Missionary Expediters Advice & counsel Proper Documentation Tenders (USAID & Industry provisions) Bookings or Charter Parties Call forward and operating requirements Arrange inspections, notifications Execute forms & documents Freight Forwarders “husband” the cargo
Husbanding the Cargo, A-Z Segments typically are Origin to Port - rail cars Port Shed - outturn reports Vessel - on board counts, VLO Discharge to wharf Port Shed Onward carriage Receivers, know where you take charge. Local customary rules apply
Receiving Food Aid Be ready. Delays mean vulnerabilities to loss. Customs entry Pre-wired Document review, even copies The parties to meet CHB Surveyor Carrier Agent Port Authority Pre-discharge meeting
The Documents Bill of Lading is the standard Counts Terms of discharge (who devans?) Manage by this batch (ND numbers) Other documents for customs, for safety Declaration of Values (invoices) Packing Lists Safety Certificates (Phyto-sanitary certificates, fumigation certificates, etc.) Timely & proper documents = Prompt releases
The Local Stuff Know the flow, hence the stream of Transfer Documents Carrier to Wharf (tally sheets) Wharf through shed (stevedore docs) Shed to Truck/Rail (Delivery Orders) In-Transit (Inland BLs) Terminuses enroute Delivered (Warehouse Receipts) Organized files of signed Transfer Documents, clean vs. exceptions Delays = Loss & penalty
Notice of Responsibility By Cargo Owner, not surveyor Per ocean BL, per inland BL A claim to the one responsible for that segment flow Not confrontational Don’t wait to “prove” it. Can update. Early notice encourages cooperation in mitigation Becomes basis for subrogation to USDA, and reimbursement of expenses.
Issues to Consider Cargo insurance for onward carriages NOT under Through BLs, where carrier is NOT negligent. (not necessary on TBLs, since CCC covers. Where Call Forwards are for long interims, have destination storage (e.g. 6 months of food can’t be consumed at once). Don’t count on long transits.