable, the maximum legal liability of the Shipping Line (NVOCC) is € 5.00 per kilo. Just read here if a separate transport insurance is needed. In case of a transport Insurance, a good packing list is required.
In order to cover the Averij Grosse clause in the conditions of transport (Hague Visby Rules), it is advised to take a minimum insurance.
Responsibility, liability of WBS
WBS acts as intermediate between the principal (you) and the actual carrier. At the moment that WBS hands over the goods in tact to the carrier, the carrier will be responsible and liable. In case of a complaint, of course WBS will assist.

On all the activities of WBS are applicable the Dutch Forwarding Conditions, latest version.

Seafreight rates

Calculate the seafreight rates.