Loading Freight Process
Loading Freight Process
A complete breakdown of every step — from booking to final delivery, including all cargo handling sub-operations during transit.
Every shipment goes through a rigorous, documented process — with full transparency at every stage, including all intermediate cargo operations.
Cargo assessment, route planning, and cost estimation
Identify HS codes, commodity type, hazardous classifications, and value for duty purposes.
Evaluate air vs. sea, FCL vs. LCL, transit times, and carrier options for optimal cost-efficiency.
Provide binding quotation including freight, customs, handling, and all associated charges.
Verify import/export licensing requirements, restricted goods status, and permit needs for destination country.
Securing space on vessel or aircraft with our carrier partners
Engage shipping lines (sea) or airlines (air) to secure the most competitive rates and schedules.
Obtain official booking confirmation, vessel/flight number, ETD, and ETA details.
Arrange 20' or 40' container allocation; coordinate container pickup from depot to shipper's premises.
For LCL, consolidate cargo at designated CFS (Container Freight Station) with other compatible shipments.
Cargo preparation, packing, and loading operations
Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) by certified surveyors if required by destination country regulations.
Where required, certified methyl bromide or heat treatment for wooden packaging and agricultural goods to meet ISPM 15 standards.
Professional cargo stuffing, securing, and lashing inside container — optimising space and ensuring cargo integrity during transit.
Container sealed with customs-approved seal number; verified against packing list for accuracy.
Weigh and submit VGM declaration to shipping line as per SOLAS regulations — mandatory for all sea cargo.
Regulatory processing at Sri Lankan port of origin
File customs declaration via ASYCUDA World system with Sri Lanka Customs — covering all cargo details, value, and HS codes.
Submit Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, and any special permits.
If flagged, coordinate physical or documentary examination by Sri Lanka Customs officers at port/airport.
Obtain customs release, port gate pass, and hand cargo over to terminal for vessel loading.
Cargo management during the international freight journey — including all intermediate handling
Confirm cargo loaded onto vessel at Colombo port. Receive Shipped-On-Board Bill of Lading from shipping line.
Real-time tracking via carrier systems. Monitor vessel position, ETA updates, and any port congestion advisories at transit ports.
If the cargo routes through a transhipment hub (e.g. Singapore, Colombo, Port Klang), we coordinate:
For LCL or when required at port, we manage full container devanning operations:
Managing containers within port terminals:
Receive Arrival Notice from carrier. Prepare and submit pre-arrival documentation to destination customs to facilitate faster clearance.
Regulatory processing at destination country
File import customs declaration at destination with correct HS codes, valuation, and country of origin details.
Facilitate payment of applicable import duties, VAT, and port handling levies on behalf of client or guide client on payment process.
If selected for examination, coordinate with destination customs for inspection and provide all supporting documents.
Obtain customs release order and collect Delivery Order from shipping line after freight payment.
Last-mile delivery and warehouse handover
Arrange port-to-warehouse haulage using our owned/contracted fleet — GPS tracked and fully insured.
Delivery to consignee's premises with full offloading assistance. Signed Proof of Delivery (POD) obtained.
Post-delivery inspection to confirm cargo arrived in stated condition. Any discrepancies reported and documented immediately.
Complete document package delivery and job file closure
Compile and deliver complete file: Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, COO, Phytosanitary Certs, Customs Entries, POD.
Issue final Bastel invoice with full charge breakdown. Reconcile any port, carrier, or customs cost variances.
Shipment file archived securely (digital + physical) for 7 years per Sri Lanka Customs regulations.
Our team handles every stage — so you can focus on your business.
Hi! Ask me about our freight process or services.