Freight Forwarding FAQ

A freight forwarder organises international shipments on behalf of importers and exporters. They don't physically carry cargo — they coordinate the logistics chain: booking carrier space, preparing documents, arranging customs clearance, and coordinating pickup and delivery. Think of a freight forwarder as a travel agent for cargo.

LCL (Less than Container Load) — your cargo shares a container with other shippers; you pay per CBM. FCL (Full Container Load) — you book an entire container; faster transit, more security, cheaper per CBM above 12–15 CBM. LCL is best for small shipments; FCL for larger ones.

CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) per piece × number of pieces. Example: 10 cartons of 60×50×40cm = 0.6×0.5×0.4 = 0.12 CBM each × 10 = 1.2 CBM total. Use our free freight calculator to calculate CBM and chargeable weight instantly.

Not legally required, but strongly recommended. Standard carrier liability under Hague-Visby (sea) and Montreal Convention (air) covers far less than most goods are worth. Cargo insurance covers the full commercial value against loss, damage, theft, or general average. AGLog Cargo arranges cargo insurance — ask when requesting a freight quote.

Incoterms define where seller responsibility ends and buyer responsibility begins. EXW: buyer responsible from factory gate. FOB: seller responsible until goods loaded on vessel. CIF: seller covers cost, insurance, and freight to destination port. DDP: seller handles everything including destination customs and delivery. AGLog Cargo handles shipments under any Incoterm.

FCL vessel transit from HK: USA West Coast 14–17 days, USA East Coast 25–30 days, Europe (Rotterdam) 25–28 days, Australia (Sydney) 12–16 days, Middle East (Dubai) 12–16 days, UK (Felixstowe) 26–30 days. LCL adds 5–7 days at each end. Door-to-door adds pickup and delivery time.

A Bill of Lading (BL) is the key sea freight document serving three functions: (1) receipt confirming the carrier received the cargo; (2) contract of carriage; (3) document of title — whoever holds the original can claim cargo at destination. For air freight the equivalent is an Air Waybill (AWB), which is non-negotiable and not a document of title.

Standard options: 20' (~25–28 CBM, 28T max), 40' (~55–58 CBM, 26T max), 40' HC (~60–68 CBM, 26T max, extra height). Specialised: flat rack (OOG), open top (tall cargo), reefer (temperature-controlled), ISO tank (liquid bulk). AGLog Cargo can quote any equipment type.

Standard air freight from HKIA: USA 3–5 days, Europe 5–7 days, Australia 2–4 days, Middle East 2–3 days, UK 5–7 days, SE Asia 2–3 days. Express reduces by 1–2 days. These are flight transit times — add pickup and destination customs clearance for door-to-door.

Air freight charges are based on chargeable weight — the higher of actual gross weight (kg) vs volumetric weight. Volumetric weight = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 6000. Example: a box 60×50×40cm = 120,000 ÷ 6000 = 20kg volumetric. If actual weight is 5kg, you are charged for 20kg. Use our freight calculator to check your chargeable weight.

Standard export documents from HK: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air), HK Export Declaration, Certificate of Origin (if needed). Additional for controlled/regulated cargo: DG Declaration, Phytosanitary Certificate, Export Licence. AGLog Cargo guides you through every document requirement for your specific route.

HS code is the international product classification system used by all customs authorities worldwide. It determines the duty rate, import restrictions, and required permits at destination. Describe your product to AGLog Cargo's team and we'll advise on the correct classification. Incorrect HS classification is a customs offence — always verify before shipping.

A Certificate of Origin (CO) certifies which country a product was manufactured in. Required when: the destination uses origin to determine duty rates (FTA preferential duty), anti-dumping or quota restrictions apply, or a letter of credit requires it. For HK exports, COs are issued by the HK Trade and Industry Department or approved chambers. For China-origin goods, Chinese Customs or CCPIT issues them.

AGLog Cargo provides tracking updates throughout the journey. For sea freight: vessel name, voyage number, ETA. For air freight: AWB number for real-time airline tracking. Updates sent by email at key milestones. For urgent tracking queries, contact us directly by phone or WhatsApp: +852 9046 5038.

AGLog Cargo guarantees a quote response within 2 working days (Mon–Fri, 09:00–17:00 HKT) for all enquiries with complete cargo details (origin, destination, weight, dimensions, commodity). Submit your quote request at aglogcargo.com/get-quote.html.