Frequently asked questions

An answer to your transport questions

Importing goods into the Netherlands may not be your daily occupation. A lot of information about how an import process works can be found on our website. It is of course conceivable that you then still have questions or that you want to be helped personally. You can therefore always call our helpdesk on telephone number 020 - 214 93 58. You can also reach us directly via the live chat.

Are the goods charged on volume or on weight?

The goods you import are charged by volume. The volume measure is the cubic metre. The cubic metre (symbol m³, or CBM from the English Cubic Meter) is a measure of volume and corresponds to the content of a cube of 1 metre long, 1 metre wide and 1 metre high. 1 CBM corresponds to 1000 dm³ or 1000 litres. The condition set for the calculation by volume is that per 1 CBM it applies that the number of kilograms is at most 1000 kg. If you have a shipment that is heavier than 1000 KG per CBM, then you can send an e-mail to: [email protected].

Do import duties have to be paid?

In addition to the sea freight costs, the handling costs and the costs for delivery, it is possible that you have to deal with import duties that have to be paid. Import duties can be seen as a form of protectionism: protecting one's own market against competing imports from other countries. Export duties often have a political character or interest.

How are the import duties calculated?

The amount of the import duties differs per product and can be influenced by the country of origin of the goods. They are generally percentages (ad valorem duties) and are levied on the customs value of the goods:

• The transaction value (the price paid for the product to the supplier)
• The freight costs
• The insurance costs 

To be able to determine the correct amount of the customs duties, customs will classify the product under a decimal code. This code is called the TARIC code and the first four to six digits are the same all over the world. The customs duties are only levied at the external borders of the EU. Between the various EU member states no import duties are levied and a free movement of goods applies. For this reason the customs inspections at the EU internal borders have also been abolished.

Who collects the import duties?

The collection of the import duties is reserved for customs. Private individuals who import products must also make a declaration and immediately pay any customs duties. Customs makes no distinction between private individuals and companies; the import duties are the same for both groups. Customs charges the import duties to the one who takes care of the customs clearance. The most affordable way for you is to have The Freight Hero take care of your clearance.

What are CAF costs?

CAF stands for Currency Adjustment Factor. This surcharge applies from a number of ports of loading and is intended to cover the currency fluctuations relative to the dollar.

Can I import something as a private individual?

The Freight Hero is a business to business platform. All prices are exclusive of VAT and apply to business customers. As a private individual you do not have an EORI number and no VAT number, and the handling for private individuals is also structured differently. As a private individual you can submit a request; case by case it is examined whether we can do something in this.

What can I transport with The Freight Hero?

The prices are based on "Freight All Kinds", which means as much as regular products. Products that perish, live animals, cars, weapons and dangerous goods we unfortunately cannot transport. Furthermore, the minimum for sea freight is 1m³, with a maximum of 100kg per m³.

What is the difference between a Master Bill of Lading (MBL) and a House Bill of Lading (HBL)?

The difference between a Master Bill of Lading (MBL) and a House Bill of Lading (HBL) lies in who issues the documents and their function within the logistics chain.

The MBL governs the relationship between the shipping line and the freight forwarder.
The HBL governs the relationship between the freight forwarder and the customer and is mostly used for the communication and ownership rights of the goods for the end customer.

1. Master Bill of Lading (MBL)

• Issuer: Is issued by the shipping line (carrier) to the freight forwarder
• Function: It is a contract between the shipping line and the freight forwarder for the transport of goods
• Ownership: The owner of the MBL is usually the freight forwarder
• Tracking: It contains tracking information from the shipping line and is used for high-level transport documentation.
• Purpose: Governs the relationship between the shipping line and the freight forwarder.

2. House Bill of Lading (HBL)

• Issuer: Is issued by the freight forwarder to the shipper (seller of the goods).
• Function: It is a contract between the freight forwarder and the customer for the transport of goods.
• Ownership: The owner of the HBL is usually the sender or recipient of the goods (end customer).
• Tracking: Usually tracking information is provided by the freight forwarder, not directly by the shipping line.
• Purpose: Governs the relationship between the freight forwarder and the end customer.

The House Bill of Lading is issued to the Shipper (the seller) after receipt of payment of the document costs. As soon as the Shipper wishes to transfer ownership of the goods, the Shipper will either: - send the HBL, signed and provided with a company stamp, in original form to the Consignee (the buyer), or: - request the Freight Forwarder to release the HBL digitally (Telex Release BL / Surrendered BL).

Only when ownership has been transferred will the Freight Forwarder release the Master Bill of Lading with the shipping line. The shipping line as a rule only releases the Master Bill of Lading once the shipping line costs have also been settled by the freight forwarder.

Sometimes a bank of the seller will have to grant permission for the release. This usually happens when there is a documentary collection or as part of a documentary credit.

Do you have a question that is not listed here? Feel free to get in contact with us by phone, e-mail or chat. Our team is ready to help you!