Arrange transport (shipping)

Activities and Associated Documentary Requirements: 1. Exporter contacts carrier to reserve cargo space and vessel. Booking request can be prepared in various forms depending on the shipping line. For some shipping lines, a booking of cargo space and vessel can be done through online reservation system. For those that do not have such system, the booking is done over the phone, fax, or email. 2. Carrier acknowledges the booking request by returning draft Bill of Lading to exporter. 3. Exporter reviews draft Bill of Lading and determines if its content reflects what exporter needs. If it does not, exporter informs carrier that draft Bill of Lading requires further revision. 4. Once correct draft Bill of Lading is received, exporter contacts inland haulage to schedule a pick-up of an empty container from carrier‟s container yard, a delivery of that empty container to exporter‟s warehouse, and a return of stuffed container to container yard for loading. The booking request is often done over phone, fax, and email. 5. Inland haulage acknowledges the booking request by returning a booking confirmation to an exporter or representative. 6. Exporter reviews booking confirmation and determines if its content reflects what exporter needs. If it does not, exporter informs inland haulage that revision of booking confirmation is needed. 7. Exporter acknowledges a receipt of correct booking confirmation.