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Import/Export Guidelines
Courtesy of the Boston Shipping Association
Importing
Steamship Company
Notifies consignee two days prior to ship's arrival.
Provides freight release to terminal operator.
Broker
Obtains customs release, freight release, Department of Agriculture clearances, etc., before contacting motor carrier.
Forwards to motor carrier an original of the Domestic Bill of Lading and an Original Delivery Order, which authorizes pickup of import cargo.
Checks Bill of Lading for completeness: Number of packages, Description of cargo, Marks and numbers, Inland Destination, Gross weights of each commodity shipped, and Consignee.
Checks Delivery Order for completeness: Forwarders name, Shipper's name, Ultimate consignee's name, Motor carrier making pickup, Vessel, Arrival date, Voyage number, Ocean bill of lading number, Pier numbers and location, Marks and numbers, Number of packages, Description of goods, Gross weights, and Legible signatures.
Makes arrangements with terminal operators regarding payment of demurrage.
Motor Carrier
Secures interchange agreement with steamship company on containers.
Ascertains expiration of free time and availability of cargo for pickup before dispatching driver to pier.
Provides driver with original and copy of delivery order before departure for pier.
Contacts terminal operator to make appointment, if required, at least 24 hours before pickup.
Checks bill of lading and delivery order for completeness, as above.
Dispatches truckman to the pier.
Terminal Operator
Issues pass to driver at gatehouse.
Checks delivery order for completeness and legibility, as above.
Verifies motor carrier's credit rating for loading charges.
Makes arrangements for payment of demurrage, if any had accrued.
Directs driver to pier Customs officer.
Customs
Verifies driver's papers against pre-lodged customs permits.
Stamps delivery order or tally sheet.
Terminal Operator
Calls driver for loading.
Assigns checker and loading spot.
Customs
Performs all necessary functions prior to the release of cargo.
Terminal Operator
Loads cargo onto vehicle with pier personnel. Checker notes exceptions and shortages.
Retains original delivery order.
Driver
Assists in and/or supervises loading of his vehicle.
Signs tally and loading ticket. Notes exceptions and shortages.
Reports back to delivery office, if required.
Retains copy of delivery order.
Surrenders gate pass at gatehouse.
Motor Carrier
Advises broker of completion of cargo pickup.
Exporting
Shipper
Prepares domestic bill of lading for movement of cargo to pier, and sends copy to his forwarder along with packing list.
Checks bill of lading, Number of packages, Marks and numbers, Description of cargo, Foreign destination, Gross weights of each package shipped, and Local party to be notified.
Marks cargo plainly to show: Gross and net weights, Cubic measurement; Foreign destination, Identification marks, and Country of origin.
Motor Carrier
Secures interchange agreement with steamship company on containers.
Accepts cargo for transit to the port.
Advises freight forwarder or shipper's local representative of cargo's arrival.
Obtains the following information from forwarder or representative: Name of vessel, Sailing due, Pier number and location, and Location of any special permits needed to clear hazardous or oversized cargo for acceptance by ocean terminal.
Obtains dock receipt from forwarder or other representative to accompany cargo.
Contacts terminal operator to make appointment for special handling or equipment, if required, at least 24 hours before delivery.
Forwarder
Prepares ocean bill of lading.
Provides dock receipt and special permits, if any, to delivering motor carrier. Checks dock receipt for completeness, Name of shipper, Name of vessel, Ports of loading and discharge, Number and type of packages, Description of cargo, Gross weight, dimensions, and cubic measurement of each package, Marks and numbers, and Shipper's export declaration number, if required.
Driver
Moves his truck on line upon arrival at pier.
Terminal Operator
Issues pass to driver at gate house.
Checks driver's papers: Dock receipt and Permits.
Calls driver for unloading.
Assigns driver a checker and an unloading spot.
Driver
Unloads his vehicle (using extra pier labor is optional, at rates specified in the terminal conference tariff).
Obtains signed copy of dock receipt, and receipt for extra labor, if used.
Terminal Operator
Retains original of dock receipt.
Driver
Surrenders gate pass at gatehouse.
Terminal Operator
Forwards dock receipt to steamship company.
Steamship Company
Issues ocean bill of lading to shipper or his agent.
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