CARM: What all importers need to know about CARM

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Secure written quotations for all traffic lanes and pay careful attention to the validity dates – Understand the assessorial charges right from the start

Freight rates can change frequently – sometimes every 1-2 weeks.  It is important to pay attention to the validity dates to ensure you have requested an updated rate at the time of your shipment.  Make sure to ask up front what a carrier’s charges are for waiting time, storage, demurrage, fuel surcharges, etc..  These costs appear on your invoice as assessorial charges and, once incurred, are difficult to negotiate.

Remember to ask that all rate quotations be put in writing.  This will protect you from potential discrepancies at time of invoicing.  Always read and review all terms and conditions of your quotation to ensure you fully understand and ask questions of your freight forwarder.

Quick Tip #14
Don’t just insure the value of the goods

When insuring your freight, you are fully entitled to value your goods at a price above the base cost. Valuation of goods may include all freight charges, related costs, plus 10% (or more) to cover the administrative burden of processing a claim and to cover the insured’s profit. Since duty is still payable on damaged goods, make sure you insure the amount of duty as well.

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