FAQ

ADR stands for "Accord Européen Relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route," which is the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. Different regulations apply to the transportation of hazardous materials, so it is very important to comply with these regulations.

In certain cases, a partial or complete exemption from ADR may be possible. For the transport of limited quantities of hazardous materials in small packages, the so-called 1000-point rule can be used. ADR and LQ transport are not standard transportation methods, but we can offer them upon request through one of our specialized partners.

You can calculate points according to ADR 1.1.3.6 easily and for free using this link.

The exact delivery time of your transport depends on the location, the chosen method of transport, and the type of cargo. Delivery times are never guaranteed, so please let us know in advance if a shipment must absolutely be delivered by a certain date. Our staff can advise you and provide an estimate of how long the transport will take.

The increasing demand for transport, combined with a shortage of equipment and drivers, is causing delays worldwide. Additionally, factors such as traffic jams (due to weather or accidents) and delays during loading and unloading can affect delivery times.

The General Transport Conditions, also abbreviated as AVC, are general terms and conditions applicable to goods transportation on Dutch roads. When transportation occurs abroad, different rules apply.

The AVC terms govern the liability of the carrier for damage caused to the transported goods. You can download the AVC terms via this link.

An initial order must always be paid in advance. For subsequent invoices, we apply the payment term stated on our letterhead, which is a maximum of 14 days from the invoice date, provided that monitoring is positive.

If the assessed creditworthiness is insufficient, if there is a lack of financial information to assess creditworthiness, or if our 14-day payment term is not adhered to (without consultation), your account will be automatically set to advance payment.

We can quickly and cost-effectively ship your business express packages up to 70 kg worldwide. For express transport of pallets, the maximum dimensions are 302 (L) x 203 (W) x 178 (H) cm per piece, with a total weight of 1000 kg. For pallet shipments where transit time is less critical or for larger pallets, we can provide an air freight rate through our special service department.

In the order overview, you will see the recently booked shipment at the top. You have received the shipping labels at the email address of your account and can also download them. First, check the relevant order and click on the PDF icon on the left.

Then download the PDF label (click at the top left). If applicable, you will receive additional shipping labels from our partner separately, and we ask you to use both labels. If the shipment is loaded elsewhere, please forward the labels to the sender.

For groupage and road transport shipments within Europe, the standard transit time is the most common duration used by our transport partners. This transit time also applies to direct transport, LTL (Less Than Truckload), or FTL (Full Truckload) shipments within Europe. Ask our staff about all available options and transit times for your transport.

Choosing an Economy transit time is usually the most cost-effective road transport option we offer for groupage shipments within Europe. Your transport is typically loaded within two working days, and the transit time is not crucial for you.

Most orders you place with us can be tracked using the tracking link we send you by email. Of course, our staff also monitor your shipment and will proactively inform you if desired. You cannot find the status in your customer portal.

The CMR (Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road) is an international convention accepted by all European countries aimed at organizing the conditions for road transport. This document governs the entire contract for international freight transport by road.

The maximum compensation per kilogram under the CMR transport conditions is €8.33 per kilogram. This amount is based on the maximum compensation set by the European Union. You can download the CMR conditions via this link.

For more information about import duties, click here.

Import duties are charges imposed by a country on goods imported from other countries. It is a form of tax levied to protect domestic industry, regulate the trade balance, and generate revenue for the government.

The amount of import duties can vary and is usually determined by the government of the importing country. These rates can be set as a fixed amount per unit of the imported product (specific import duties) or as a percentage of the product's value (ad-valorem import duties). Sometimes, combinations of these two methods are used.

The goal of import duties is to stimulate domestic production by reducing competition from cheaper imported goods. By making imports more expensive, local producers can maintain their prices and are protected from inexpensive foreign competition. This can be beneficial for the domestic industry in the short term but may also lead to higher prices for consumers and limited choices.

Import duties can also be used as a tool of trade policy to regulate the trade balance. By imposing higher import duties on certain goods, a country can reduce its imports and promote its exports. This can help create a surplus in the trade balance and support the economy.

Imposing import duties also generates revenue for the government. This revenue can be used for various purposes, such as funding government expenditures, promoting economic development, or subsidizing domestic industry.

However, import duties are also subject to debate and criticism. They can lead to trade tensions between countries, encourage protectionism, and hinder global economic growth. Additionally, they can raise costs for consumers and limit international trade. Therefore, import duties are often subject to negotiations and agreements between countries to reduce trade barriers and promote a more open and fair trading system.

On this page, we provide a brief explanation of the most commonly chosen Incoterms. Of course, you can also consult your accountant or the Chamber of Commerce for additional information.

If the carrier engaged by Freightwatch Benelux BV on your behalf represents an importer or exporter, they will (if desired) make declarations on behalf of the client. This carrier is then formally the declarant and an administrative service provider. After the declaration, this carrier cannot be held fiscally liable. A customs broker or agent is responsible for their work. The client can hold them accountable under the Dutch expedition conditions. All clients must provide authorization for direct representation for import and export. You only need to provide this authorization once, and it applies to all import and export declarations.

If necessary, we will send you a copy. After you have printed and signed this authorization, please email it back to us. The Dutch government has stipulated that the authorization must be issued by a legally authorized person. Therefore, we also ask you to include an extract from the Chamber of Commerce (this extract must not be older than one month) and a copy of the identification of the person authorized to sign according to the Chamber of Commerce. If there are corporate relationships, multiple extracts may be required.

For international shipments outside the EU, a commercial invoice is required. We have created a special page with a knowledge base, a simple invoice generator, and a sample invoice.

We are a member of the Dutch organization for expedition and logistics and declare the Dutch Expedition Conditions to be applicable. These conditions govern the contractual relationship between the expediter and his client, including the responsibilities in case of damage to or loss of the transported goods.

The liability of the expediter is limited by these conditions, which is why we advise our customers to insure every shipment additionally. On this page, you will find some practical examples elaborated.

We engage a professional carrier on your behalf and organize your transport (in other words, we arrange for the transportation).

The HS code is a general coding structure used by countries around the world. It helps customs identify the products being imported and exported, and determine the applicable taxes and tariffs. The code consists of a combination of at least 8 digits (unique code) and is based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS).

Each country can expand the HS code of a product with additional digits. Within the EU, we use eight-digit codes for goods exported from the EU. These are HS codes supplemented with two digits. For the import of goods into the EU, ten-digit codes are usually required. These are HS codes supplemented with four digits. These export and import codes are also referred to as commodity codes. Commodity codes are therefore based on HS codes.

For more information, we refer you to your accountant, the Chamber of Commerce, or this website.

Export documents are the official documents required for exporting goods or services from one country to another. These documents play a crucial role in facilitating international trade and ensure that shipments comply with the legal and regulatory requirements of both the exporting and importing countries.

When exporting goods, exporters must complete and submit various documents to follow the correct customs procedures and ensure the smooth transit of goods. Here are some of the main export documents:

1. Commercial Invoice: This document contains detailed information about the goods being shipped, such as the quantity, value, origin, and description of the goods. It is used for customs purposes and as a basis for determining import taxes and duties in the importing country.

2. Shipping Document: This document, usually a bill of lading or an air waybill, is issued by the carrier and confirms that the goods have been received for shipment. It contains information about the sender, recipient, nature of the goods, and destination.

3. Certificate of Origin: This document certifies that the goods originate from a specific country. It can be used to benefit from preferential trade agreements or to meet the import requirements of the importing country.

4. Transport Insurance: Although it is not a mandatory document, transport insurance is highly recommended to protect the goods against damage or loss during transit. The insurance certificate confirms that the goods are insured and provides details about the coverage.

5. Customs Clearance Documents: These documents, such as a customs declaration and an export permit, are required to complete the customs procedures and comply with the legal requirements of both the exporting and importing countries. They include information about the goods, value, origin, and other relevant details.

6. Payment Documents: Depending on the payment terms, various documents may be required, such as a bank guarantee, letter of credit, or documentary collection. These documents ensure that payment is processed correctly and securely between the exporter and importer.

It is important to note that the exact export documents required may vary depending on the country of origin and destination, the nature of the goods, and other specific requirements. It is essential for exporters to work closely with relevant authorities, such as customs agencies and chambers of commerce, to ensure that all required documentation is correctly completed and submitted.

Properly filling out and managing export documents is crucial for smooth and efficient international trade. Incomplete or incorrect documentation can lead to delays, fines, or even the seizure of goods. Therefore, exporters must be well-informed about the requirements and carefully complete the export documents to ensure that their shipments are processed without issues.

In the dropdown menu in your account, the "invoices" option will be visible from the next business day after your first order.

Do you want to view, download, or respond to your invoice? Click on the blue bar "View the invoice file online" at the bottom of the email you receive from us. You have 24/7 access to your financial file.