Logistics ABC For UAE Shipping

As one of the best logistics companies in Dubai, we've compiled an all-encompassing E-book to simplify operational efficiency through planning. It demystifies the ABCs of preparing and executing air cargo, sea cargo, land freight, and multimodal cargo for local and global shipping.

Whether you're engaging with a local logistics company in Dubai or an international shipping company, you can now navigate the complexities of transport in Dubai and clarify how those companies actually plan your cargo.

See if you can answer all the questions below:

• Do you know the exact addresses, including zip codes, for cargo loading and unloading?
• What is the expected volume, dimensions, and specifics of cargo? (ADR, bulk shipping, temperature-controlled, oversized cargo, etc.)
• What type of container shipping services will you need?
• Will you need additional loading equipment, and how will your cargo be loaded into the container (above, side, or back)?
• If you're transporting valuable cargo, would you secure additional insurance coverage? 
• Are the loading and unloading areas accessible for a truck to easily drive in?
• When does your cargo need to be delivered?
• Which mode of transport best suits your needs—air freight, sea freight or ocean freight, railway, or road transport?
• Will you entrust the whole process to one of the best shipping companies in the UAE?

Remember in shipping services, the responsibility is shared between the carrier and the shipper. So, securing your cargo through proper cargo packing is an essential logistics management step. Your cargo undergoes multiple transfers at warehouses or terminals. Meticulous attention then must be paid to the packaging process, tailoring it to the unique requirements of each item.

Perishable Goods (Food, Plants, Medicines):

1. Insert moisture-absorbing pads for fruits. 
2. For medicines, use tamper-evident seals. 
3. Label "Perishable" and indicate storage conditions, including "Keep Upright" for plants.

Standard & Fragile Items (Standard Cargo, Electronics, Windows):

1. Use reinforced, foam-lined, or antistatic packaging as appropriate. 
2. Secure items to pallets or use wooden frames for extra protection. 
3. Label items as "Fragile," "ESD," or "Handle with Care" as necessary.

Oversized & Specialized Items (Oversized Cargo, Hazardous Chemicals):

1. Use custom-built crates, steel frames, or UN-approved containers. 
2. Secure with heavy-duty straps or include hazard labels as needed. 
3. Label "Oversized Load," "Hazardous Materials," or include emergency contacts.

Liquids & Semi-liquids (Liquids, Chemicals):

1. Use leak-proof, double-bagged, or secondary containment methods. 
2. Use UN-approved containers for hazardous liquids.
3. Label "Liquid Inside," "Hazardous Materials," or include spill response measures.

Any seasoned logistics coordinator in the UAE knows that document accuracy is one of the most important conditions for preventing unexpected costs.

1. Ensure accurate completion of import and export declarations. 
2. For global shipping, adhere to customs procedures, if you are importing make sure you’re all your papers comply with Dubai ports’ regulations. 
3. If you are dealing with customs clearance services in Dubai, make sure they have the necessary permits for bulk shipping, heavy, dangerous (ADR), or excise goods. 
4. Consider additional insurance for cargo protection.

Unless you agree otherwise with the shipping company in the UAE, be prepared to organize the loading process yourself by default.

1. Most carriers consider loading accidents to be your responsibility if the cargo is not insured.
2. Communicate with the freight forwarder to confirm cargo readiness and clarify loading methods.
3. Verify that the cargo quantity aligns with the documentation.
4. Complete and sign the bill of lading upon successful cargo loading and document your cargo status before loading. 
5. You can always save the hassle and buy comprehensive cargo insurance to protect your load from A to Z and safeguard cargo during transit.

Be sure that the consignee is prepared to receive the cargo.

1. Along with the logistics company determine the suitable cargo unloading method and specify the unloading area, considering factors such as large awning access.
2. Familiarize yourself with the working hours at the unloading point (e.g., at Dubai ports) to ensure timely cargo services and delivery. 
3. Ask the freight forwarder to identify the contact of the person responsible for cargo inspection at the unloading point. 
4. Documents are signed only after cargo inspection and unloading.
5. Record any deficiencies discovered during inspection in the bill of lading and retain a copy of your records.
6. Ensure that the unloading location and warehouse meet the specific requirements of the cargo, for example, maintaining appropriate temperature conditions for temperature-sensitive goods.

Familiarize yourself with Incoterms to clarify roles, costs, and risks involved in global shipping, especially to Dubai. Here are the most popular Incoterms related to global shipping:

1. FOB (Free on Board): Seller delivers goods to the port and loads them onto the ship; risk transfers to the buyer once goods are on board. 
2. CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): Seller covers the cost, insurance, and freight to the destination port; risk transfers to the buyer upon loading. 
3. EXW (Ex Works): Goods are made available for pick-up at the seller's location; the buyer assumes all costs and risks from that point. 
4. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Seller delivers goods to the buyer's location and covers all costs, including import duties; the maximum obligation is on the seller. 
5. FCA (Free Carrier): Seller delivers goods, cleared for export, to a carrier chosen by the buyer; risk transfers at that point. 
6. DAT (Delivered at Terminal): Seller delivers and unloads goods at a specified terminal; all risks and costs are on the seller until unloading. 
7. CPT (Carriage Paid To): Seller pays for freight to a named destination; risk transfers to the buyer upon handing over to the first carrier.

In container shipping, you’ll find most containers are available in sizes of 10, 20, 40, and 45 feet, standard and high-cubed. A variety of less common sizes also exists. How to choose the appropriate container type for your container shipping? Check the container types below:

1. Standard Containers: General-purpose containers for a wide range of goods; ideal for dry and packaged cargo.
2. Open Containers: Containers with open tops; suitable for oversized cargo like machinery and timber. 
3. Refrigerated Containers: Temperature-controlled containers; ideal for perishable goods like fruits and meat. 
4. Flat Rack Containers: Containers with collapsible sides; used for heavy or oversized items like machinery. 
5. Ventilated Containers: Containers with ventilation; best for organic products like coffee and cocoa that need air circulation. 
6. Bulk Containers: Containers with hatches on top; designed for bulk shipping like grain or coal.
7. Tank Containers: Cylindrical tanks in a frame; used for liquids or gases like chemicals or LPG.
8. Platform Containers: Containers without sides, ends, or a roof; used for heavy, oversized cargo that won't fit in other types. 
9. Dry Storage Containers: Standard containers for dry goods; commonly used for electronics, textiles, and furniture.

Remember to download “ABC Logistics” handbook, so you can always be confident that your cargo shipping is always profitable and safe!

Finding the best logistics company in the UAE isn’t an easy task. With big names, you risk the lack of personalized attention to your cargo needs and the hidden costs along the way. The same risk goes for small logistics services that lack proper expertise in global shipping. 

Vervo Middle East is an authorized freight forwarder in Dubai, where our commitment to exceptional service and personalized solutions are combined to cater to your every need. We offer a comprehensive range of cargo transport services and logistics solutions to ensure seamless cargo transportation; Here's what sets us apart:

• Presence in more than 120 countries. Over 8000 clients and 110000 successful cargo transportation.
• Strategic partnerships worldwide to ensure you get the best shipping rates in Dubai.
• Expert route planning, risk management, and specialized cargo deliveries.
• Comprehensive insurance coverage and cargo tracking services.
• Accurate documentation and cargo clearance process across Dubai ports
• Various transportation methods—air freight, sea freight, land, railway cargo, and multimodal shipping.
• Dedicated cargo loading and unloading services. 
• Complete warehousing logistics services, inventory management, and distribution across the UAE.
• Industry-specific teams for all cargo types from heavy-list cargo to refrigerated cargo and dangerous goods, etc.
• Highly personalized cargo services in Dubai and across the UAE.

With this full-spectrum transport and logistics service, you can focus entirely on growing your business and we've got you covered from A to Z. 

Remember a personalized shipping quote saves you from hidden costs that appear along the way with flat logistics service rates. So, request your free personalized shipping quote today in Dubai within 60 minutes! 

Vervo Middle East – Always Ready to Go the Extra Mile!