In international trade and shipping, deadline submission (commonly referred to as "cut-off time") is a crucial step, primarily involving the submission and finalization of the Bill of Lading (B/L) details. Here’s a detailed explanation of the deadline submission process:
Definition of Deadline Submission
Deadline submission refers to the last time the shipping company allows changes to the Bill of Lading format. After this time, any modifications to the B/L will incur amendment fees.
What Deadline Submission Involves
The deadline mainly involves finalizing the B/L details such as:
- Consignee
- Notify party
- Destination port
- Marks
- Cargo description
- Quantity
- Gross weight
- Dimensions
These details must be accurately submitted to the shipping company before the deadline.
Importance of Deadline Submission
Meeting the deadline is critical in the export process. Missing it can lead to inaccuracies in the B/L, which can affect the shipment and delivery of the goods. Additionally, late submissions or amendments may result in extra charges.
Fees Related to Deadline Submission
If changes to the B/L are required after the cut-off time, the shipping company typically charges amendment fees.
Relationship Between Deadline Submission and Other Shipping Processes
Deadline submission is one part of the shipping process, closely linked with:
- Cut-off for port delivery: The final time the terminal accepts containers.
- Customs cut-off: The last time for customs clearance.
These steps must be completed on time to ensure smooth shipment.
General Cargo Deadline Submission Details and Characteristics
General Cargo (Non-hazardous)
General cargo typically refers to everyday items without batteries, branding, or hazardous properties. Booking general cargo usually requires a shipping order with information including:
- Shipper and consignee details
- Origin and destination ports
- Scheduled departure date
- Container type and quantity
- Item description in English and Chinese
- Weight and volume
General cargo loading guidelines are straightforward, focusing on safety and stability. These items don't require special handling during transportation and can pass customs if they meet the import country’s certification requirements. General cargo bookings should be arranged seven days in advance, or earlier if space is tight.
Hazardous Cargo
Hazardous cargo refers to items with special requirements due to potential risks to health, safety, or property during transport, loading, and storage. Booking hazardous cargo involves providing:
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
- English version of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- Certificate of Conformity
Hazardous cargo booking is more complex and requires pre-declaration to maritime authorities, with detailed information such as:
- Vessel name and voyage number
- B/L number
- Container numbers
- Item description in English and Chinese
- Quantity
- Net weight
- Gross weight
- Volume
Booking for hazardous cargo typically needs to be done 10-14 days in advance, or even earlier, due to additional approval processes and preparations.
Differences in Deadline Submission for General and Hazardous Cargo
The main differences in deadline submission for general and hazardous cargo lie in the types and content of required documents. General cargo requires basic trade documents, while hazardous cargo needs detailed safety information like MSDS and DGD. Furthermore, hazardous cargo needs a pre-approval process not required for general cargo.
While shipping companies may accept amendments to general cargo details after the deadline, changes to hazardous cargo details may require re-approval of space. Approval for hazardous cargo space involves two steps: the initial review of basic information (similar to general cargo) and a subsequent review of specific hazardous details such as Dangerous Goods (DG) classification and Packing Group (PG). Thus, it is essential to ensure the accuracy of hazardous cargo details and documents before the deadline.
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, shippers can ensure a smoother and more efficient shipping process, minimizing delays and additional costs.