What Types of Goods Does an Ocean Freight Company Handle?

Every day, commercial and residential clients use ocean freight services to ship a wide variety of goods to destinations throughout the world. You’d be surprised at just how many different kinds of goods an ocean freight company deals with on a daily basis. Here’s a short list of typical shipments I.T.N. Consolidators, an Amerijet sister company, routinely delivers.

• Household goods—For those striking up a new life in a new country across the world, an ocean freight company can help you move all of your belongings to your new home. Using an ocean freight company for international moves is beneficial because it’s affordable and secure.

• Vehicles—From large commercial vehicle shipments to individuals shipping cars to their new home, I.T.N. Consolidators is always providing vehicle shipping services to its customers. Always make sure to take all personal belongings out of your car, and ask a shipping agent about any other preparation that should be done to your vehicle before shipping.

• Hazardous materials—Not all shipping companies are qualified to handle hazardous materials. I.T.N. Consolidators is a leading provider of hazardous materials shipping solutions. A Hazmat agent can help you make certain your hazardous materials are properly packed, labeled, and documentation completed.

• Live animals—From thoroughbred racing horses to rare exotic creatures, live animals are routinely sent to international destinations by ocean.

What to Expect when Using Cargo Shipping Services

If you’ve never used cargo shipping services before, you might not know what to expect, and you probably have a lot of questions. What do I need to do as a shipper? Will the cargo shipping company complete my paperwork and documentation for me? Which shipping method should I use? The list goes on and on.

At Amerijet, we’ve been in the cargo shipping industry for 30 years. To help you get a better idea of what to expect when shipping your goods, we’ve come up with this informative post.

• Preparing your shipment—As the shipper, it’s your responsibility to package your shipment, label as necessary, and complete all required documentation. Of course, you’ll probably have a few questions along the way. That’s okay. Amerijet’s team of shipping experts is happy to answer all of your questions. We can even help you complete the required documentation to get your shipment to its destination.

• Understanding the classification of your shipment—It’s also the shipper’s responsibility to properly package and label your shipment according to its classification. For example, shipping hazardous materials requires special labeling, the right packaging, and proper documentation that meets federal and international regulations. Always give an accurate description of your shipment to the cargo shipping company so they can handle it properly.

• Choosing a shipping method—The cargo shipping company will ask you how you want to ship your goods. An array of options is available, so let’s take them one at a time. First, there are air freight services. This is best for getting your items to their destination as quickly as possible. Ocean freight services are also available as they allow you to ship oversized items at an affordable rate. Lastly, trucking services are available for shipping goods domestically in the U.S. and Canada (available in other countries by request).

Vehicle Shipping—Keep Your Vehicle when You Move Internationally

If you’re relocating to a new country, you’re probably trying to figure out what you’ll take with you and how you’ll get it there. While you obviously plan on keeping your most precious personal belongings and household goods, you might be wondering what to do with your vehicle. Is it easier just to sell it here and buy a new one in your new country? Or should you look for reliable vehicle shipping services to transport your car to its new destination?

Amerijet’s sister company, I.T.N. Consolidators is a leading provider of vehicle shipping services, and can answer all of your car shipping questions.

• Vehicle shipping is easy—If you’ve never shipped a vehicle overseas before, the concept might seem a little foreign and strange to you. Don’t worry. Vehicle shipping is something Amerijet’s sister company has been doing for 30 years. We make it easy to get your vehicle to your new home. If you have any questions about how to prepare your vehicle for shipping or how to complete the required documentation, speak with an Amerijet shipping agent today.

• There are many shipping options available—Did you know you can ship your vehicle by air or by ocean? In most cases, ocean freight shipping is used to transport vehicles, but if you need fast delivery, air shipping can be used. All ocean freight shipping is handled through Amerijet’s sister company, I.T.N. Consolidators.

• Your vehicle can be insured—Amerijet always recommends taking out shipping insurance on your vehicle. This protects you if any damages occur during transport. It also gives you peace of mind knowing you’ll always be taken care of.

Understanding Ocean Freight Lingo

If you’ve never shipped ocean freight before, the ocean cargo industry can seem like a foreign world. Ocean freight has its own unique lingo, and many of the terms you probably won’t know upon first hearing them. That’s okay. This post will act as your pocket translator for ocean shipping lingo.

• Freight forwarder—The firm representing shippers to arrange for transport of their goods from the port of origin to their final destination. They help you complete all paperwork and required documentation.

• Less than container load (LCL)—If you aren’t shipping enough goods to fill up an entire container, your shipment may be combined in a container with other shipments.

• Full container load (FCL)—This is when you’re shipping enough goods to fill up an entire container.

• Customs—Any time you ship goods internationally, the shipment must be cleared by customs in the destination country. Customs fees apply to all incoming shipments.

• Customs broker—Represents the importer. Customs brokers make sure all documents required for gaining authorized entry are submitted to customs agents. They also hand over the customs fees on your behalf.

• ETA—Estimated time of arrival. This lets you know when your goods will arrive at their destination.

Amerijet has been in the shipping business for over 35 years and can help you navigate marine terminology.

Shipping Hazardous Materials—Tips for a Smooth Transaction

If you’re shipping hazardous materials domestically or internationally, you probably have a lot of questions. That’s okay. Amerijet is one of the few air cargo shipping providers qualified to ship hazardous materials by air. As experts in this field, we’re committed to making it as simple as possible to get your goods to their destination.

Here are some tips you can follow when shipping hazardous materials.

• Know what you’re shipping—There are many different classes of hazardous materials, and it’s important that you know exactly which type you’re shipping. The main categories of hazardous materials are as follows: dangerous when wet, explosives, flammable gas, non-flammable gas, infectious substance, poison gas, organic peroxide, radioactive, corrosive, flammable solid, flammable liquid, oxidizer, spontaneously combustible, and poison. If you’re unsure of which category your hazardous materials fall under, ask an Amerijet hazmat agent for assistance.

• Prepare documentation in advance—Whether you’re shipping hazardous materials just a few states over or across the world, special documentation must be completed. As the shipper, it’s your responsibility to complete all documentation before shipping. However, Amerijet representatives are happy to assist you with this to ensure all documentation is properly completed.

• Clearly label all packages—All packages containing hazardous materials must be labeled properly according to federal and international shipping guidelines. Labeling is dependent upon which type of hazardous material you’re shipping. Again, if you’re unsure about how to properly label your goods, ask an Amerijet representative for assistance. We’re experts in shipping hazardous materials, and we’re committed to making this process as easy and fast as possible.

Shipping Hazardous Materials—Proper Packaging Tips

Shipping hazardous materials is heavily regulated by a range of local and international governmental organizations. As a shipper, it’s your responsibility to make certain you properly package your hazardous materials to ensure safe transport and to be in compliance with all regulations. If you have any questions regarding shipping hazardous materials, feel free to contact an Amerijet hazmat agent.

Here are some tips for properly packaging your hazardous materials.

• Know the classification of your hazardous materials—Depending on the type of hazardous materials you’re shipping, you’ll need to package them in specific containers. Many hazardous materials are shipped in packaging with inner receptacles, cushioning, outer layering for extra protection, and other unique safety features. Ask a hazmat agent for clarification if you aren’t sure of the type of packaging required for your hazardous materials.

• Don’t mix—You should never mix hazardous materials of different classes in the same outside container. Only a few special exceptions are allowed according to 49 CFR and other safety regulations.

• Use new shipping containers—Whenever you’re shipping hazardous materials, always package them in brand new containers. New shipping containers are stronger and more durable, providing an extra layer of protection and safety to everyone involved.

• Label all hazardous materials—Always apply the proper labels to your hazardous materials containers. These labels let everyone know which class of materials are inside the container to ensure they’re handled properly.

Shipping Hazardous Materials: 7 Common Household Hazardous Materials

When you hear talk regarding shipping hazardous materials, you probably think it really only applies to big chemical companies, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Did you know there are many common household items that are considered hazardous materials? Next time you’re shipping something, you might be surprised to find out it’s considered hazardous.
Here are 7 examples of hazardous materials most of us come in contact with regularly.

1. Paint—A can of paint is considered a hazardous material. Special shipping containers are made to safely transport cans of paint. Remember to properly label your shipment to identify it as a hazardous material.

2. Lighters—Lighter fluid is flammable, thus making lighters a hazardous material.

3. Spray cans—Spray cans of all types (paint, canned air, hair spray, etc.) contain contents under extreme pressure. This makes these cans highly combustible, and thus, a hazardous materials.

4. Bleach—A common disinfectant used in many homes, bleach is considered a hazardous material. If you’re unsure how to ship bleach, ask an Amerijet hazmat agent for assistance.

5. Matches—Both strike anywhere and strike on box matches are considered hazardous materials for the purpose of shipping.

6. Power tools—Battery-powered drills and screwdrivers often contain lithium batteries. These batteries are considered hazardous materials as they can release dangerous amounts of heat and ignite if they are dropped or crushed.

7. Perfume—Perfume often contains flammable liquids, making it a hazardous material.

If you have any questions about shipping hazardous materials, let an Amerijet hazmat agent help you through this process.

Shipping Cars—Information to Have Ready

Amerijet makes shipping cars a fast, easy, and stress-free experience. If you’re interested in our vehicle shipping services, you should have the following information ready before calling:

• Current location of car—The current location of the car is important because if you’re shipping by ocean, you need to find a way to get the vehicle to the port of origin. Whether you take the vehicle there yourself or use inland shipping services is your choice.

• Destination—Where are you shipping the vehicle to? The cost of shipping cars varies from one destination to another, and so does the documentation that needs to be completed. An Amerijet customer service agent can give you all the information you need to make sure your vehicle is prepared to be shipped to its destination quickly and affordably.

• Make and model of vehicle—Find out the specifics of the vehicle you’ll be shipping. Important information you should know includes vehicle height, width, length, and weight.

• Preferred shipping method—There are many different methods available for getting your car from point A to point B. Ocean liners are most commonly used for shipping cars, but shipping by air is also available in some instances. You also should consider whether you want to ship the vehicle in a container or in an open style ship.

For all of your questions about shipping cars, contact an Amerijet shipping agent today.

Shipping Animals: How to Prepare Your Shipment

At Amerijet, we understand that preparation plays a key role in successfully shipping animals internationally. For this reason, we’ve come up with a list of guidelines to follow when preparing your animal for shipping. This will make the process stress-free and mistake-free.

• Find the right cargo shipping company—Not all cargo shipping companies offer animal shipping services. And of the few that do offer these services, many have strict restrictions on which types of animals you’re allowed to ship. As a leader in the animal shipping field, Amerijet accepts the widest range of animals. From thoroughbred racehorses, exotic zoo animals to domesticated animals, the experts at Amerijet know what it takes to get your animal there safely and comfortably.
• Obtain medical records—Always have copies of vaccination records and other medical documents on hand. The health of the animal is crucial for clearing the various governmental regulations on animal shipping. It also lets the crew know of any special attention your animal needs to receive during shipping.
• Complete all required documentation—When shipping animals—whether domestically or internationally—you’re going to have to complete quite a bit of documentation. If you don’t know which documentation is required for your shipment, contact an Amerijet shipping agent today. Amerijet’s representatives are happy to walk you through this process.

Shipping animals should be a stress-free experience. At Amerijet, you can rest easy knowing your animal will always receive the attention and care it needs for a safe and comfortable trip.

Questions to Ask an Ocean Freight Company

Never worked with an ocean freight company before? That’s okay. Finding the right oceans shipping services for your needs doesn’t need to be a complication experience. Just remember to ask these questions when choosing your shipping provider.

• How long has your ocean freight company been in business? Ocean freight shipping is a complex task that requires experience and know-how to properly ensure goods arrive at their destination safely and on-time. I.T.N. Consolidators, an Amerijet sister company, has been providing ocean shipping services for almost 20 years. This means you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands with their team of shipping experts.
• Can you ship personal effects or oil field equipment? Depending on the size and type of your goods, some ocean freight companies might not be able to accommodate you. I.T.N. Consolidators, on the other hand, routinely ships hazardous materials, live animals, perishables, vehicles, oversized shipments, and other out-of-the-ordinary shipments. No matter what your shipping needs, I.T.N. Consolidators will do whatever it takes to get your goods to their destination.
• Can I track my shipment? Waiting for your goods to arrive at their international destination can be a nerve-racking experience. Thankfully, the best ocean freight companies allow you to track your shipment online 24/7. This gives you peace of mind knowing exactly where your shipment is at all times.
• What security measures do you take to protect my goods? From the time your goods arrive at the port of origin all the way until they reach their final destination. I.T.N. Consolidators provides around-the-clock security to make sure your goods are never tampered with.

Ocean Freight - A Glance at the World’s Most Popular Ports

Every day, international business is conducted through ports across the world. Ocean freight arrives and departs from hundreds of parts all day, every day.

So, which ports are most popular? Here’s a look at just a few of the most heavily trafficked ports in the world.

• Hong Kong—The port of Hong Kong is absolutely massive in size. In 2007, Hong Kong handled 23.9 million TEUs (20 foot containers). Over 450,000 vessels arrived at the port of Hong kong that year.
• Singapore—While this port isn’t physically as big as the port of Hong Kong, it’s actually the busiest port in the world. In the same year of 2007, Singapore handled almost 29 million TEUs. It transships one-fifth of the world’s containers. That’s a lot of ocean freight.
• Los Angeles—As the busiest port in the United States, the port of Los Angeles employs over 16,000 people. It’s currently the 8th busiest port in the world by container volume, handling about 8.4 million TEUs a year.
• Rotterdam—The port of Rotterdam is the largest port in all of Europe. For nearly 25 years, it was the busiest port in the entire world. Today, it’s about the 6th busiest in terms of container traffic handled each year. The petrochemical industry is commonly serviced by the port of Rotterdam.

If you have questions regarding ocean freight, contact Amerijet – a company with 35 years of experience handling global ocean freight.

Ocean Freight Company—Are They All the Same?

Whether you’re getting ready to move to a new country or you just want to ship your company’s goods to worldwide customers, you’ll need to find an ocean freight company who’s up to the task. At first glance, you might think that all ocean freight services are the same. And you’d be wrong. See, not only do the rates vary from one ocean freight company to another, but also the types of goods you can ship and the destinations served are also different with each provider.

• Rates—Everyone has a budget to consider, and you always want to make sure you’re getting good value for your dollar. Most ocean freight shipping companies allow you to obtain a free quote from their website. Simply input some basic information about your shipment, and you’ll get an estimate shortly thereafter. The key word here is “estimate.” Remember, these are not exact prices. Use the free quotes as a general guideline only.
• Goods—The type of goods you’re shipping will directly influence which ocean freight company you should choose. For example, some ocean shipping companies don’t allow you to ship hazardous materials or live animals. Some can’t handle perishables. Make sure the ocean freight company you choose has experience successfully transporting the goods you’re sending.
• Destinations—Many of the larger ocean shipping providers only service the major ports of the world. So, if you need to reach a remote destination, you could be out of luck. I.T.N. Consolidators, an Amerijet sister company, is proud to offer flexible shipping options that let you reach destinations throughout the world. Ask a shipping agent for service to your destination of choice, and they’ll customize a solution just for you.

How Air Freight Services Can Help Your Business

If you run a small to medium sized business, you know how important it is to find new ways to expand your presence. Growing your business requires finding new, cost-effective ways to reach a new group of customers.

One way to do this is through using air freight services. That’s right: Air freight services provide many benefits to businesses of all sizes and backgrounds. Here are just a few to consider:

• Expand your reach—The most obvious benefit of using air freight services is that your business will now be able to reach customers throughout the entire world. No longer will your products only be available to customers who enter your bricks and mortar stores or to those who you can ship to by ground. Think of how many more sales you can make by offering your products to a worldwide base of consumers.
  
  
• Fast shipping=happy customers—Shipping by air is great for businesses and consumers because you can get your products in their hands in just a few short days. This will leave your customers satisfied and eager to do business with you again.
  
  
• Build credibility—A company that has consumers around the world just feels more credible than a small, local shop. This will create a perception of leadership in your industry and trustworthiness with your consumers.
  
  
• Ship perishables and other fragile goods—If you sell perishable products (fruits, meats, etc.) or other goods that spoil easily, air freight services now allow you to get these delicate goods to locations across the world. Amerijet’s main hub in Miami offers climate-controlled storage solutions to keep your perishables at their ideal temperature to help maintain the integrity of your perishables during the transportation process. . It is important to remember however, when shipping perishables you should always pack your shipments to withstand 48-72 hours of transit time even when shipping to countries with shorter distances. This means using leak-proof containers, ice packs, and moisture resistant tape among other things.

Forwarding Logistics: The Importance of Cargo Insurance

At Amerijet, one of our most important forwarding logistics services is cargo insurance. We always recommend you take out insurance every time you send a shipment. This is the best way to protect yourself should a loss or damage occur during shipping.

Amerijet’s air cargo shipping insurance covers you for 100% of the insured value plus 20%. Whether you’re shipping a computer or fresh fruit, insurance is available to cover your shipment from the time is leaves your place or business or home. It’s important to note that insurance on perishables remains in effect for 24 hours after delivery. For other non-perishable cargo, the insurance remains in effect for 15 days after discharge or delivery.

Commercial merchandise, new goods, perishables (with the exception of breadfruit), vehicles less than 8 years old, boats less than 5 years old are just a few of the items that can be insured.

Amerijet also allows you to get a free insurance quote for your shipment online. Simply enter the invoice amount, and you’ll get a fast insurance quote.

The benefits of our forwarding logistics cargo insurance service include:

• Peace of mind
• Financial protection
• Prompt attention to all insurance claims
• You deal with a well known entity

If you have any questions about forwarding logistics services or the details of cargo insurance policies, let an Amerijet customer service representative help you.

Cargo Shipping: How to Ship Perishables

Shipping perishables to destinations across the world can be a tricky task if you don’t choose the right cargo shipping company. You want to make sure the shipping provider you choose has the necessary resources and technology at their disposal to keep your perishables at the ideal temperature all the way until they reach market.

Amerijet, a leader in the cargo shipping industry, has been shipping perishables internationally for 30 years. Amerijet’s main hub in Miami offers an array of climate controlled shipping options to help your fishes, meats, produce, and other spoilable goods reach their destination as fresh as possible. It is important to remember however, when shipping perishables you should always pack your shipments to withstand 48-72 hours of transit time even when shipping to countries with shorter distances. This means using leak-proof containers, ice packs, and moisture resistant tape among other things.

The first thing you should know is what temperature your perishables need to be stored at. The Amerijet main hub offers a range of frozen, refrigerated, or chilled storage options. Choosing the right temperature is key to preserving the product.

You also want to use the fastest shipping methods available to get your perishables to their destination as quickly as possible. Amerijet offers express air cargo shipping options as well as inland shipping by truck (U.S. only—available by request in other countries) to get your goods to market overnight.

Sipping perishables can be an easy, stress-free experience with the right cargo shipping company. Let Amerijet help you preserve your goods.