Don't learn "the hard way".
Benefit from our experience, and the experience of others.
Sure, we don't get every job that we quote.
Yes, sometimes, people are pressured by time, and salesmen, to use other providers.
But, what are the results? Often: "Buyers regret."
Read some feedback we have received along the way...
click here:
" If I only knew then, what I know now... "
A Sefco Export client, from previous years, tells us:
" I wish I had used Sefco for the move back to the USA... "
SHIPPING WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING AHEAD OF TIME ON THE CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
ON THE FREIGHT BEING SHIPPED OVERSEAS:
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Most of the time freight such as used personal effects owned for over 1 year
by the shipper, and the shipper has no intention to resell the freight to the public
at the final destination, then this freight will not be subject to any import duties
or VAT taxes. But, it is very important to double check with Consulate
of the country you are shipping to regarding this matter and on the proper
documentation needed for your freight to enter that country.
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For a small fee we will be glad to send you our updated online
Customs Manual on the country to which you are shipping.
Please ask us about these manuals.
INCOMPLETE DOCUMENTATION:
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With personal effects you must produce a detailed inventory list
before your freight leaves the port of loading. If this is commercial
freight, then we will need to see a commercial invoice from you.
Failure to do so can actually result in fines being imposed by Customs
at the port of loading.
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When it comes to the shipping of autos, you must have the original title
to the auto, the MSO if it's a new auto, and written permission from the creditor
allowing you to ship your auto overseas if there are any outstanding liens
on the auto. Sefco has licensed, bonded experienced documentation specialists
who are there to help you clear your autos through US Customs.
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Expired passports. Valid ID via updated passport is required for all overseas
shipments. For security purposes we actually require you to send us a copy
of your passport. Without a copy of your passport we will be unable to ship
your freight.
TRYING TO SAVE MONEY BY NOT INSURING YOUR FREIGHT:
All I can say here is that although accidents rarely happen, freight can sometimes
be damaged, lost, stolen or even destroyed. Knowing this and the fact that Sefco
works with a very reputable insurance carrier it would be prudent to have maritime
insurance covering your freight while it is in transit.
Regardless of the true market value of your freight, used freight has a certain
sentimental value to you and you can't put a value on this.
However, freight covered by one of our insurance carrier policies would
provide you with peace of mind while your freight is in transit.
AUTOMATICALLY ACCEPTING THE LOWEST BID:
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It is possible that you may receive a lower bid from another company.
And by not checking on what that bid includes, you can actually end up
paying more in the end by having to pay an awful lot of charges that would
go collect. On all our quotes we give a specific breakdown on what the
shipping rate includes and excludes.
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Terminal handling charges, ocean freight fees, port fees, documentation
fees, on-carriage fees are all examples of hidden charges that can be buried
within a quote, and have to be collected in the end.
With Sefco everything is laid out to you upfront.
COMPETITIVE BIDS:
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In securing a number of bids for your shipment ascertain
that the volume, weight, services and costs are the same.
Not all bids are the same even though they appear to be.
If you are unsure about this, you can always forward us a copy of
the competitive bid so we can break it down and explain it to you.
NEGLECTING TO FULLY UNDERSTAND YOUR RATE QUOTE:
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A common mistake is thinking you are getting a service
when you aren't. Our rate quotes and pro-forma invoices to
you will clearly state the shipping mode, service, and costs.
Additional services and related services are always stated below.
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An illustration of quote confusion would be:
FCL for a 20 ft container, economy rate for door to door service,
you are given 2 free hours to load /unload. After that, you will
be assessed additional charges. Economy FCL rates do not include
professional packing / loading, and the trucker can not assist you.
These services can be arranged by Sefco and costs will be clearly
stated on our quote.
TRYING TO SAVE MONEY BY SHIPPING CONSOLIDATED IN A GROUPAGE CONTAINER:
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Most shippers who have volumes around 300 cuft think that they are better off shipping LCL, just because their freight will not fill up an entire container. Although this might be true in certain cases such as interior terminals in Africa, elsewhere in the world this doesn't apply. It is more economical to ship in an exclusive 20ft. container.
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Most shippers don't realize that, when shipping LCL, there are very strict packaging
requirements for shipping freight in a groupage container. These requirements are
mandated by both the insurance industry and the consolidator who require all freight
to be put on pallets or into liftvans. This can be expensive especially when shippers
want full origin services. Also most shippers don't realize that when you put freight
into liftvans or on pallets you have an expansion in gross volume which will increase
your shipping charges. Also straight pickup of prepacked freight by a linehual trucker
can be expensive especially in rural areas.
THINKING AIR IS TOO EXPENSIVE:
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We recommend that in certain instances where you have volumes of 100 cuft
or less and the shipper wants their freight there in a shorter time frame,
then shipping by air can be a viable option. Air doesn't require palletization or
liftvanning but it does require the freight to be packed into boxes.
Straight pickup by air linehualers is cheaper than full service pickup by professional movers.
DESTINATION SERVICES VS MAKING ONE'S OWN ARRANGEMENTS:
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Before the freight arrives in your overseas location a determination
of your needs is essential. Don't wait until the last minute to decide
where you are going to put your freight and what you are going to do with it.
Planning moves well in advance eliminates stress.
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We work with a world wide network of overseas agents who can provide you
with exceptional service at a price which will be stated in your quote. However,
these services will cost you. These services might include: Customs Clearance,
inland delivery, full inside service, storage in transit, port and handling fees.
LOOK AND COMPARE:
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Check all options and weigh the pluses and minuses. Then check out Sefco's website.
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Sefco has worked very hard in developing its website. It will acquaint
you with various shipping grids,
fact sheets,
preambles, resource guides and business sections.
Please take the time to peruse our informal advice section.
- Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
"Option B"
- the absolutely lowest offer, may not be what you think it is.
Are the managers you will entrust, honorable in their intentions?
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After reading all this, you must realize that we at Sefco are proud
of our service, and our commitment to excellence. If we can be of service,
please contact us.
You will be glad you did.
[Note: Our thanks go to VP sales - Peter DeStefano for his observations and guidance, as shown above.]
Sefco Export Management Company, Inc.
HQ Phone: 718-268-6233
Sales Dept: 914-293-7109
Main Fax: 718-732-2863
Email: info@sefco-export.com
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